The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 699

Marian cast a puzzled glance at Patricia, whose expression seemed to shift like weather on a stormy day. Tentatively, she called out, "Mrs. Crawley?"

Patricia snapped out of her thoughts, suddenly aware that Brandon might be nearby. She muttered quietly, "Let's head inside first."

She turned on her heel and made her way toward the restaurant where they had agreed to meet, intentionally putting some distance between herself and Marian.

Marian noticed the deliberate space Patricia created between them. Her face darkened for a moment, but she managed to suppress her feelings and followed Patricia into the private dining room. Once inside, she assumed a casual air and remarked, "Mrs. Crawley, you didn't seem all that surprised to see Sophia and Brandon. Is Sophia really back?"

Her expression was one of feigned delight, as if she were genuinely thrilled about Sophia's return.

Patricia gave her a sideways glance. "After everything Sophia's done to you, why are you so happy she's back?"

In Patricia's mind, without Sophia, Marian wouldn't have been left so isolated, even the Frost family would have stood by her.

Marian let out a "gracious" smile, tinged with bitterness. "We were classmates and colleagues, after all. I'm just glad she's safe."

As she spoke, her fingers seemed to unconsciously graze the emerald bracelet on her wrist.

Brandon had left the bracelet behind, finding it too tainted for his liking.

Thinking of Brandon's disdainful attitude, Marian's lowered gaze stirred with a touch of resentment.

Her attention was drawn solely to the bracelet that Marian was gently

for lunch, Marian would wear that bracelet, as if it were a badge of her identity

of Yolanda and the Frost family. She insisted she

like a river. Patricia's rational mind believed the test results, but whenever she saw Marian sobbing like an

you still keep in touch with the Frost family?" Patricia asked, eyeing the

eyes and

well the other day. I

bringing joy to the family, and now

I'm Yolanda. But how could I not be? I remember family trips as a child, getting lost, and

so

her. "Perhaps some things just need time to be proven. And remember, you're also the Barlow family's daughter. You have your

lying don't you? But I'mnot. I really got lost; I'm not their biological daughter. The Barlows found me, and that's why I call them mom and dad. They're not my real parents."

spoke, her emotions ran high, and it was

aback. "You're not your parents'

Frost had asked Marian to play along,

reaction. "Yes, I told you I

saying you're not Yolanda, and you're

the implications of Patricia's question

nodding, she

she wasn't Yolanda and