Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 995

Sarah didn't dare confess. "Of course not," she scrambled to say. "I was just working. You called right when I was focused on a report and completely broke my concentration." Eager to change the subject, she quickly asked, "Anyway, what did you call for?" Billy didn't press the issue, though it was unclear if he believed her. He got straight to the point. "With all the chaos at the Adams Group, what's the plan for our joint projects?" Sarah hadn't even thought about it. She'd been too busy comforting Larry last night. Not wanting to admit it, she fudged, "We're in discussions. I'll let you know as soon as there's a resolution!" Billy's tone grew serious. "Get it sorted out quickly. Don't mess it up. Any money we lose will be deducted from your dowry." That set Sarah off immediately. "How could you? Billy Brown, you're unbelievable! You've been 'deducting' from my dowry since we were kids! At this rate, will I even have one when I get married?! I swear, you're just trying to keep the entire family fortune for yourself!" Billy replied calmly, "So what if I am? What are you going to do about it?" Sarah seethed. "You just wait! One day I'll convince Mom and Dad to disown you!" "Go ahead and try," Billy shot back, completely unfazed. The siblings bickered back and forth like sworn enemies. After she hung up, Larry, who had been sitting on the sofa, looked over at her and asked with concern, "Are you and your brother not on good terms?" Only then did Sarah remember she wasn't alone. She quickly composed herself. "Oh, no, we get along fine. Arguing is just how we communicate. Don't worry, you'll get used to it." She'd been making empty threats against her brother her whole life. He was just an infuriating person—cocky and loved to tease her. But he was also the golden child, adored by everyone in the family. Life had always come easy to him; he was brilliant and excelled at everything he did, which left him with too much time on his hands and no better hobby than tormenting her for fun. Hearing her explanation, Larry breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, I see." Sarah, feeling like she'd found a sympathetic ear, launched into a rant. "You have no idea how much of a jerk he is! When we were kids, he'd challenge me to competitions over who got better grades. The loser had to wash the winner's socks for a week, bring them a foot basin, and cut their fruit into little animal shapes..." The more she spoke, the angrier she got, grinding her teeth. Larry could guess the outcome just by looking at her. "Let me guess, you never won?" "Exactly! Not even once!" Sarah slammed her hand on the desk in frustration. "I think he did it on purpose! He was naturally talented at everything, so he knew I couldn't beat him. He'd provoke me into agreeing to his stupid bets anyway. Is there anyone in the world with a worse brother than him? Who has a brother like that?" By the end, her expression was laced with genuine grievance. Larry found it a little amusing. Thinking about how she had comforted him earlier, he decided to return the favor. "He does sound like a handful. Maybe that's just his... subtle way of showing he cares."