The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

"Jasper, you're back," Justin greeted with a faint smile. Even so, his grip on Alyssa only tightened, showing no sign of letting her go. His eyes gleamed with an

intense possessiveness.

Alyssa's heart skipped a beat. As she looked into Jasper's deep, distant eyes, tears welled up quietly. At that moment, she felt her entanglement with Justin was nothing short of disgraceful.

Nevertheless, having come this far with her act, she knew all her efforts would be in vain if she gave up now. So, she had no choice but to keep playing her part.

Instead of pulling away from Justin, she even curved her lips slightly in a faint smile.

"Hi, Mr. Jasper."

Mr. Jasper?

Jasper's expression darkened. His fists clenched, his eyes unreadable.

"W-What are you two up to?" he asked hoarsely.

Justin's eyes twinkled slightly as he maintained his calm, elegant smile. "I hosted a guest at Seaview Manor tonight. We happened to discuss a business partnership, so I invited Lyse over for dinner as well.

"We just finished, and I was about to send her home. If I'd known you were coming tonight, I would've asked you to join us."

"Join us?" Jasper forced a cold smirk. "If I were around, you probably wouldn't have the appetite to eat. Besides, wouldn't I have ruined the mood for you and Ms. Alyssa?"

His icy, mocking words pierced Alyssa's heart. Her gaze faltered.

"Jasper, you're much more adorable now than before. At the very least, you've developed a sense of humor."

Justin brushed past Jasper casually, still holding Alyssa by the hand. "It's getting late. I'd better send Lyse home so she can rest. We'll chat another time."

As Alyssa passed Jasper, her silky dark hair brushed lightly against his shoulder, carrying a familiar scent that lingered in the air.

His heart thudded violently, and he parted his lips slightly. He couldn't help turning around, only to see the frail Justin, who was always afraid of the cold, removing his wool coat and draping it gently over Alyssa's shoulders by the door.

For some reason, Jasper's heartbeat quickened uncontrollably. He stared fixedly at Alyssa's back, waiting. Waiting for her-the woman who had always hated Justin-to refuse his kind gesture.

But instead, she lifted her alluring face toward Justin and smiled sweetly. "Thank you," she said.

"No worries. The night breeze is chilly. I wouldn't want you to catch a cold."

Jasper watched helplessly as the two left together, Justin's arm casually resting around the small of Alyssa's back.

To Jasper, Justin's gentlemanly gestures were nothing but a blatant claim of ownership. He clenched his jaw so hard he could taste the tang of blood at the back of his throat as his chest rose and fell heavily.

Seaview Manor was cloaked in silence in the dead of night.

After everything that had happened, the place no longer felt like a home. It was more like an extravagant yet desolate palace—a stage for power struggles.

Xavier hurried through the dim, empty corridor, its creepy atmosphere resembling that of a horror movie set. No timid soul would dare linger here for long.

Fortunately, Xavier wasn't afraid of ghosts. He'd met people far more terrifying than any ghost.

"Mr. Beckett, are you in there? It's me!"

He knocked urgently. After a moment, a muffled voice came from within. "Come in..."

Xavier pushed the door open and froze in shock. Empty bottles of red

wine, whiskey, and other spirits

littered the coffee table or

One even

rolled to a stop at his feet.

The room was dimly lit by a single floor lamp. Jasper sat slumped on the floor,

leaning against the couch, chugging red wine straight from the bottle.

"Mr. Beckett, what are you doing? You shouldn't be drinking like this-not in your current condition!"

Frightened and frustrated, Xavier

ет

rushed over, snatching the empty bottle from Jasper's hand. With all his strength, he helped him sit upright on the couch.

"Dr. Lovelace warned you repeatedly. The medication he developed can keep your condition stable, but you must not overdrink or let your emotions spiral!

"If your central nervous system is thrown off again and the medicine loses its

effect, not even God can save you! Is this really what you want?"

"I'm fine. I just wanted a drink. My chest feels tight."

Jasper closed his eyes wearily, his breath heavy with alcohol.

"A drink? It looks like you've finished every drop in your wine cabinet! At this rate, you'll be reaching for the white wine next!"

Xavier hurried to pour a glass of warm water, then found two tablets and helped Jasper swallow them.

Julien's medication supply was

already running low. Xavier knew he had to contact him soon to replenish it before Jasper's conditiono

spiraled out of control.

Concerned, Xavier asked, "What happened, Mr. Beckett? Why are you drinking like this?"

"Xavier, my chest... feels tight."

Still tipsy, Jasper thumped his fist weakly against his chest.

Worried he might hurt himself, Xavier caught his hand. "What happened? Did that bastard Justin give you trouble again? Tell me!"

"Alyssa... do you really have to take your act this far?"

Jasper's bleary eyes half-closed as he muttered, "Are you really just pretending? Or... have you already fallen for him?"

Xavier was stunned. "Him" could only mean Justin.

"Mr. Beckett, to be honest, deep down, you've never moved on from Madam Alyssa... You still care about her, don't you? You still love her, right?"

As Xavier spoke, he discreetly took out his phone and turned on the recorder, hoping to capture Jasper's confession.

But in the end, all he recorded was Jasper's soft snores-he had already passed out drunk on the couch.

Chapter 700

Patricia watched Marian's silhouette fade away at the restaurant's entrance, her smile slowly vanishing with it. Once Marian was out of sight, Patricia's expression turned serious and anxious again.

She reached for her phone on the table, unlocked it, and was about to open an app when she hesitated, as if it were something dangerous. She tossed the phone back onto the table, taking deep breaths to calm herself. But after only a couple of seconds, her trembling hand reached for the phone again.

With a few more deep breaths, she nervously opened the search engine and typed in the phone number for YUCN University. Seeing the numbers pop up on the screen, she steadied herself and dialed.

"Hello, could you please tell me if there's still a teacher named Wendy Cooper at your university?"

Next door at another restaurant

Sophia and Brandon had just arrived in their reserved private room when they ran into President Poe.

President Poe seemed surprised to see Brandon there. He paused for a moment, then broke into a wide grin. "Brandon? What brings you here today?"

As he spoke, he walked over and gave Brandon a friendly pat on the shoulder before turning to Sophia with a smile. "You two have already met, I assume? No introductions needed?"

Sophia shook her head with a smile. "No need, we've met."

"Good to hear," President Poe said with a chuckle. "I was going to introduce you two earlier, but I know how busy Brandon is with work. I didn't want to impose."

Brandon chuckled, "You should have introduced us sooner, President."

President Poe looked at him in surprise, teasing, "Did I hear that right? Brandon, the guy who lives and breathes work, actually wanted to meet a girl? Just the other day, the former principal and your class advisor were chatting about you. They said you're one of the most outstanding students but also the one they worry about the most. Apparently, a few of you have been openly dating, including you and the top student, someone named Sophia, I think."

Brandon cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed.

Sophia looked at President Poe, puzzled. "What?"

Her surprised expression amused President Poe, who gestured for them to sit and continued, "You're surprised too, huh? You seemed like such a model student, but

it turns out you dared to have a high school romance."

"Are we even dating?" Sophia couldn't help but ask, glancing at Brandon, surprised by the revelation.

Brandon looked at her, then turned back to President Poe with a grin. "President, you're spreading rumors now."

President Poe laughed heartily. "Not dating? Really? Your advisor said he used to see you waiting at the school gate every day, walking home together, attending night classes together. He was so worried you two would get too involved and neglect your studies. But he didn't want to talk to you directly and risk upsetting you, so he lost sleep over it for days. In the end, he had no choice but to separate you two in class-one east, one west, one in front, one in back. That's how he nipped your little romance in the bud."

Sophia was speechless.

Brandon gave President Poe an amused look. "Make sure to thank him for me, will you?"

President Poe, missing the sarcasm, nodded cheerfully. "I'll be sure to pass that on."

Brandon smiled, then suddenly pulled Sophia closer, turning to President Poe. "Let me formally introduce you: my girlfriend, and wife, Sophia."

President Poe was taken aback. "She's Sophia?"

Sophia shyly smiled and greeted him, "Hello, President Poe."

"Really, Sophia?" President Poe was still in shock.

He wasn't one to

to keep up with

so he might not have

students. Still, he hadn't personally taught them and was a bit face-blind; a change of hairstyle could completely throw him off.

shouldn't you

I wouldn't remember faces," President Poe admitted, still a bit bewildered. He turned

he brought, revealing the science center design proposal. But the designer's name was

frowned in

Arlene before," Sophia explained apologetically. "But

she's your wife, why did you ask me for

it all

it hadn't been for the science center's design competition at the university, he might never

have remained unaware of each other's existence, drifting further apart

credit for that," President Poe responded with a laugh, turning to Sophia. "It's all thanks

eye."

your appreciation that made

chuckled as he joined in, "Sophia's talents are undeniable, but it also takes someone with a good eye to recognize them, President Poe. Here's to you." He raised his glass in a toast, while his other hand gently placed a freshly poured cup of warm tea into Sophia's hand. Smiling, he explained to

ladies should feel pressured

glass, clinking it against Brandon's and Sophia's

settled back into their seats, the conversation naturally drifted back

Poe was

"Hey, Auntie."

out of the private room, she

"Sophia, are you busy?"

familiar voice came through the

I'm discussing work with a client," Sophia replied

end, Amanda frowned, "You haven't fully recovered yet, so why are you working? What's up with that man? He

my choice to work. It's not even that exhausting, just a bit of paperwork that I can finish in half an hour. You don't

you away against your will, who knows what he's really like? Don't

wasn't the first time Amanda had expressed her doubts about

communicate with Amanda on this matter. She appeared easygoing, but she was strong-willed. Once she decided Brandon was a problem, no amount of

with Amanda, Sophia opted to

"Oh, we were supposed to have lunch today, right? Harvey has something urgent, and I need to

sense of relief. Hearing Amanda's concerned tone,

fine, no need to worry,"

"If you

the hallway outside the private room, leaning on the railing. Initially, she positioned herself where Brandon could see her but the restaurant was busy and as she unconsciously stepped aside to let people pass, she gradually moved out of Brandon's sight

notice. His eyes followed Sophia from the

When she stopped at the doorway, he felt a bit more at ease

President Poe, reviewing some

occasionally glanced up at Brandon,

Sophia. He couldn't

sucha

afraid

off"

sŵnovels

IMS

his head with a chuckle, apologizing to President Poe,

check

he got up

the phone, Amanda continued to give

assistant urged

the call.

Sophia hung up

in relief, turning to head

s

bustling with people.

to her

pain.

went that way, go

the frosty forest, the crunching footsteps and angry shouts echoed through the

was pulling another girl clad in

red coat was sobbing, saying

the girl in the white parka kept dragging her along, desperate to

in the red coat tripped over something, pulling the girl in the white parka

red coat

mouth with her hand, then crouched down to lift her onto her back, trying

their similar sizes, she could barely move, and not knowing how to carry someone properly, she stumbled through the snow, only

small slope, finally coming to a halt when her knee slammed into a protruding rock. The pain

girl in the red coat scrambled to her

white parka bit her lip to hold back her tears. She tried to stand, using the rock for support, but the pain was too much, and

them, the sound of angry footsteps

was paralyzed

struggled to get up, but

up when she saw a small cabin not too

girl in the red coat. She told her to run to the cabin, where her mom, dad, and

in the snow, the girl in

hesitated, taking the bracelet and changing into the white parka but was too scared

parka urged her to go,

the girl in the red coat nodded, summoning the courage to sprint down

girl in the white parka watched her friend disappear

the snow, until she was

her eyes fixed on the direction her friend had gone, clutching the exchanged red coat tightly. She was cold, scared, hungry, and exhausted, but she didn't dare close her eyes of move, terrified of missing the moment they

as the sky turned from bright to dark,

came.

Her friend didn't return.

and big brother never came for

on Marian's wrist, tears streaming

through her mind like a movie

her forget everything

Sophia with growing alarm. She knew it

for two

Sophia had seen the bracelet countless times, and while she often seemed momentarily lost when spotting it, she

crying silently, staring at

room, catching

voice was sharp and loud, immediately drawing everyone's attention around

back to her senses a bit, her expression showing a hint of bewilderment, but she didn't loosen her grip on Marian's hand

supposed to be for you," Sophia's voice was still choked, "I wanted you to take it to my

suddenly turned razor-sharp,

alarm, staring at Sophia, who looked bewildered and unsure but could

had known each other for so long, and Sophia clearly didn't remember. She couldn't even recognize the bracelet, so how could

her not long ago that Sophia had amnesia? How could she remember something that only the two of

things so casually. I've had this bracelet for as

that slowly pulled Sophia's rationality

Marian's

had just called her Sophia, so she knew her, and they were

so close, and if those chaotic images in her mind were real, why would she

felt the sadness and despair of the girl in the white puffer

Marian, her teary eyes showing a hint of self-doubt, and unconsciously loosened her grip on Marian's

yours," Brandon's voice came softly

hand was gripping Marian's arm through her clothes, and the other had

face turned

previous threats to her

her coolly. "What really happened

yet it brought that suffocating feeling of near-death

don't know. I've had the bracelet

that the bracelet had been with her since she could remember. After all, so many years had passed. If Sophia could forget, then maybe she

looked at her coldly. "You're

streaming down as she shook her head desperately. "It's been with me since I can remember. I always thought it

attracted more and

who had been

hadn't seen her return and grew worried. She came out

but stopped abruptly when she saw Brandon opposite her. Her hand, which was about to move people aside,

some even pulling out their phones to record making it look as if she and Brandon were bullying Marian. Worried about the impact of Brandon and the Starlight Group, she

for the bracelet

"You didn't remember wrong,"

commissioned that bracelet. I have the receipts, and your name engraved on

finished speaking, the onlookers who had been pointing fingers at the two of them suddenly grew quiet, turning their attention to Marian, who was crying like she was the one

I can remember. I truly thought it was mine." Brandon's lips curled with a cold indifference, long accustomed to

Kris's background like the back of

Kris was adopted just like Marian. He grew up overseas and was always a bit of a wild child, leveraging family connections to get into college. It wasn't until after graduation that he decided to buckle down and get involved

used his connections with the underground

had an extraordinary affection

once he learned she was stuck dealing with legal issues and couldn't leave the country, he secretly made his way over, against

to abandon Marian to draw him to the

he

the man with the intense, hawk-like gaze, Brandon's lips curled into a

calm, Kris was doing the same to him. Compared to Kris's composure, Marian,

look of a predator who had finally cornered

finger on why she

time in the

But Brandon's eyes...

loosened instinctively, as if

her before turning his attention back

"Kris?"

his name with a question,

and began to piece together who Brandon might be, though he wasn't entirely

picking on a young lady in

as he stood protectively in

cold laugh escaping him. "Picking on a

gaze shifted past

and

focusing on Marian. "Ms. Barlow care to step forward and clear it up? Are we really bullying you, or is your conscience not so

mumbled, avoiding Brandon's piercing

couldn't

bracelet's origin kept her from making any

softly, her head bowed. "Sophia and I are classmates and colleagues. There must

surprised glance, taken aback

looked up at Sophia with a friendly smile. "Sophia, don't you remember? We were