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 cheeks without

her mind like a movie on

her completely, making her

alarm. She knew it was the bracelet that

had been classmates for two years and

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

silently, staring

from a nearby room, catching sight of SophiaChapter

was sharp and loud,

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

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

suddenly turned

widening in alarm, staring at Sophia, who looked bewildered and unsure but could accurately recount what happened back

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

Sophia had amnesia? How

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

so sure yet confused, a certainty that slowly

the bracelet on Marian's wrist

had just called her Sophia, so she knew her, and they

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

clearly felt the sadness and despair of the girl in the white

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 arm she had released was suddenly gripped by a broad,

yours," Brandon's voice

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

turned pale

shadow of Brandon's previous threats to her life

her coolly.

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

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

After all, so many years had passed. If

looked at her coldly. "You're

lost control, her face pale and tears streaming down as she shook her head desperately.

breakdown attracted more

who had been

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

in the crowd. She quickly approached but stopped abruptly when she saw Brandon opposite her. Her hand, which was about to move people aside, froze, hesitating to get any closer.

their phones to record making it look as if she and Brandon were bullying Marian. Worried

the bracelet in

"You didn't remember wrong,"

commissioned that bracelet. I have the receipts, and your name engraved on the inside. There are

pointing fingers at the two of them suddenly

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

knew Kris's background like the back

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

with the underground

extraordinary affection for

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

banked on Kris's unwillingness to abandon Marian

he bet

hawk-like gaze, Brandon's lips

a calculated calm, Kris was doing the same to him. Compared to Kris's composure,

was the look of a predator who had

her finger on why she

and Kris had never met before. This was Kris's first time in the country, so in theory, Brandon shouldn't know

But Brandon's eyes...

shirt loosened instinctively, as if wanting to distance herself from

cast a dismissive glance at her before turning his attention back

"Kris?"

name with a question, yet his tone was full of

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

folks picking on a young lady in broad

was icy as he stood protectively in front of

a cold laugh escaping him.

gaze shifted past

and

and clear it up? Are we really bullying

avoiding

to back her up, she couldn't

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

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

a surprised glance, taken aback by the claim

a friendly smile. "Sophia, don't you remember? We were in grad school together,

need to worry," Sophia said

however, was having none of it. She clasped Sophia's hands tightly, inspecting her from head to toe. "You look thinner to me. You're always putting

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

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

his eyes still fixed on

anyone but Sophia. After a thorough inspection to ensure Sophia was indeed in

on with curiosity. She was

other hand, recognized Amanda and shared a bit of history with her. Yet, he was

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

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

Sophia,

was a bit on

cast another indifferent look at Marian and Kris and asked, "Who are these

"Come on, let's go

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

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

sternly. "What client? You've just recovered. The doctor and I have told you countless times not to overwork

It's just a meal with a client, not hard work," Sophia

eye on you. I went through a lot to get you back on

was at a loss, glancing at Brandon for

to visit you to

don't know you well, and I don't want

"Sophia, I changed my whole schedule for you. I've been holding back from visiting, afraid of

to s

and taken care of

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

it awkward due to Amanda's clear hostility. So, she

the restaurant next door. "This way, Mrs.

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

had no choice but to

turned, Sophia noticed Marian and Kris had quietly

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

attempted to look back several times, only to be pushed forward

he caught sight of Patricia, who had

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

her gaze, her flustered demeanor causing Brandon to furrow his brow again. However, the situation at hand didn't allow him the luxury of dwelling on

Sophia's hand and

his annoyance show. He signaled the waiter

Amanda and Sophia

Sophia to their

Sophia,

here

out of the private

Amanda, can be a bit overbearing sometimes. She doesn't always think about how her words might affect

see or hear them when

looked at him,

his lips together, his profile looking

"Sophia."

name softly, turning to face her with

Sophia was taken aback.

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

I—" Sophia

"You don't have to apologize to me.

just an instinctive

suggested she was still drawing a

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

forced smile and nodded, but

pulled from Marian's wrist. The smooth beads pressed

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

demeanor showed no sign

"Sophia..."

President

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

President Poe

the smile with an apologetic tone. "We ran into a little

also smiled apologetically, "Sorry for the wait, President

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

suggested, gesturing for President Poe to head back

Sophia followed them inside.

found little to comment on. He particularly

a headmaster who truly cared for his students, he appreciated

his extensive experience at the school, he did offer some minor suggestions for improvement on the cultural gallery — nothing

was delighted and eagerly engaged in

who clearly lacked patience, was repeatedly

phone was on silent, she could see the calls coming

answering. Yet Amanda was insistent, calling again and again until Sophia had

Poe smiled and said, "Go ahead

smiled apologetically, "Sorry about

picked up the phone, lowering her voice as she spoke into it, "Godmother,

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

that, she hung up and smiled apologetically at President Poe again, "Sorry

it urgent?" President Poe asked understandingly. "We can continue another

"No, it's fine."

"No, it's fine."

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

nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's

pen and began making notes on the design

but Amanda's relentless calls

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

glanced towards Amanda's

ready to call Sophia again but dropping

deeply. Instead of approaching, he took out his phone

was answered

Ferber's voice came

of here," Brandon said bluntly, his tone cold

then chuckled

she do?" he

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

wife's savior, Mr. Crawley,"

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

a pause on the other

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

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

saved Sophia and gave her

hold them accountable for

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

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

lips together, glancing sidelong at Amanda

unable to contain herself, was once again

her?" Brandon

aback by the unexpected question, pausing for a

better than I do whether your mother truly loves her or just wants to

a replacement for the daughter she'd lost, compensating

mother stays out of Sophia's life, I'll agree to the dock

and Susan

disbelief written all over his

Brandon.

to Kent.

had heard Brandon's words but didn't see the

said. "Just keep an eye on Theresa

he let go of Theresa's hand

called,

raised a hand to

the line was

you serious?" he finally asked,

at

replied. "Set a time, and

chuckled lightly. "Mr.

was beside himself, trying to speak but

Ferber's capabilities, kindly

within three minutes," Brandon concluded

found his voice. "Mr. Crawley, are

back, and you're

"It's a transaction, not a

as giving it away. You know how crucial that

company's expansion into maritime shipping,"

and size are more than enough to provide for Theresa for a lifetime. I don'twant her to grow up burdened with the responsibilities of

Kent was speechless.

into maritime shipping was

but feel a

his own business empire

Wharf was a significant piece of that

him to give it up

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.

his relentless drive

willing to slow down, was

finally couldn't resist asking, "What's

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

lose out."

is like a gold mine. It practically prints money. Selling

looked at

to Brandon.

there's no immediate loss,

wo

control who she contacts."

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

hand over the dock

breath, "I swear,

your IQ has

shot him a sideways glance, too uninterested to

his own ways of dealing

had over his

the docks he

he wouldn't mind adding

mix.

Amanda clearly wasn't that

had treated Sophia earlier, Brandon's

turned his

picked up a call, and whatever was said

her things and left,

went.

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

going to find Mom now. You have fun with Uncle

Susan, however, reacted like they'd been

out, "Who's Uncle?"Chapter 707

"Yeah, let's set up a

to express his gratitude and say farewell.

nodded in agreement.

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

spoke, President Poe handed the

Sophia had been involved, he felt confident about the changes,

Let's finalize it,

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

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

who was wide-eyed with curiosity, but he didn't

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

signs of wrapping

were once considered a potential couple during their school years, a topic of much speculation among teachers. Seeing them now as

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

Brandon didn't rush

saying goodbye to President Poe, Brandon hadn't yet had a chance to speak to Sophia

as she spotted Sophia, her face lighting

due

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 said

their mouths, Brandon had already opened his arms to

here, let Daddy

shook her head. "I want

be tiring. Let Daddy do it,"

can

wasn't very big for her age, slender

by Brandon's reasoning, shifted her weight to

Mr. Crawley, you've really turned into quite the devoted

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

remained silent, looking pensive since Brandon had decided to abandon the Aurora Wharf project atter a verbal agreement with Harvey

expression and asked with concern, "Is something bothering you,

Brandon glanced at him.

masked his expression with a grin. "Oh, no, just got

for today, Kent,"

all," Kent replied with a smile. "Paid time

have a romantic epiphany,

resist throwing another glance

unspoken warning not

earlier

to ignore

sacrifice, she would definitely try

could

have the courage to defy Brandon's

reminding them eagerly, "The

heading there now," Brandon reassured her softly, leading the way with Sophia and Theresa to the

Kent followed along instinctively.

are you tagging along

the Wharf project

with being

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

you join us? It's been ages since we

movie together."

it, then nodded.

Brandon briefly handed Theresa to Sophia and went to

to join him

"Mr. Crawley," he began.

lowered his voice, about to discuss with him how to let Sophia in on the dock

interrupted him, saying

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

didn't say much

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

to a cartoon," Brandon said,

Kent just blinked. "..."

off," Brandon said, patting

to them