The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 220

Sophia was sitting right across from Brandon and caught sight of his cool, handsome face, which made her involuntarily press her lips and get all uptight.

Ivan, sensing the shift in Sophia's demeanor, leaned in, concern written all over his face, and whispered, "What's up? Feeling under the weather?"

His voice was so low that only Sophia could hear him, while others just noticed the worry he couldn't hide as he looked at her.

Don glanced at Ivan and suddenly started doubting his own judgment. He couldn't help but turn his gaze towards Brandon.

Brandon seemed oblivious to the attention, his focus already on the stage that was getting prepped, his expression serene. But those fingers pressed against the teacup.

Don caught a glimpse of his knuckles turning white and once again couldn't resist looking over at Sophia.

Sophia, with her eyes downcast, didn't dare look in Brandon's direction and just gave Ivan a polite shake of the head, "I'm fine."

After that, she picked up her teacup and took delicate sips. The whole table was steeped in an odd tension.

Luckily, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was about to start.

Zachary, after schmoozing with some folks nearby, turned to invite Brandon to join him on stage.

Brandon nodded slightly and followed Zachary up. Ivan was also called to the stage.

When Brandon stood up to leave, Don clearly saw Sophia breathe a sigh of relief, her fingers relaxing slightly on her teacup.

chuckled and looked at Sophia, "Still

gave an awkward smile, "No,

with a laugh, "I've known him for years

is why he barely had any friends back

as she glanced towards

front, greeting the others with a humble yet

yet his presence was

do you get why little Yolanda was different for him? She was the only one who wasn't afraid of him and always stood by his

Don turned to her, perhaps reminiscing about the young Yolanda

illness when he was seven. She adored him and the feeling was mutual. Her death hit him hard, turned him into a loner with no friends, and holed up in his room all day long. Yolanda, though, would bug him every day, talking to him, cheering him up. If he didn't want to talk, she'd just sit with him in silence. If he refused to eat, she'd starve with him. If anyone dared to mock him for not having a mom, she'd be up in their face, ready to brawl. You could say Yolanda helped Brandon through some

he noticed tears shimmering in Sophia's eyes, her face looking like it was behind a

out to

an awkward smile, and hesitated before asking him, "His mom died when he was

frowned, "You

shook her head, embarrassed,

you don't even know Patricia isn't his biological mom?" He asked,

deepened, but she

Brandon. She knew that Brandon and Patricia weren't exactly the picture of

and neither was she, especially knowing full well that her own family

the occasional holiday visits for a meal, they hardly