CHAPTER 46: HEALTHY COMPETITION

Lauretta felt a sense of determination. She puts a call through, but no answer. For someone who had grown up with Brandon all her life, she knew he was not going to pick up as a way of telling you she was not so important. She stood up as she dialed her brother's number for the third time. This time, he picks up but remains silent. She anticipated a familiar voice from the other end of the call, but he didn't say a word. This didn't catch her off guard, and she wasn't ready to give up yet. Lauretta greeted him with a simple "Hey brother," trying to keep her tone light and casual despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach. She took a deep breath, hoping to get a response, but he said nothing. She waited a bit longer before launching into the news about her recent success at work, hoping to break the ice and ease into the conversation, but Brandon maintained his silence. Lauretta made another pause; this time, she wasn't sure if she should continue the conversation or just put an e