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...

stared vacantly at the emerald bracelet on Marian's wrist, tears streaming down her

her mind like a

making her forget everything around

watched Sophia with growing alarm. She knew it was the bracelet that triggered

for two years and colleagues

Sophia had seen the bracelet countless times, and while she often seemed

staring

room, catching sight

voice was sharp and loud,

Sophia back to her senses a bit, her expression showing a hint of bewilderment, but she

still choked, "I wanted you to take it to my parents, but you left with it and

turned razor-sharp,

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

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

had amnesia?

I've had this bracelet for as long as I can remember. How

that slowly pulled Sophia's rationality back from

the bracelet on Marian's wrist and then back

her Sophia, so she knew

her mind were real, why would she let

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

grip on Marian's hand. But in the

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

Marian's arm through her clothes, and the other had already pulled the bracelet off her wrist, his

turned

to her life loomed

coolly. "What

it brought that suffocating feeling of near-death

know. I've had the

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

just looked at

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

attracted more and

who had

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

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

and Brandon were bullying Marian. Worried about the impact of Brandon

quickly tried to explain, reaching for the bracelet in Brandon's hand to

"You didn't remember wrong,"

apologize. I personally designed and commissioned that bracelet. I have the receipts, and your name engraved on the inside. There are old photos as

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

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

like the back

always a bit of a wild child, leveraging family connections to get into college. It wasn't until after graduation that he decided to buckle down and get involved in the

at best, but he used his connections with the

an extraordinary affection

Marian tried her best to stop him from coming over, once he learned she was stuck dealing with

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

clearly, he bet

the intense, hawk-like gaze, Brandon's

the same to him. Compared

look of a predator who had finally cornered its

put her finger

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

But Brandon's eyes...

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

cast a dismissive glance at her

"Kris?"

with a question, yet

up Brandon, glanced at the woman behind him, Sophia, and began to piece together who Brandon might be,

folks picking on a young lady

he

smirked, a cold laugh escaping him.

shifted past

and

Marian. "Ms. Barlow care to step forward and clear it up? Are

Marian mumbled, avoiding

with Kris there to back her up, she couldn't

mention of having receipts for the bracelet's

"Sophia and I are classmates and colleagues. There must be some

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

"Sophia, don't you remember? We were in grad school together, and we work at

worry," Sophia said awkwardly,

tightly, inspecting her from head to toe.

a smile, her eyes

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

Brandon remained tense, his eyes still

indeed in good health, she finally turned her attention to Marian and Kris, giving them a cursory

with Amanda, looked on with curiosity. She was

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

She remembered Daniel's investigative report mentioning Amanda Ferber, mother of Harvey Ferber from the Ferber Group, and pieced things

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

Sophia, but she couldn't discern

was a bit on edge, unsure of Amanda's

Kris and asked, "Who are these people? It's hardly appropriate to make a scene like

"Come on, let's

in, his arm barring their path. "Sorry, Mrs. Ferber, my wife has commitments. She can't

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

client? You've just recovered. The doctor and I have told you

know, I know. It's just a meal with a client, not

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

was at a loss, glancing at Brandon

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

don't know you well, and I don't want a meal. I just

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

to s

hesitated. The woman had saved her life and taken care

adding, "Brandon, why don't you

Amanda's clear hostility. So,

then gestured towards the restaurant next door. "This way,

of speaking when Sophia looped her arm

no choice but to

Sophia noticed Marian and Kris

eyes then scanned the crowd, landing on the escalator

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

caught sight of Patricia,

appeared unsettled, casting furtive, anxious glances back towards them. Her eyes

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

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

signaled the waiter to arrange

Amanda and Sophia

to

Sophia, he said,

you stay here with

as they stepped out of the private dining room, Sophia finally let

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

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

at

lips together, his

"Sophia."

softly, turning to face her with a serious expression. "We are

Sophia was taken aback.

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

Sophia instinctively

apologize to me.

just an

she was still drawing a

up at him. "I'll be

a small, forced smile and

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

tears in her eyes, insisting the bracelet

now, Sophia's polite demeanor showed no

"Sophia..."

then, President

you up. You've been gone a while,

President Poe

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

also smiled apologetically, "Sorry

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

suggested, gesturing for President Poe to head back to the private

Sophia followed them inside.

little to comment on. He particularly liked

his students, he

at the school, he did offer some minor suggestions for improvement on

was delighted and eagerly engaged in discussion with President

who clearly lacked patience,

was on silent, she could see the

it impolite, she resisted answering. Yet

Poe smiled and said, "Go ahead and take

apologetically, "Sorry

her voice as she spoke into

as soon as I'm done. Please, go ahead

she hung up and smiled apologetically at President

understandingly. "We can continue another

"No, it's fine."

"No, it's fine."

glance. Brandon then turned to President Poe, "We're not in a rush; let's finish

in agreement, "Yes, it's fine. Let's

a pen and began making notes on

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

gestured to his phone and whispered, "I'll step outside to take a call," before leaving the

Brandon glanced

phone impatiently, ready to call Sophia

exhaled deeply. Instead of approaching, he took out his phone and dialed Harvey

call was

voice

of here," Brandon

seemed taken aback, then chuckled softly, "My

she do?" he

my wife," Brandon replied. "I don't care how you do it, just get her out

savior, Mr. Crawley," Harvey

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 promised a ten million dollar reward for any information about her. Though you didn't provide information, you saved her. I'll double the reward and transfer it to

pause

after that ten million," Harvey Ferber

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

they saved Sophia and gave

to hold them accountable

the topic of the docks.

really going to take away the one person who genuinely loves her without

his lips together, glancing sidelong at Amanda

contain herself, was once again dialing

love her?" Brandon questioned

by the

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

it was more like a replacement for the daughter she'd lost, compensating for

don't want any loose ends around Sophia. If you ensure your mother stays out of Sophia's life,

then, Kent and Susan

disbelief written all over his face as he looked

Brandon.

to Kent.

Brandon's words

explain later," Kent said. "Just keep an eye on

that, he let go of Theresa's hand and hurried

he called, trying

raised a hand

on the line was

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

at your

never joke about business," Brandon replied. "Set a time, and we'll discuss the contract

chuckled lightly. "Mr. Crawley,

was beside himself, trying to speak

Mr. Ferber's capabilities, kindly

three minutes," Brandon concluded and hung

"Mr. Crawley, are you out of your

you're giving away

him. "It's a

this deal is as good as giving it away.

into

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 to grow up burdened with

Kent was speechless.

expanding into maritime shipping

help but feel a

his own business empire dreams,

around Aurora Wharf was a significant piece of

him to give it up

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

relentless drive and invincibility

see this side of Brandon, willing to slow

finally couldn't resist

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

lose out."

like a gold mine. It practically prints money. Selling it off like this is a huge loss," Kent

Susan looked at Kent

to Brandon.

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

might go back on his wo His mom's

control who she contacts."

shot him a look. "You

the contract and hand over

under his breath, "I swear, ever since

back, your IQ

a sideways glance, too uninterested

own ways

much control Harvey Ferber had over

docks he could

Sophia, he wouldn't mind adding another

mix.

Amanda clearly wasn't

Amanda had treated

turned his gaze

just picked up a call, and whatever was said must

her things and left, talking on her phone as

went.

mention this to anyone." With that,

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

reacted like they'd been stung by

out, "Who's Uncle?"Chapter 707

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

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

nodded in agreement.

Poe, who was sitting nearby, chuckled and said, "Brandon, I just made some tweaks to the design for the cultural gallery at the Science Museum with Sophia. Why don't you take a look and see if you

he spoke, President Poe handed the

Since Sophia had been involved, he

finalize

relieved to have settled a major task, and happily chatted away, reminiscing

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

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

had taken from Marian's wrist, waiting

signs of wrapping

their school years, a topic of much speculation among teachers. Seeing them now as a real-life power couple, both intelligent and

couldn't help but be fascinated by their story, which made the meal stretch

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

chance to speak to Sophia when Theresa and Susan Kent

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

for making Theresa wait due to work,

Sophia's neck, she asked eagerly, "Are you done with work? Can we

Brandon and Sophia said

words left their mouths, Brandon had already opened his arms to

let

shook her head. "I want

Let Daddy do it," Brandon coaxed, holding

fine, really. I can carry

very big for her

Theresa, swayed by Brandon's reasoning, shifted her weight

couldn't help but tease Brandon. "Wow, Mr. Crawley, you've really turned into quite the devoted

recalled that despite his reserved demeanor, Brandon had always been considerate,

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

asked with concern, "Is something bothering you,

Brandon glanced at him.

with a grin. "Oh, no, just got

for today, Kent," Sophia said

with a smile. "Paid time off beats sitting in

have a romantic epiphany, things would

couldn't resist throwing

unspoken warning not to

their earlier conversation to

to ignore the

knew about Brandon's sacrifice, she would

Sophia could

turmoil, Kent didn't have the courage to defy

growing impatient, reminding them eagerly,

way

Kent followed along instinctively.

"Why are you tagging along like

preoccupied with thoughts of the

wrong with being

can help with the kid," he replied. Mr. Crawley's hot just going to

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

movie together."

considered it, then

Theresa to Sophia and went

seized the opportunity to join him at

"Mr. Crawley," he began.

to discuss with him how to let Sophia in on the

him, saying

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

say much

chose the matinee for kids,

said,

Kent just blinked. "..."

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

came up to them