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.

Above them, the sound of angry footsteps and shouts continued to echo menacingly.

The girl in the red coat was paralyzed with fear, ng closer to her friend.

The girl in the white parka struggled to get up, but it was no use.

She looked around, terrified, and her eyes lit up when she saw a small cabin not too far away.

Quickly, she took off 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 to wait for her there.

To make sure the bright red coat wouldn't draw attention in the snow, the girl in the white parka switched jackets with her.

The girl in the red coat hesitated, taking the bracelet and changing into the white parka but was too scared to run.

The girl in the white parka urged her to go, warning that the bad guys would catch them otherwise.

Finally, the girl in the red coat nodded, summoning the courage to sprint down towards the cabin.

The girl in the white parka watched her friend disappear into the distance,

becoming one with the snow, until she was out of sight.

She kept 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 came back for her.

But as the sky turned from bright to dark, and then dark to light again, no one

came.

Her friend didn't return.

Her grandparents, parents, and big brother never came for her either...

the emerald bracelet on Marian's wrist, tears streaming down

images flashed through her mind like a movie on fast

her completely, making her

alarm. She knew it was the bracelet

two years

times, and while she often seemed momentarily lost when spotting it, she had never reacted so intensely

silently, staring at the bracelet, was

room, catching sight of

voice was sharp and loud, immediately

senses a bit, her expression showing

supposed to be for you," Sophia's voice was still choked, "I wanted you to take it to my parents, but you left with it and never came

eyes suddenly turned razor-sharp,

in alarm, staring 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 recognize the bracelet, so

just told her not long ago that Sophia had amnesia? How

"You shouldn't say things so casually. I've had this bracelet for as

a certainty that slowly pulled Sophia's rationality back from

on Marian's wrist and

her Sophia, so she knew her, and they were probably quite

chaotic images in her mind were real, why would she let

sadness and despair of the girl in the white puffer coat from

hint of self-doubt, and unconsciously loosened her grip on Marian's hand. But in the next second, the arm she had released was suddenly gripped by a broad,

it, it's yours," Brandon's voice came softly to her

Brandon had come to her side. One hand was gripping Marian's arm through her clothes, and the

turned pale

of Brandon's previous threats to her

her coolly. "What really

yet it brought that

her head frantically, her face pale. "I don't know. I've had the bracelet

with her since she could remember. After all, so many years had passed. If Sophia could forget, then

just looked at her coldly. "You're

Marian lost control, her face pale and tears streaming down as she shook her

breakdown attracted more and more

who had been

her return and grew worried.

saw Brandon opposite her. Her hand, which was

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

it wrong," she quickly tried to explain, reaching for the bracelet in Brandon's hand to return it to Marian. "I'm sorry,

"You didn't remember wrong,"

back. "And you don't need to apologize. I personally designed and commissioned that bracelet. I have the receipts, and your name engraved on the inside. There are old photos as proof."

the two of them suddenly grew quiet, turning their attention to Marian, who was

her head desperately. "I really don't know. It's been with me since I can remember. I truly thought it was mine." Brandon's lips curled with a cold indifference, long accustomed

background like the back

eldest son 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 he decided to buckle down and get

with the underground

an extraordinary affection for

Marian tried her best to stop him from coming over, once he learned she was stuck dealing with legal issues and couldn't leave the country, he secretly made his

Kris's unwillingness to abandon Marian to draw

he

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

was doing the same to him. Compared to Kris's composure, Marian, standing just behind him, felt her

of a predator who

finger on why she

Kris's first time in the country, so in theory,

But Brandon's eyes...

grip on Kris's shirt loosened instinctively, as if wanting

glance at her before turning his attention back

"Kris?"

name with a question, yet his tone was full

and began to piece together

a young

was icy as he stood

escaping him.

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 clear?"

mumbled, avoiding

she couldn't muster the

earlier mention of having receipts for the bracelet's

her head bowed. "Sophia

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

at Sophia with a friendly smile. "Sophia, don't you remember? We were in grad school together, and we work at

really, Godmother, you don't need to worry," Sophia said awkwardly,

was having none of it. She clasped Sophia's hands tightly, inspecting her from head to toe.

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

intensity, like a mother hen guarding her chicks from a hawk. Sophia gave him a

Brandon remained tense, his eyes still fixed

anyone but Sophia. After a thorough inspection to ensure Sophia was indeed in good health, she finally turned her attention

on with curiosity. She was surprised by the woman's

he was puzzled, as he couldn't

edge of the crowd, Patricia frowned, having overheard Sophia call Amanda "Godmother." She remembered Daniel's investigative report mentioning Amanda Ferber,

such a prominent family would care so deeply for someone they considered an outsider. Unless, of course, Sophia

shifted to Sophia,

a bit on edge,

cast another indifferent look at Marian and Kris and asked, "Who are these people? It's hardly appropriate to make a

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

away, Brandon stepped in, his arm barring their path. "Sorry, Mrs. Ferber,

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

and I have told you countless times not to overwork yourself. If others don't care about your health,

meal with a client, not hard work," Sophia

"I'll feel better keeping an eye on you. I went through a

was at a loss, glancing at Brandon

were planning to visit you to express our thanks, but since we've bumped into each other,

for thanks," she replied coldly. "I don't know you well, and I don't want a meal. I just want

been holding back from visiting, afraid of disturbing you, but I've been so worried.

to s

woman had saved her life and taken care

adding, "Brandon, why don't you join us? I'd like to introduce

Crawley" but found it awkward due to Amanda's clear hostility. So,

glanced at her, then gestured towards the restaurant next door.

the verge of speaking when Sophia looped her arm through hers, gently steering

had no choice but

Marian and Kris had quietly

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

attempted to look back several times, only to be pushed forward by Marian, clearly intent on getting

gaze returned to the crowd, pausing as he caught sight of Patricia, who had also

them. Her eyes met Brandon's, and

to furrow his brow again. However, the situation at hand didn't allow him the

restaurant, warmly holding Sophia's hand and chatting away, inadvertently-or perhaps intentionally- creating a barrier between Sophia

He signaled the waiter

Amanda and Sophia

to

to Sophia,

here with Mrs.

private dining room, Sophia finally let

sometimes. She doesn't always think about how her words might affect others. Please don't

enough that Amanda couldn't see or hear them when Sophia apologized. But

at

together, his profile

"Sophia."

to face her with a serious

Sophia was taken aback.

don't like it when you take her side and try to explain things for her," Brandon continued slowly. "It feels like you're more on their side, like they're your

sorry, I—" Sophia instinctively started to

apologize to me. I

just an instinctive

instincts suggested she was still drawing a line between them, and that made him

Sophia repeated softly, looking up at him. "I'll be

gave her a small, forced smile and nodded, but

his hand, he still clutched the bracelet he had pulled from Marian's wrist. The smooth beads pressed into his palm

had held Marian's arm, tears in her eyes, insisting

demeanor showed

"Sophia..."

President Poe's voice echoed from behind

you are! I was wondering if something was holding you up. You've been gone a while,

see President

apologetic tone. "We ran into a little issue outside, but we were just heading

apologetically, "Sorry for the wait, President

long as you're okay.

gesturing for President Poe to head

Sophia followed them inside.

science museum and found little to comment on. He particularly liked the idea of the new cultural

cared for his students, he appreciated designs

he did offer some minor suggestions for improvement on the cultural

eagerly engaged in discussion with President

lacked patience,

was on silent, she could see

President Poe's thoughts, and considering it impolite, she resisted answering. Yet Amanda was

persistence, President Poe smiled and said, "Go ahead and take the

apologetically, "Sorry about

voice as she spoke

come find you as soon

smiled apologetically

Poe asked understandingly. "We can continue another

"No, it's fine."

"No, it's fine."

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

in agreement, "Yes, it's fine.

and began making notes on

relentless calls

simply gestured to his phone and whispered, "I'll

glanced towards

her phone impatiently, ready

approaching, he took out his

was

Crawley?" Harvey Ferber's voice came

Brandon said bluntly,

aback, then chuckled

she do?"

how you do it, just

savior, Mr.

than having someone forcibly remove her," Brandon said calmly. "Harvey Ferber, I'm grateful to you and your family for

pause

after that ten million," Harvey Ferber replied, his voice just as composed. "I

well aware that Harvey Ferber didn't need that money. Otherwise,

because they saved Sophia and gave her a

hold them accountable

the docks. "Brandon," Harvey continued, steering clear of the topic of the docks. "My

the one person who

glancing sidelong at Amanda in

to contain herself, was once again dialing her

her?" Brandon questioned

seemed taken aback by the unexpected question, pausing

whether your mother truly loves her or just wants to control her." After a brief silence, Harvey admitted, "She does care for Sophia like a

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

any loose ends around Sophia. If you ensure your mother stays out of Sophia's life,

and

his tracks, disbelief written all over

Brandon.

puzzled, turned to Kent. "What's

words but didn't

"Just keep an eye on Theresa

go of

Crawley," he called, trying to

raised a hand to

the line was

serious?" he finally asked,

you at your

"Set a time, and we'll discuss

lightly. "Mr. Crawley, always

to speak but was

kindly have

Brandon concluded

voice. "Mr. Crawley, are you out

back, and you're giving away the

him. "It's a transaction,

this deal is as good as giving it away. You know how crucial

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 her

Kent was speechless.

maritime

couldn't help but feel

empire dreams,

Aurora Wharf was a

it

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 CEO were one and the

relentless drive

this side of Brandon, willing

from the side, Susan finally couldn't resist asking, "What's this

right? Given Mr. Crawley's acumen, even if he

lose out."

money. Selling it off

looked at Kent in

turned to Brandon.

even if there's no immediate loss, aren't

back on his wo His mom's a living

control who she contacts."

foolish?" Brandon shot him a look. "You

the contract and hand over the dock without a

Kent muttered under his breath, "I swear, ever since Ms.

back, your IQ

a sideways glance, too uninterested

own ways of

Harvey Ferber had over his mother would determine the

the docks he could

for Sophia, he wouldn't mind adding

mix.

clearly

had treated Sophia

turned his gaze

had just picked up a call, and whatever was said

her things and left,

went.

turned back to Kent and Susan. "Don't mention this to anyone." With that, he stepped forward and gave Theresa a

going to find Mom now. You have fun with Uncle Kent and

they'd been stung

out, "Who's Uncle?"Chapter 707

let's set up a dinner with her

was important to sit down for a proper meal to express his gratitude and say farewell. Otherwise, knowing Sophia's nature, she

in agreement.

design for the cultural gallery at the Science Museum with Sophia.

Poe handed the revised plans

had been involved, he felt confident about

finalize it,

task, and happily chatted away, reminiscing about their school

to the stories as if hearing them for the first time, her reactions more

for his part, simply smiled gently throughout, occasionally glancing at Sophia, who was

had taken from Marian's wrist, waiting for the right moment to talk

showed no signs of wrapping up the

since they were once considered a potential couple during their school years, a topic of much speculation among teachers. Seeing them now as a real-life power couple, both intelligent and attractive, was an extraordinary occurrence in the history of

but be fascinated by their story, which made the meal stretch

tales from their school days, Brandon didn't rush to end the

Brandon hadn't yet had a chance to speak to Sophia when Theresa and Susan

out joyfully, her voice ringing clearly as she spotted Sophia,

guilty for making Theresa wait due to work,

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

and

the words left their mouths, Brandon had already

let Daddy carry

her head. "I

you might be tiring. Let Daddy do it," Brandon

can

very big for

swayed by Brandon's reasoning, shifted her weight to him

but tease Brandon. "Wow, Mr. Crawley, you've really

that despite his reserved demeanor, Brandon had always been considerate, even during their

hand, remained silent, looking pensive since Brandon had decided to abandon the Aurora Wharf project

and asked with concern,

Brandon glanced at him.

with a grin. "Oh, no, just got

Kent," Sophia said

a smile. "Paid time

only the boss hadn't decided to have a romantic epiphany, things

couldn't resist throwing another

carrying an unspoken warning not to reveal

their earlier conversation to

was tempted to ignore

sacrifice, she would definitely try to stop

could deter

his inner turmoil, Kent didn't have

growing impatient, reminding them eagerly, "The

her softly, leading the way with Sophia

Kent followed along instinctively.

nudged him playfully, teasing, "Why are you tagging along like

still preoccupied with thoughts of the Wharf project and didn't want to

with

replied. Mr. Crawley's hot just going to ditch me after

to Susan. "Why don't you join

movie together."

considered it,

Theresa to Sophia and

seized the opportunity to join

"Mr. Crawley," he began.

how to let Sophia in on

interrupted him, saying

into Marian at the restaurant entrance, and Patricia happened to be there too. The day we found Sophia, I coincidentally bumped into Marian

didn't say

chose the matinee for kids,

said, turning to look at Kent.

Kent just blinked. "..."

give you a day off," Brandon said, patting Kent on the shoulder before walking over to Sophia and

up to