53 Sibling Strategies

Emma was thriving in her career, despite the increased workload that came with her determination to outperform her estranged husband, Alex. This professional rivalry with Alex was a source of peculiar satisfaction for her, feeling like a just retribution for years of endured discomfort. Exiting a meeting, Emma's phone rang. It was Maxwell, her eldest brother. Their last interaction had been a brief conversation with her other brother, Bruce, about attending Maxwell's concert. Considering they hadn't been in touch for over three years – since Emma's marriage to Alex – the call was unexpected and stirred a mix of emotions in her. Her colleague, Jada, noticed Emma's startled expression. "Everything okay? You look worried." Emma handed her phone to Jada, indecisive. "Should I answer? What if he's angry with me?" "Isn't that typical of your brother, especially regarding your marriage? He never approved," Jada pointed out. Emma had no retort. Jada's words were harsh but true.