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.

right word. Brandon seemed utterly devoid of life

which should never apply to

up, isn't it? If

eyes, fixed on the night, flickered. He glanced down at the

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

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

making plans for him. Even though Daniel had no real power in the family, his

Daniel's voice became even softer and more worried at the lack of

let his fingers absently stroke the edge of

was able to

"Brandon?"

Yvonne, "Yvonne, go check on your brother, will you? See if he's run

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

was just because he was busy, not because he

the possibility, urging her, "I can tell something's off with his mood. He's never been like this, and he's been silent too long. Go check on him. What if

impossible. Even if the company was in trouble, my brother would just be figuring out how to fix it, not moping around wasting time. He's tough as nails; 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

glanced at

still unsure as he called

"I'm fine."

finally spoke up, but his voice lacked the control

it was even more

there any problem with the company?" Daniel asked,

"No."

lifeless, "Is there something