The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 475

"Something up?" Brandon asked, his voice sounding worn out.

"I'm getting discharged tomorrow." Daniel announced, his authoritative family patriarch vibe coming back as if on cue now that he was back in fighting form, "Make some time to pick me up."

But this time, Brandon didn't snap back at him or calmly make arrangements like he used to. He just hummed a vague acknowledgment, his exhaustion seeming to deepen, his whole demeanor listless and flat.

Daniel was taken aback, "What's up with you? You sound beat."

Brandon didn't respond, and just let his gaze wander out the window, staring into the vast night.

"Brandon?" Daniel called out, a bit unsure now, a sense of panic creeping up on him for no good reason.

He'd watched Brandon grow up and had never seen him like this.

Brandon was always composed and reliable, the kind of guy who made one feel like even if the sky fell, he'd be there to catch it.

In his mind, his son was always bursting with energy, always cool as a cucumber, always invincible.

It was like he never got tired, never wore out, and never let anything or anyone get to him. Always on top of things, his mood as stable as a rock, not like the average Joe.

So in his fixed view, Daniel never worried about Brandon. In fact, when stuff hit the fan, his first instinct was to go to him.

Brandon was like a guardian deity to everyone around him.

Deities didn't have emotions or needs that he has to consider. These thoughts flickered through Daniel's mind, but the other end of the phone remained silent. "Brandon?" He raised his voice just a notch, careful not to sound too harsh.

He would have preferred Brandon to be like he was in the office, fiercely warning him not to do this or that, rather than seeing him so drained and lifeless now.

lifeless. Daniel felt that was the right word. Brandon seemed utterly devoid

which should never apply to Brandon, suddenly did,

tone, trying to coax him, "something's up, isn't it? If something's bothering you, just talk to us. Don't shoulder it all

He glanced down at the phone that showed Daniel's

Daniel had ever spoken to him with such guarded care and concern, not even when he

to be tough as nails and strong as steel. Showing vulnerability was not an emotion they allowed. So this kind of care and

though Daniel had no real power in the

voice became even softer and more worried at

fingers absently stroke

able to

"Brandon?"

to Yvonne, "Yvonne, go check on your brother, will you? See

of trouble could he be in?" Yvonne was dismissive, sharing Daniel's perception. To her, Brandon had always

silence was just because he was busy, not because

and he's been silent too long. Go check on him. What if there's a problem at

even his divorce didn't faze him, let alone company troubles," her voice trailed off, worried Brandon might overhear. In her eyes, a divorce was a bigger deal than any company issue, and Brandon hadn't seemed affected by it in years, so company problems were even less likely. Dad, relax. Anyone might have a breakdown, but not my brother. He's unshakeable." Yvonne reassured

glanced at her,

said, still unsure

"I'm fine."

finally spoke up, but his voice lacked the control and calm that

It wasn't spirited; it was

any problem with

"No."

tone was still lifeless, "Is there something you