The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 288

"Madam," Sophia softened her voice, offering gentle reassurance, "Why don't you head back and get some rest? I'll come visit in a couple of days, okay?"

Renata shook her head on the spot. "Nope, you should stay over. Otherwise, you'll vanish again in no time."

Sophia was momentarily stumped and turned to look at the others for help.

The others were equally at a loss, taking turns trying to patiently persuade the stubborn Renata, who was adamant about leaving with Sophia.

Just as the standoff continued, Patricia's puzzled voice rang out from behind. "What's going on here?"

Sophia had her back to Patricia as she faced Renata. Hearing the voice, she hesitated for a split second, her lips pursing slightly, but she didn't turn around.

The others, not catching Sophia's reaction, had already turned their attention to Patricia and Daniel, who was stepping out of the car.

"What brings you here?" Rachel asked with a smile.

"We heard Renata went missing and were worried sick, so we rushed over," Patricia said with forced casualness as she approached with concern, "How is it? Did you find her?"

"Yeah, we found her, thanks to Sophia here."

Rachel said with a smile, then turned to introduce Sophia, "See, Renata still won't let her leave."

"Sophia?"

Patricia frowned, instinctively looking up at Renata before noticing Sophia standing beside her, her frown deepening.

Daniel had also locked the car and was walking over when he saw Sophia, slowing his pace.

Noticing the odd expressions, Rachel frowned slightly, "Do you guys know each other?"

Patricia wanted to say that Sophia was Brandon's ex-wife, but seeing Marian and the entire Frost family there, and not wanting to dredge up Brandon's past marriage and possibly create an awkward situation, she just laughed it off without responding.

Sophia didn't respond either and wasn't keen on sticking around. She turned to Renata with patience, "Madam, I really have to go. Could you please go back and rest?"

Perhaps sensing Sophia's change in mood, Renata's grip on Sophia's hand loosened a bit, her confused face showing a hint of hurt.

Sophia was flooded with guilt but forced herself to steel her heart and not intervene.

Renata, reluctant to let go, came up with a compromise after some thought, "Then could you leave your phone number? I'll call you when I have the time, okay?"

Patricia, trying to be helpful, chimed in, "Renata, no need for that. We've got plenty of people here. Anything comes up, just reach out to us. No need to trouble Sophia."

"Shut your trap." Renata suddenly snapped at her with a cold face.

Patricia was taken aback.

her voice, let alone scolding anyone. This was the first time Patricia had

stepped in to soothe Patricia, "Renata's been getting worse lately, and her

a laugh, "It's okay. I just didn't want someone to take advantage of her in her

comment seemed to trigger Renata

insisted, "Get out, get out now! Don't you dare talk about my Yoli

she might hurt herself, so they quickly

and reassured Sophia like comforting

she was overwhelmed with emotion. She turned her head slightly, holding the tears back

be at eye level with Renata, choking up as she thanked her,

her

like this before. Unable to

Louis, and the others panicked, hurrying

making up an excuse, "I just

assumed she was overcome with emotion and breathed

raised her hand to wipe Sophia's tears, and Sophia let her caress her

Renata slowly retracted her hand, and

more.

time Renata didn't stop her but shakily took out

wanting to intervene but

Renata's phone in response to her

rang, she handed Renata's

was childlike as she turned to have Rachel

our driver

stopped him, "No need. I have a friend living nearby, and

take you to

again about to turn

once

Brandon's parents, "I'd prefer to walk

so set in her ways, Louis

when you get home, so

her goodbyes to

helping Renata back to the yard, got a helping hand from Marian, who

still standing there, watching Sophia

and Daniel hadn't taken

watching Sophia's retreating figure without much

had called Sophia "Yoli" and couldn't shake off her concern. Finally, she couldn't help but turn to Rachel and ask, "What's this Yoli business? Was

again," Rachel said, looking

before, but she'd never mistaken