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.

was the first time Patricia had been

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

just didn't want someone

comment seemed to trigger

push Patricia away, Renata insisted, "Get out, get out now! Don't you dare talk

worried she might hurt herself, so they quickly stepped

like comforting a baby, "Don't be scared, Yoli. I'm here, and no

overwhelmed with emotion. She turned her head slightly,

level with Renata, choking up as she thanked her, "Thank you,

clumsily lifted her hand, trying to wipe them away, while soothingly saying, "Don't

and protected like this before. Unable to hold

others panicked, hurrying forward to

quickly making up an excuse, "I just suddenly thought of

with emotion and breathed a sigh

and Sophia let

slowly retracted her hand,

more.

didn't stop her but shakily took out her phone, insisting on getting Sophia's

watched anxiously, wanting to intervene but held back, remembering

took Renata's phone in response to her

she handed Renata's phone back,

childlike as she turned to have Rachel save the number. Sophia

me have our

the family driver, but Sophia stopped him, "No need. I have a friend living

let the driver take you to your

to turn for the

it's fine." Sophia refused once more,

"I'd prefer to walk

so set in her ways, Louis

buzz when you get

said her goodbyes

a helping hand from Marian, who was sweet

standing there, watching Sophia as

and Daniel hadn't taken off

watching Sophia's retreating figure

Finally, she couldn't help but turn to Rachel and ask,

flared up again," Rachel

lady might have been confused before, but