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

celebrity news, so he might not have recognized her from there. But

was familiar with Sophia and Brandon's achievements as students. Still, he hadn't personally taught them and was a bit face-blind; a change of hairstyle could completely throw him off. He just never connected the dots between the Sophia in front of him and the Sophia from the school's stories.

Brandon looked at him with a smile. "President, shouldn't you have kept a photo of such an outstanding student?"

"Even with a photo, I wouldn't remember faces," President Poe admitted, still a bit bewildered. He turned to Sophia, "Weren't you called Arlene Bright before?"

He worried he was mistaken and flipped open the folder he brought, revealing the science center design proposal. But the designer's name was now clearly "Sophia."

President Poe frowned in confusion.

"I was Arlene before," Sophia explained apologetically. "But I'm also Sophia."

"Then..." President Poe was still confused, turning to Brandon. "If she's your wife, why did you ask me for her WhatsApp?"

"That's a long story," Brandon said. "I'll explain it all to you another time. In any case, thank you."

He was genuinely grateful if it hadn't been for the science center's design competition at the university, he might never have known Sophia was still alive.

He and Sophia might have remained unaware of each other's existence, drifting further apart in their separate worlds.

"I can't take credit for that," President Poe responded with a laugh, turning to Sophia. "It's all thanks to Sophia's talent that her work stood out and caught your

eye."

"It was your appreciation that made it possible," Sophia politely replied.

Brandon 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 President Poe, "Sophia's not feeling her best, so she'll be sticking to tea instead of wine."

President Poe grinned, "Absolutely, I don't think young ladies should feel pressured to drink at events like these."

With that, he raised his own glass, clinking it against Brandon's and Sophia's before taking a hearty sip.

As they settled back into their seats, the conversation naturally drifted back to the design plans for the science center.

While President Poe was absorbedChapter 701

"Hey, Auntie."

As soon as Sophia stepped out of the private room, she answered the phone.

"Sophia, are you busy?"

Amanda's familiar voice came through the line.

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

On the other end, Amanda frowned, "You haven't fully recovered yet, so why are you working? What's up with that man? He brings you back without a word, and then you're off to work immediately?"

"It's not like that. It's not his fault," Sophia quickly defended Brandon. "He's been really good to me. It's 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 need to worry."

"You always defend him," Amanda said with a hint of displeasure. "A man who drags you away against your will, who knows what he's really like? Don't just believe everything he says. Keep your guard up."

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

Sophia found it difficult to communicate with Amanda on this matter. She appeared easygoing, but she was strong-willed. Once she decided Brandon was a problem, no amount of explanation from Sophia would change her mind. Amanda just assumed Sophia was charmed by his looks and was defending him at every turn.

Unable to reach an understanding with Amanda, Sophia opted to change the subject. "So, Auntie, why did you call?"

Amanda's attention shifted as expected. "Oh, we were supposed to have lunch today, right? Harvey has something urgent, and I need to go over there, so I can't make it for lunch. Just calling to let you know."

"No worries, we can reschedule," Sophia replied, feeling a slight sense of relief. Hearing Amanda's concerned tone, she couldn't help but ask, "Is Mr. Ferber alright?"

"He's fine, no need to worry," Amanda said, not offering further details.

"Alright," Sophia didn't press further. "If you need anything, just let me know."

While talking, Sophia stood in 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 without noticing. s

Brandon, however, did notice. His eyes followed Sophia from the moment she

picked up the phone. When she stopped at the doorway, he felt a bit more at ease but his gaze never strayed from her.

President Poe, reviewing some

design plans, occasionally glanced up at Brandon, noting his

unwavering attention on Sophia. He couldn't resist teasing, "Keeping,

sucha

ose eye afraid she Dran

off"

sŵnovels

IMS

Brandon just shook his head with a chuckle, apologizing to President Poe, "I

should go check on her."

With that, he got up and left.

On the phone, Amanda continued to give Sophia some random advice

before her assistant urged her to

wrap up the call. After saying

goodbye, Sophia hung up and

signed in relief, turning to head back.

s

The hallway was narrow and bustling with people. As Sophia triChapter 702

Sophia instinctively reached up to her forehead, her brows knitting together in

pain.

"Quick, chase them! They went that way, go find them!"

In the frosty forest, the crunching footsteps and angry shouts echoed through the snow-covered landscape.

A little girl dressed in a pale white parka was pulling another girl clad in a bright red coat, both running for their lives through the snow.

The girl in the red coat was sobbing, saying she couldn't run anymore.

But the girl in the white parka kept dragging her along, desperate to keep moving.

Suddenly, the girl in the red coat tripped over something, pulling the girl in the white parka down with her.

The girl in the red coat burst into tears.

The girl in the white parka scrambled to her feet, quickly covering her friend's mouth with her hand, then crouched down to lift her onto her back, trying to carry her.

But with their similar sizes, she could barely move, and not knowing how to carry someone properly, she stumbled through the snow, only to have the red coat girl's foot catch on a dried-out tree branch, sending them both tumbling to the ground.

The girl in the white parka hugged the other tightly as they rolled down a small slope, finally coming to a halt when her knee slammed into a protruding rock. The pain made tears spring to her eyes instantly, but at least their fall had stopped.

The girl in the red coat scrambled to her feet, looking helplessly at her friend.

Despite the pain and the urge to cry, the girl in the 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 the tears flowed freely as she failed to rise.

of angry footsteps and shouts

the red coat was paralyzed with fear, ng closer to her

to get up, but it was

when she saw a

a bracelet from her wrist-a string of emerald beads-and handed it to the girl in the red coat. She told her to run to the cabin, where her mom, dad, and big brother would be. They would recognize the bracelet. She promised

make sure the bright red coat wouldn't draw attention in the snow, the girl in the

coat hesitated, taking the bracelet and changing into the white parka

to go, warning that the

red coat nodded, summoning the courage to sprint down towards

white parka watched her friend

with the snow, until she was

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

sky turned from bright to dark, and then dark

came.

Her friend didn't return.

brother never came

on Marian's wrist, tears streaming down her cheeks without

her mind like a

her forget everything around

watched Sophia with growing alarm. She knew it was

for two

seemed momentarily lost when spotting it,

of Sophia crying silently, staring at the bracelet,

nearby room, catching sight

and loud, immediately drawing everyone's

certainty brought Sophia back to her senses a bit, her expression showing

choked, "I wanted you to take it to my parents, but you left with it and never came

turned razor-sharp,

at Sophia, who looked bewildered and unsure but could accurately recount what happened

other for so long, and Sophia clearly didn't remember. She couldn't even

Patricia just told her not long ago that Sophia had amnesia? How could she remember something

name, "You shouldn't say things so casually. I've had this bracelet for as long as I can remember. How could

confused, a certainty that slowly pulled Sophia's rationality back from the

on Marian's

called her Sophia, so she knew her,

in her mind were real, why would

girl in the

eyes showing a hint of self-doubt, and unconsciously loosened her grip on Marian's hand. But in the next second, the arm

yours," Brandon's

hadn't realized when Brandon had come to her side. One hand was gripping Marian's arm through her clothes, and the other

turned

threats to her life loomed

coolly. "What really happened back

it brought that suffocating feeling of near-death rushing back

know. I've had the bracelet for

been with her since she could remember. After all, so many years had

at her coldly. "You're

really don't remember," Marian lost control, her face pale and tears streaming down as she

more

who had been waiting

the restaurant, hadn't seen her return and grew worried. She came out to

Marian crying hysterically in the crowd. She quickly approached but stopped abruptly when she saw Brandon opposite her. Her hand, which was about

pulling out their phones to record making it look as if she and Brandon

it wrong," she quickly tried to explain, reaching for the bracelet in Brandon's hand to return it to

"You didn't remember wrong,"

don't need to apologize. I personally designed and commissioned that bracelet. I have the

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

thought it was mine." Brandon's lips curled with a cold indifference, long accustomed to her easily spun lies. He didn't even urge her, just

like the

of Dennis, 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

was average at best, but he used his connections with the underground scene to

an extraordinary

coming over, once he learned she was stuck

banked on Kris's unwillingness to abandon Marian to draw him

clearly, he

the intense, hawk-like gaze, Brandon's

same to him. Compared to Kris's composure, Marian, standing just behind

predator

put her finger on why she felt

met before. This was Kris's first time in the country, so in theory, Brandon shouldn't know him at

But Brandon's eyes...

as if wanting

dismissive glance at her before turning his attention back

"Kris?"

a question, yet his tone was

woman behind him, Sophia, and began to piece together who

a young lady

as he stood protectively

escaping him.

gaze shifted

and

to step forward and clear it up? Are we really bullying you,

avoiding

up, she couldn't muster the courage to

having receipts for the bracelet's origin kept

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

her a surprised glance, taken aback by the claim of being

smile. "Sophia, don't you remember? We

to worry," Sophia said awkwardly, trying to adjust to the public

inspecting her from head to toe. "You look thinner to me. You're always putting

please don't worry," Sophia reassured with a smile, her eyes drifting past

were furrowed, his eyes locked on Amanda with a wary intensity, like a mother hen guarding her chicks from a hawk. Sophia gave

tense, his

thorough inspection to ensure Sophia was indeed in good health, she finally turned

She was surprised

a bit of history with her. Yet, he was puzzled, as he couldn't recall any connection between Amanda and Sophia.

remembered Daniel's investigative

family would care so deeply for someone they considered an outsider. Unless,

to Sophia, but she couldn't discern anything

on edge, unsure of

and Kris and asked, "Who are these

Sophia. "Come on, let's go get you something nice to

Brandon stepped in, his arm barring their path.

nodded in agreement. "Godmother, I'm meeting a client right now. I'll get in

just recovered. The doctor and I have told you countless times not to overwork yourself. If others

a meal with a client,

I'll join you," Amanda insisted. "I'll feel better keeping an eye on you. I went through a lot to get you back on your feet, and I can't let you

at a loss,

visit you to express our thanks, but since we've

"No need for thanks," she replied coldly. "I don't know you well, and I don't want a meal. I just want to

holding back from visiting, afraid

to s

and taken care of her during recovery. Refusing

don't you join us? I'd

him "Mr. Crawley" but found it awkward due to Amanda's clear

the restaurant

speaking when Sophia looped her arm through hers, gently steering

no choice but to

noticed Marian and Kris had quietly slipped away

his expression unchanging. His eyes then scanned the crowd, landing on the escalator leading to

times, only to be pushed forward by

pausing as he caught sight

anxious glances back towards them. Her eyes met Brandon's, and she froze, caught

her flustered demeanor causing Brandon to furrow his brow again. However,

the entrance of the restaurant, warmly holding Sophia's hand and chatting away, inadvertently-or perhaps intentionally- creating

He signaled the waiter to

Amanda and Sophia

to their

Sophia, he

you stay here with Mrs. FerberChapter

soon as they stepped out of the private dining room, Sophia

sorry," she said, sighing. "My godmother, Amanda, can be a bit overbearing sometimes. She doesn't

had walked far enough that Amanda couldn't see or hear them when Sophia apologized. But before she could say more, Brandon

looked at him,

his lips together, his profile

"Sophia."

softly, turning to face her with

Sophia was taken aback.

try to explain things for her," Brandon continued slowly. "It feels

sorry, I—" Sophia instinctively

have to apologize to me. I

just

was still drawing a line

at him.

a small, forced smile and nodded, but didn't

he still clutched the bracelet he had pulled

arm, tears in her eyes, insisting the bracelet was hers, he had seen a glimpse of

now, Sophia's polite demeanor showed no

"Sophia..."

began, but just then, President Poe's voice echoed from behind

was holding you up. You've been gone a while, I was just about to come looking for

see President Poe approaching with a broad

returning the smile with an apologetic tone. "We ran into a little issue outside, but we

smiled apologetically, "Sorry for

"As long as you're okay. I

gesturing for President Poe

Sophia followed them inside.

reviewed the design for the science museum and found little to comment on. He particularly liked the idea of

for his students, he appreciated designs that

he did offer some minor suggestions for improvement on the cultural

was delighted and eagerly engaged in discussion

lacked patience, was repeatedly calling Sophia's

she could see the

and considering it impolite, she resisted answering. Yet Amanda was insistent, calling again and again until Sophia

President Poe smiled and said,

apologetically,

her voice as she spoke

come find you as soon as I'm done. Please, go ahead with what you're

she hung up and smiled apologetically at President Poe again,

asked understandingly. "We can continue another time

"No, it's fine."

"No, it's fine."

glance. Brandon then turned to President Poe, "We're

nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's

began making notes on the

Amanda's relentless calls had

wanting to disturb her. He simply gestured to his phone and whispered, "I'll step outside to

glanced towards

was visibly agitated, checking her phone impatiently, ready to call Sophia again but dropping

approaching, he took out his phone and dialed Harvey

call was answered

Harvey Ferber's voice came through, sounding slightly

get your mother out of here," Brandon said

taken aback, then chuckled softly,

did she

don't care how you do it, just get her out

your wife's savior, Mr. Crawley," Harvey reminded

that's why I politely asked you to handle it, rather than having someone forcibly remove her," Brandon said calmly. "Harvey Ferber, I'm grateful to you and your family for saving Sophia. I once

was a pause on

I was never after that ten million," Harvey Ferber replied, his voice just

was well aware that Harvey Ferber didn't need that money. Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept

and gave her

to hold them accountable

clear of the topic of the docks. "My mother truly cares for Sophia like her own daughter. There's no one in her life who

the one person who

pressed his lips together, glancing sidelong at

was

she really love her?" Brandon questioned softly, observing

taken aback by the unexpected question,

slowly to Harvey, "Harvey, you know better than I do whether your mother truly loves her or just wants to control her." After a brief silence, Harvey admitted,

like a replacement for the daughter she'd lost, compensating for her guilt while still

ensure your mother stays

Kent and

in his tracks, disbelief written all over his face

Brandon.

to Kent. "What's going

Brandon's words but didn't see the

said. "Just keep an eye on Theresa for

go of Theresa's hand and hurried

he called, trying to

hand to halt

on the line was also

you serious?" he finally asked, voice

at

joke about business," Brandon replied. "Set a time,

"Mr. Crawley,

trying to speak

prove Mr. Ferber's capabilities, kindly have your mother disappear

minutes," Brandon concluded and

Crawley,

you're giving away the

"It's a transaction, not a

as giving it away. You know

company's expansion into maritime

doesn't have to expand into maritime shipping," Brandon said slowly. "Starlight Group's current assets and size are more than enough to provide for Theresa for a lifetime. I don'twant

Kent was speechless.

into maritime shipping was

but feel a pang

had his own business empire dreams, and the maritime

was a significant piece

to give it

eyes. "That was just the dream of the CEO of Starlight Group, not Brandon's personal dream." "What's the difference?" Kent didn't understand. To him, Brandon and the

for his relentless drive and

Brandon, willing to slow down,

finally couldn't resist asking,

Given Mr. Crawley's acumen, even if he sells

lose out."

money.

looked at Kent

to

there's no

might go back on his wo His

control who she contacts."

Brandon shot him a look. "You really think

and hand over the dock without

his breath, "I swear,

your IQ has taken a

him a sideways glance, too uninterested to

own ways

control Harvey Ferber had over his mother would determine

docks he could

for Sophia, he

mix.

clearly wasn't that

treated

turned his gaze towards

a call, and

things and left, talking on her phone as

went.

mention this to anyone." With that, he stepped forward and gave Theresa a gentle

fun with Uncle Kent and Aunt Susan, alright?" Theresa nodded obediently,

like they'd been stung by bees, both

out, "Who's Uncle?"Chapter 707

set up a

for a proper meal to express his

in agreement.

the design for the cultural gallery at the Science

handed the revised plans

overall concept. Since Sophia had been involved, he felt confident about the changes, so he

finalize

have settled a major task, and happily chatted away, reminiscing about

loss to President Poe and listened to the stories as if hearing them for the first time, her reactions more of surprise and intrigue than

at Sophia, who was wide-eyed with curiosity, but

held the bracelet he had taken from Marian's wrist, waiting for the right moment to

no signs

their school years, a

couldn't help but be fascinated by their

school days, Brandon didn't rush to end the meal. He stayed

President Poe, Brandon hadn't yet had a chance to speak to Sophia when Theresa

called out joyfully, her voice ringing clearly as she spotted Sophia, her face lighting up with

guilty for making Theresa wait due to work,

her arms around Sophia's neck, she asked eagerly, "Are you

Brandon and Sophia said in