A long silence. Over a minute.
His tone plummeted.
"What do you mean by that? Does my sister have some kind of problem?"
"Huh? You need to confirm it with her in person?"
Ryan went quiet. Mom was the first to snatch the phone.
"Yes, I'm Alex Gilbert. What do you need to confirm?"
"What happened during 2024 to 2025? I was just working as a regular employee at Stellar Tech in Seaside City."
"Certain? Of course I'm certain. If you need proof of employment, we can exchange contact info and I'll send it over."
"Hey, okay, okay, okay. From now on you and my brother will be colleagues, so look out for each other."
Mom happily hung up and patted Ryan on the shoulder.
"Good thing I reacted fast, right? If that girl had answered, who knows what mess she would've made."
Ryan's tone still held a trace of doubt.
"What if she really did something shameful last year? The review for my position is strict; she could..."
Mom waved it off, every word dripping with joy.
"I know her. She doesn't have the guts."
"Besides, that caller's tone was so polite. They clearly know you're in, and they want to get on your good side early."