After Divorce

Chapter 100 Birthday Banquet

Sylvia lounged on the sofa, savoring the bre

the kitchen staff had carefully prepared

for her, while Balk was the picture of frustration, his face crumpled with irritation. Call after call came in, and not a moment of peace seemed within reach. The contrast between Sylvia’s leisure and Balk’s agitation was stark.

They both knew very well why Balk was so busy today. But Sylvia’s relaxation seemed a tad excessive given that the trouble was of her own making, and now the men of the house were left to shoulder the blame.

Finally, Balk couldn’t take it anymore. He stormed over to Sylvia after hanging up another call, snatching a piece of fruit from her hand just as she was about to eat it.

“I know you’re upset, but there’s no need to vent your anger on the fruit,” Sylvia said, looking at her now empty hand, well aware of her brother’s inability to curb his temper.

Balk almost laughed in irritation. Wasn’t all this mess caused by Sylvia? If not for her, would he be swamped with these problems? He couldn’t help but ruffle Sylvia’s hair, which she protested with a startled yelp.

“What are you doing?” Sylvia protested, her hair now in disarray.

Balk’s grim smile faded as he reached to ruffle her hair again, but Sylvia dodged it this time.

“What can I do? This mess is all to help you, yet you dragged me down with you. Do you have any idea how many years of reputation you’ve destroyed for me? Do you know what people are saying about us? All sorts of nasty stuff!”

Sylvia blinked, surprised. Hadn’t they all prepared for such outcomes when they initially decided on this course of action? Why was Balk making such a fuss?

“If you think this isn’t a good idea, we can always cancel,” Sylvia offered casually, which only infuriated Balk more. It wasn’t just about messing up Sylvia’s hair anymore; he tapped her head lightly, which didn’t actually hurt her, but she felt somewhat helpless dealing with her brother.

“How can you casually suggest that? Do you have any idea how long everyone has been preparing for your birthday banquet? It’s happening next week. If you tell me now to cancel it, do you think our father and our eldest brother won’t be mad?”

The entire family adored their little sister Sylvia, and Balk knew it. But he dreaded to think of the reaction this news would spark from his siblings.

“If you find fault with every solution, what do you suggest we do? If you come up with a

good solution, I won’t say another word,” Sylvía reasoned. She understood that Balk was simply overwhelmed by the media and had come to vent to her. She wasn’t angry but decided to continue the conversation based on what he had said.

Balk felt near–exploding with frustration after….ng Sylvia’s response.

“The birthday feast must go on, and it’s time to officially announce your identity. Otherwise, you’ll keep attracting all these bothersome people. By the way, I picked up a massive gem at the auction the other day; thought you might like it.” Balk pulled Sylvia away from her breakfast and led her upstairs to his room, where he placed a large box in

front of her.

“How big is the gemstone you bought?” Sylvía asked, unsure what to expect.

Balk gestured for her to open the box and see for herself. With some hesitation, Sylvia lifted the lid and immediately burst into laughter upon seeing a gemstone–studded tiara. Balk had obtained it thinking it was just a fancy stone.

“What do you think? Perfect for your birthday banquet, right? It suits your status. If you think it’s not worthy of you, we can always find something else,” Balk offered. His financial success over the years meant he didn’t need family money to buy something that Sylvia

would like.

“It is quite beautiful,” Sylvia admitted, given that the tiara looked stunning no matter how one looked at it. She placed it on her head, feeling its fit was just right, though she couldn’t

see herself without a mirror.

Balk’s gaze softened, and he nodded with approval.

“My sister makes it beautiful.”

Sylvia smiled and carefully returned the tiara to its box. “Then you’ll help me wear it at the banquet?”

“Of course,” Balk said, tapping the box with pride, prepared to place the tiara on Sylvia’s

head himself when the time came.

The Ivan family’s sudden decision to host a grand birthday banquet for their seldom–seen daughter sent ripples through high society. There had been many rumors surrounding the reclusive Miss Ivan – everything from poor health to unfortunate looks. Yet, throughout the years, the Ivan family never stepped forward to clarify these wild speculations.

Instead of providing explanations now, the Ivan family announced a birthday celebration for their daughter, inviting nearly the entire elite society to the event. When Cyril received

his invitation, he was surprised, particularly because it made him recall Sylvia’s recent scandal. He always saw her in a different light, not as someone to get involved with too many men. But to associate Sylvia with the Ivan family’s mysterious daughter seemed far- fetched.

“My heavens, what could the Ivan family be thinking? After all these years of keeping her hidden, why reveal her now? What’s really going on here?” Jonathan couldn’t help but wonder, completely befuddled by the unexpected turn of events.