The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

The old lady was stillpletely in the dark about Sophia's situation, just like every tbefore, looking at him with eyes full of hope, wishing to catch a snippet of news about Sophia from him.

Louis, who was supporting Renata, glanced worriedly at Brandon, and Gerald and Rachel were biting their tongues, looking at him as if they were walking on eggshells, scared he might spill the beans and the old lady wouldn't be able to handle the blow.

Brandon caught their looks but still managed a forced smile towards Renata, “She's...been on a business trip out of town recently, hasn't had the chance to swing by and see you." Louis, Gerald, and Rachel visibly breathed a sigh of relief, all shifting their gazes towards Renata.

"You see, I told you, Sophia's got her hands full with work, can't break away just yet, but she'll definitely drop by when she's got time," Louis consoled her in a gentle voice.

But the disappointment was written all over the old lady's face, impossible to hide, "But it's been ages since she cto see me; she won't pick up my calls, doesn't reply to my Whatmessages. Does she hatenow?" As she spoke, she began to wallow in self-blame, scolding herself for always pestering Sophia, making her not want to talk with her anymore.

Brandon felt a lump in his throat, a familiar tightness rising slightly. He suppressed it and said warmly to Renata, "Renata, Sophia doesn't hate you. She's just swamped with work right now, hasn't had a chance to check her phone. When she...gets back, I'll make sure she gets in touch with you." For Renata, who had recognized Sophia as Yolanda at first sight and had always been fiercely protective and doting of her, Brandon couldn't bring himself to show any disrespect, nor could he stand to see her misunderstand Sophia.

Renata's face seemed to brighten a bit thanks to his reassurance, but she couldn't help worrying, reminding him, "You have to take good care of Sophia, don't let her overdo it. And make sure she takes care of herself, gets plenty of rest. It's getting colder; she should bundle up, absolutely can't afford to catch a chill." "I will." Brandon interrupted the old lady's rambling with a choked voice, not daring to stay any longer, fearing his wavering emotions might raise suspicion. He quickly left after saying, "Mrs. Renata Frost, you rest up; I've gotta go." It wasn't until he got back into the car that he could finally let out the breath that had been crushing his chest in a heavy sigh. Kent looked at him with concern, "Mr. Crawley?" Brandon waved him off, stopping him from saying more.

"Drive!" Even speaking seemed to take all his effort.

Kent nodded, not daring to delay any longer, and started the engine.

Brandon sat in the back seat, pressing his palm against his chest, gasping for air, struggling to ignore the spreading pain.

He had barely managed to fulfill any of the caring instructions Renata had given him. He hadn't taken good care of her, couldn't remind her to dress warmly, to not get cold, especially now, in near sub-zero weather, when she had to soak alone in the icy cold sea water.

Augus chased after Marian all the way to Moonlight Resort & Spa, and before he could catch up with her, he saw her bump into Dennis, Jerry, and a man he didn't recognize. He had to stop in his tracks and watch from the shadows, but unexpectedly witnessed Brandon capturing the scene with the group.

They were too far apart for him to hear what Brandon was saying to them, but judging by the pale look on Dennis' face, he could guess that Brandon was planning a reckoning.

This realization made him too scared to approach, fearing Brandon's scrutiny, so when he saw Brandon leaving the hotel lobby, he scrambled back to the taxi, urging the driver to take him home.

Under this fear, he holed up at hall afternoon, staying there until the windows darkened with the approach of evening and his stomach growled with hunger. He had to muster up the energy to go downstairs, planning to grab a bite at the restaurant. But just as he stepped out of the neighborhood, a vaguely familiar black Cayenne screeched to a halt in front of him, blocking his way.

Augus looked up in alarm. The passenger side window rolled down, and Kent's face appeared in his view.

Augus' heart skipped a beat, his eyes showing even more panic, but he still managed to force a confused smile and greeted, "Kent." Kent's face remained smiley, "Not at work today?" "Yeah, wasn't feeling well, took off to see a doctor," Augus replied with a trembling voice, unsure of what Kent was getting at. Kent was still all smiles, "How are you feeling now? Any better?" "Yeah, much better." Augus nodded, "Thanks, Kent." "No problem." Kent still sported that sunchanging smile, but he had already clicked open the passenger door, "Since you're feeling much better, perfect timing, I've got something to discuss with you." Augus looked at Kent with fear; the latter glanced at the passenger seat, "Hop in, Augus." Augus didn't want to get in, but two more black sedans had pulled up behind Kent's Cayenne. He didn't know who was in those cars, but their presence was imposing, sending waves of panic through him.

But getting in the car. He hesitated, looking at Kent without moving.

The rear window slowly lowered, and Brandon's stern profile appeared before him.

He glanced at Augus indifferently, "Are you planning to wait for the cops to handle this personally?" Augus went pale in an instant, the color draining from his face.

"Get in!" Brandon spoke coldly.

Augus had no choice but to steel himself and get into the car.

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