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.

however, didn't notice this. Her attention was drawn solely to the bracelet

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

Yolanda and the Frost family. She insisted she was

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

touch with the Frost family?" Patricia asked, eyeing

then lowered her eyes and

other day. I wanted to see him, but they wouldn't let

"You spent years with them, bringing joy to the family, and now

don't believe I'm Yolanda. But how could I not be?

so often that Patricia sometimes

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

up on Patricia's placating tone. She met Patricia's gaze. You think 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

ran high, and it was clear she wasn't

taken aback. "You're not

Martin Frost had asked Marian to play along, assuring her she had a complete family.

Patricia's reaction. "Yes, I told you I was

you're not Yolanda, and

of Patricia's question and instinctively

nodding, she

wasn't