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...

emerald bracelet on Marian's wrist, tears streaming down her cheeks without her even realizing

her mind like

completely, making her forget everything

Sophia with growing alarm. She knew

two years and colleagues for

Sophia had seen the bracelet countless times, and while she often seemed momentarily lost when spotting it, she had never reacted so intensely

staring

nearby room, catching sight of SophiaChapter

was sharp and loud, immediately drawing everyone's attention

of certainty brought Sophia back to her senses a bit, her expression showing a hint of bewilderment, but she didn't loosen her grip on

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

eyes suddenly turned razor-sharp, fixing

at Sophia, who looked bewildered and unsure but could

and Sophia clearly didn't remember. She couldn't even

hadn't Patricia just told her not long ago that Sophia had amnesia? How could

shouldn't say things so casually. I've had this bracelet for as long as I can remember. How

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

at the bracelet on Marian's

she knew her, and they were probably

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

of the girl in the white puffer coat

loosened her grip on Marian's hand. But in the next second, the arm she had released was suddenly gripped

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

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

face turned pale

shadow of Brandon's previous threats to her life

coolly.

voice wasn't loud, yet it brought that suffocating feeling

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

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

at her coldly.

tears streaming down as she shook her

attracted more and

who had been waiting

hadn't seen her return and grew

she saw Brandon opposite her. Her hand, which was about to move people

as if she and Brandon were bullying Marian. Worried about the impact of Brandon and the

tried to explain, reaching for the bracelet in

"You didn't remember wrong,"

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

fingers at the two of them suddenly grew quiet,

I truly thought it was mine." Brandon's lips curled with a cold indifference, long accustomed to her easily spun lies. He didn't even urge her, just watched her expressionlessly as she put on her show.Chapter

Kris's background like the back of

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

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

had an extraordinary

her best to stop him from coming over, once he learned she was stuck dealing with legal issues and couldn't leave

unwillingness to abandon Marian

clearly, he

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

Kris was doing the same to him. Compared

predator who

put her finger on

never met before. This was Kris's first time in the country, so

But Brandon's eyes...

instinctively, as

her before turning his attention back to

"Kris?"

his name with a question, yet his tone was full

the woman behind him, Sophia, and began to

folks picking on a young lady in broad daylight-got

voice was icy as he stood protectively in

cold laugh escaping him. "Picking

shifted

and

forward and clear it up? Are we really bullying you, or is your conscience

Marian mumbled, avoiding Brandon's piercing

her up, she couldn't

receipts for the bracelet's origin kept her

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

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

We were in grad school together, and we work at the same

said awkwardly, trying to adjust to the public

Sophia's hands tightly, inspecting her from head to toe.

reassured with a smile, her eyes

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

remained tense, his eyes still fixed

seemed oblivious to anyone but Sophia. After a thorough inspection to ensure Sophia was indeed in good health, she finally

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

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

Patricia frowned, having overheard Sophia call Amanda "Godmother." She remembered Daniel's investigative report mentioning Amanda Ferber, mother of Harvey Ferber from

why such a prominent family would care so deeply for someone they considered an

shifted to Sophia, but

was a bit on edge,

"Who are these people? It's

on,

in, his arm barring their path. "Sorry, Mrs. Ferber, my wife has

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

told you countless times not to overwork

a meal with a client,

better keeping an eye on you. I went through a lot to

a loss, glancing at

all you've done. We were planning to visit you to express our thanks, but since

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

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

saved her life and taken care

softly, adding, "Brandon, why don't you join us?

him "Mr. Crawley" but found it awkward due to Amanda's clear hostility. So, she settled on

towards the

Sophia looped her arm through hers, gently steering her towards the restaurant. "Come on,

had no choice but to

turned, Sophia noticed Marian and Kris had quietly slipped away during the

at where they had stood, his expression unchanging. His eyes then scanned the crowd, landing on the escalator leading to the floor below,

to be pushed forward by Marian, clearly intent on getting

as he caught

them.

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

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

the waiter to

Amanda and Sophia

to their

Sophia, he

you stay here

stepped out of the private dining

"My godmother, Amanda, can be a bit overbearing sometimes. She doesn't always think about how her words

or hear them when Sophia apologized. But before she could say more, Brandon

looked at him,

pressed his lips together, his profile looking

"Sophia."

to face her

Sophia was taken aback.

Brandon continued slowly. "It feels like you're more on their side, like they're your family instead of

sorry, I—" Sophia instinctively started

to apologize to me. I know you

just an

still drawing a line

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

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

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

eyes, insisting the bracelet was hers, he

now, Sophia's polite demeanor showed no

"Sophia..."

just then, President

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

turned to see President Poe approaching with

with an apologetic tone. "We

also smiled apologetically, "Sorry for

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

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

Sophia followed them inside.

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

headmaster who truly cared for his students,

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

was delighted and eagerly engaged in discussion with President

lacked patience, was repeatedly calling

silent, she could see the calls

she resisted answering. Yet Amanda was insistent, calling again and again until

the persistence, President Poe smiled and said,

apologetically, "Sorry about

lowering her voice as she spoke into it, "Godmother,

find you as soon as I'm done. Please,

up and smiled apologetically at President Poe again, "Sorry about

urgent?" President Poe asked understandingly. "We can continue another time if you

"No, it's fine."

"No, it's fine."

a glance. Brandon then turned to President Poe,

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

and began making notes

Amanda's relentless calls had

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

Brandon glanced towards

phone impatiently, ready to call Sophia

deeply. Instead of approaching, he took

was

Ferber's voice came

mother out of here," Brandon said bluntly,

seemed taken aback, then

did she

don't care how you do it, just

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

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

pause

never after that ten million," Harvey Ferber replied, his voice just as composed. "I don't need

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

Sophia and gave

want to hold them accountable for

the topic of the docks. "My mother truly cares for Sophia

to take away the one person who genuinely loves her without any blood relation?" Harvey

together, glancing sidelong at Amanda

herself, was once again dialing

Brandon

seemed taken aback by the unexpected

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

more like a replacement for the daughter she'd

you ensure your mother stays out of

Kent and Susan

his tracks, disbelief written all over his face as he

Brandon.

puzzled, turned to Kent. "What's going

words but didn't

"Just keep

let go of Theresa's hand

Crawley," he called,

raised a hand

line was

finally asked, voice steady.

you at your

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

"Mr. Crawley,

himself, trying to speak but

Ferber's capabilities, kindly have your

minutes," Brandon concluded and hung

finally found his voice. "Mr. Crawley, are you out of your

and you're giving away the

at him. "It's a transaction, not a

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

expansion into maritime

to provide for Theresa for a lifetime. I don'twant her to grow up burdened with the

Kent was speechless.

into maritime shipping

couldn't help but feel

his own business empire dreams, and the maritime

Wharf was a significant piece of

give it up

of Starlight Group, not Brandon's personal dream." "What's the difference?" Kent didn't understand. To

relentless drive and invincibility in

side of Brandon, willing

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

just a dock, right? Given Mr. Crawley's acumen, even if he sells

lose out."

a gold mine. It practically prints money. Selling it off like this

Susan looked at Kent

turned to Brandon.

no immediate loss, aren't you

his wo His mom's a

control who she contacts."

that foolish?" Brandon shot him

and hand over the

knows," Kent muttered under his breath, "I swear, ever since

IQ

a sideways glance, too uninterested to

his own ways

Ferber had over his mother

docks he could

he wouldn't mind adding

mix.

clearly wasn't

treated Sophia earlier, Brandon's

turned his gaze towards Amanda's

a call, and whatever was

gathered her things and left, talking

went.

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

have fun with Uncle

and Susan, however, reacted like they'd been stung

out, "Who's Uncle?"Chapter 707

let's set up a dinner

meal to express his gratitude and say

in agreement.

made some tweaks to the design for the cultural gallery at the Science Museum with Sophia. Why don't you take a look

handed the

minor adjustments, nothing that altered the overall concept. Since Sophia had been involved, he felt confident

Let's finalize

to have settled a major task, and happily

didn't mention her memory loss to President Poe and listened to the stories as if

throughout, occasionally glancing at Sophia, who was wide-eyed with

from Marian's wrist, waiting for the right moment

Poe showed no signs

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

help but be fascinated by their

in tales from their school days, Brandon didn't rush to end the meal. He

yet had a chance to speak to Sophia when Theresa

ringing clearly as she spotted Sophia, her face lighting

guilty for making Theresa wait due

soon as she wrapped her arms around Sophia's neck, she

and Sophia said in

Brandon had

here, let Daddy carry

her head. "I

recovering and carrying you might be tiring. Let Daddy do it," Brandon coaxed, holding

really. I can carry her," Sophia

for her age,

Brandon's reasoning,

couldn't help but tease Brandon. "Wow, Mr. Crawley,

had always been considerate,

silent, looking pensive since Brandon had decided to abandon the Aurora Wharf project atter a

asked with concern, "Is something bothering you,

Brandon glanced at him.

quickly masked his expression with a grin. "Oh,

today, Kent,"

"Paid time off beats sitting in an office

decided to have

couldn't resist throwing another

gaze was cool, carrying an unspoken warning not to reveal

their earlier conversation

tempted to ignore the

Sophia knew about Brandon's sacrifice, she

Sophia could

his inner turmoil, Kent didn't have the courage to

growing impatient, reminding them eagerly,

Brandon reassured her softly, leading the way with Sophia and Theresa to the cinema on

Kent followed along instinctively.

playfully, teasing, "Why are you tagging along like a third

with thoughts of the Wharf project

with being a

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

don't you join us? It's been ages

movie together."

it,

Theresa to Sophia and went to buy

opportunity to join him at the

"Mr. Crawley," he began.

him how to let Sophia in on the dock

interrupted him,

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

didn't say

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

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

Kent just blinked. "..."

you a day off," Brandon said, patting Kent

up to them as