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...

vacantly at the emerald bracelet on Marian's wrist,

through her mind like

making her forget everything around

watched Sophia with growing alarm. She knew

classmates for two years

bracelet countless times, and while she often seemed momentarily

of Sophia crying silently, staring

a nearby room, catching

was sharp and loud,

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

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

suddenly turned razor-sharp, fixing

in alarm, staring at Sophia, who looked bewildered and unsure

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

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

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

sure yet confused, a certainty that slowly pulled Sophia's rationality

Marian's wrist and

her Sophia, so she knew her, and

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

and despair of the girl in the white puffer coat

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

yours," Brandon's voice came softly to her

had come to her side. One hand was gripping Marian's arm through her clothes, and the other had already pulled the bracelet

face turned pale

of Brandon's previous threats to her life loomed over her

looked at her coolly.

wasn't loud, yet it brought that suffocating feeling of near-death

don't know. I've had the bracelet for as long as

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

at her coldly.

streaming down as she shook her head desperately. "It's

more and

had been waiting

in the restaurant, hadn't seen her return and grew worried. She

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

growing, with 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

quickly tried to explain, reaching for the bracelet

"You didn't remember wrong,"

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

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

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 to

knew Kris's background like the back

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

at best, but he used his connections with the

extraordinary affection for

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

Kris's unwillingness to abandon Marian to draw

clearly, he bet

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

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

was the look of a predator who had finally cornered

her finger on why she felt this

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

But Brandon's eyes...

shirt loosened instinctively, as if wanting to distance herself

cast a dismissive glance at her before turning

"Kris?"

a question, yet his tone was full of

Sophia, and began to piece together who Brandon might be, though he

young lady

icy as he

a cold laugh escaping him. "Picking on a

gaze shifted

and

clear it up? Are we really bullying

mumbled, avoiding

to back her up, she couldn't muster the courage

mention of having receipts for the bracelet's origin kept her from making any

bullying anyone," Marian said softly, her head bowed. "Sophia and I are classmates and colleagues. There

surprised glance, taken aback by the claim

don't you remember? We were in grad school together, and we

need to worry," Sophia said awkwardly, trying to adjust to

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

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

wary intensity, like a mother hen guarding her chicks from

tense, his eyes still fixed on

ensure Sophia was indeed in good health, she

with curiosity. She was surprised by the

Yet, he was puzzled, as

having overheard Sophia call Amanda "Godmother." She remembered Daniel's investigative report mentioning Amanda Ferber, mother of Harvey Ferber from the Ferber Group, and pieced

for Sophia seemed genuine, but Patricia couldn't fathom why such a prominent family would care so deeply for someone

to Sophia, but she couldn't

a bit on

look at Marian and Kris and asked, "Who are these people?

that, Amanda turned back to Sophia. "Come on, let's

lead Sophia away, Brandon stepped in, his arm barring their path. "Sorry, Mrs. Ferber, my wife has commitments. She can't leave right

"Godmother, I'm meeting a client right now.

The doctor and I have told

a meal with a client, not hard work," Sophia

through a

was at a loss, glancing at Brandon

grateful for all you've done. We were planning to visit you to express our thanks, but since we've bumped into each other, please join us for

gave Brandon a cool look. "No need for thanks," she replied coldly. "I don't know you well, and I don't want a

to Sophia, Amanda's voice softened as she pleaded, "Sophia, I changed my whole schedule for you. I've been holding back from visiting, afraid of disturbing you, but I've been so worried. Please, just come sit with me

to s

had saved her life and taken care of her during recovery.

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

awkward due to Amanda's clear hostility. So, she settled on "Brandon," though it felt

towards the

Sophia looped her arm through

had no choice but

they turned, Sophia noticed Marian and Kris had

where they had stood, his expression unchanging. His eyes then scanned the crowd, landing on

be pushed forward by Marian, clearly intent on getting them

pausing as he caught sight of Patricia, who had also just

towards them. Her eyes met Brandon's,

brow again. However,

hand and chatting away, inadvertently-or perhaps intentionally- creating a barrier between Sophia and

his annoyance show. He signaled the waiter to arrange

Amanda and Sophia

to their

Sophia, he said,

here

the private

doesn't always think about how her

or hear them when Sophia apologized. But before she

looked at him,

his lips together, his profile

"Sophia."

her with a serious expression. "We

Sophia was taken aback.

side and try to explain things for her," Brandon continued slowly. "It feels like you're more on their side, like

I—" Sophia

to me. I know you didn't mean

was just

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

repeated softly, looking up at him.

smile and nodded,

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

Sophia had held Marian's arm, tears in her eyes, insisting the bracelet was hers, he had seen a glimpse

demeanor

"Sophia..."

then, President Poe's voice echoed from behind

you up. You've been gone

to see President Poe approaching with a broad

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

"Sorry for

replied cheerfully. "As long as you're okay. I finished reviewing

the room," Brandon suggested, gesturing for President Poe to head back to

Sophia followed them inside.

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

cared for his

he did offer some minor suggestions for improvement on the cultural gallery — nothing major, just

delighted and eagerly engaged in discussion

patience, was repeatedly

on silent, she could

resisted answering. Yet Amanda

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

smiled apologetically,

voice as she spoke

soon as I'm done. Please, go

smiled apologetically at President Poe again, "Sorry

understandingly. "We can continue

"No, it's fine."

"No, it's fine."

turned to President Poe, "We're not in a rush;

"Yes, it's fine. Let's

up a pen and began making notes

was focused, but Amanda's relentless calls had left her somewhat

to his phone

Brandon glanced towards

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

took out his phone and dialed Harvey

was

Harvey Ferber's voice

out of here," Brandon said bluntly, his tone

seemed taken aback, then

she

how you do it, just get her out

Mr.

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 promised a ten million dollar reward for any information about her. Though you didn't provide information,

was a pause on

you know 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 Sophia

they saved Sophia and gave her a third chance

want to hold them accountable

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

the one person who genuinely loves her without

pressed his lips together, glancing sidelong

was

really love her?" Brandon

taken aback by the unexpected question, pausing for

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

replacement for the daughter she'd lost,

If you ensure your mother stays out of Sophia's life, I'll

and Susan

his tracks, disbelief written all over

Brandon.

puzzled, turned to Kent.

words

said. "Just keep an eye on

let go of Theresa's hand and hurried

Crawley," he called, trying to warn

a hand

on the line was also

you serious?" he finally asked, voice steady. "I'm prepared

at your

business," Brandon replied. "Set a time, and we'll discuss the

"Mr. Crawley, always

to speak but was silenced by

Ferber's capabilities, kindly

three minutes," Brandon concluded

"Mr. Crawley, are you out

back, and you're giving away

him. "It's a transaction, not

deal is as good as giving it

into maritime shipping,"

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 to grow up burdened with

Kent was speechless.

maritime shipping was

couldn't help but feel a pang of

his own business empire dreams,

Aurora Wharf was a significant piece of

it up

Brandon said, meeting his 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 CEO were one

his relentless drive and invincibility

see this side of Brandon, willing to

finally couldn't resist asking, "What's this

just a dock, right? Given Mr. Crawley's

lose out."

mine. It practically prints money. Selling it off like this is

looked at Kent

to

no

his wo His mom's a living

control who she contacts."

you think I'm that foolish?" Brandon shot him a look. "You really think

and hand over

under his breath, "I swear,

IQ has

sideways

had his own ways

Ferber had over

docks he could

for Sophia, he wouldn't mind adding

mix.

Amanda clearly wasn't that

treated Sophia

turned his gaze towards Amanda's

up a call, and whatever was

she quickly gathered her things and left, talking on her phone as

went.

Kent and Susan. "Don't mention this to anyone." With that, he stepped forward

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

however, reacted like they'd been stung by bees,

out, "Who's Uncle?"Chapter 707

a small nod. "Yeah, let's set up a

for a proper meal to express his gratitude and say farewell. Otherwise, knowing

nodded in agreement.

"Brandon, I just made some tweaks to the design for the cultural gallery at

handed the

the overall concept. Since Sophia had been involved, he felt confident about the changes, so he nodded. "Looks good to

finalize it,

to have settled a major task, and

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

part, simply smiled gently throughout, occasionally glancing at Sophia, who was wide-eyed with curiosity,

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

showed no signs of

a rare delight. Especially 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 West District

Poe couldn't help but be fascinated by their story, which made

didn't rush to end the meal. He stayed until

chance to speak to Sophia when

ringing clearly as she spotted

wait due

forgotten about the movie. As soon as she wrapped her arms around Sophia's neck, she asked eagerly, "Are you done with work? Can we go to the movies

and Sophia

the words left their mouths, Brandon had

let

"I want Mom to

tiring. Let Daddy do it," Brandon coaxed, holding out his

I can carry her," Sophia

for her age,

Brandon's reasoning, shifted her weight to him

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

his reserved demeanor, Brandon had always been considerate, even during

pensive since Brandon had decided to abandon the Aurora Wharf project atter a verbal agreement

noticed his expression and asked with concern,

Brandon glanced at him.

grin.

Kent," Sophia

all," Kent replied with a smile. "Paid time off beats sitting in an office any

decided to have a romantic epiphany, things

couldn't resist throwing

gaze was cool, carrying an unspoken warning

earlier conversation to

to ignore the

sacrifice, she would definitely try to stop

could deter

didn't have

growing impatient, reminding them eagerly,

softly, leading the way with

Kent followed along instinctively.

teasing, "Why are you tagging

with thoughts of the Wharf

with being a

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

to Susan. "Why don't you join us? It's been ages since we caught

movie together."

considered it, then

briefly handed Theresa to Sophia and went to buy

the opportunity to join him

"Mr. Crawley," he began.

voice, about to discuss with him how

him, saying

be there

didn't say

he bought the tickets, he chose the matinee for kids, an animated movie,

to a cartoon," Brandon said, turning to look at

Kent just blinked. "..."

opportunity. Don't say your boss didn't give you a day off," Brandon said, patting Kent on the

to