The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate



"Yep, I have." Sophia said, "Just about to check into the hotel."

He could vaguely make out the sound of footsteps and the rolling of a suitcase in her voice.

"Oh, right." Sophia started, "Did Grace reach out to you later? How's Theresa doing now, is she still crying?"

"No tears now, she just had dinner and went to sleep," Brandon whispered.

"That's a relief." Sophia breathed easier, "I don't know what's gotten into her these past few days; she's never been this clingy before. When I've gone on business trips in the past, she's always been good as gold."

"She said you don't want her anymore," Brandon's voice was calm and even, but as he said these words, his breath involuntarily held a bit, listening closely for her reaction on the other end of the line.

Sophia was just surprised, "Why would she think that? She's never been like this before. Has anyone been filling her head with these ideas lately? She's never been insecure."

"I'll talk to Grace about it later," Brandon said, strangely comforted by her words.

Unaware of what was on Brandon's mind, Sophia nodded in agreement, "Yeah, better ask her."

"Okay." Brandon responded, but didn't rush to hang up, instead gently asking her, "Got any other work stuff lined up for tonight over there?"

Sophia replied, "Just gonna swing by the site later to check how the prep's going. If all's good, I'll head back to the hotel to crash. Gotta be there bright and early tomorrow."

"Kent will be heading over later too, so just let him handle any issues." Brandon said, "Don't wear yourself out; make sure to get some rest."

"I will," Sophia replied softly, her voice mingling with the sound of hailing a cab.

Brandon didn't want to keep her from her business, so after a few words of caution, he hung up.

Grace was busy in the kitchen. Brandon walked over and asked her if anyone had been messing with Theresa these past few days, telling her that her mom didn't want her or something.

Grace thought hard for a while, and then shook her head, "Nope."

"Any strangers come by lately?" Brandon inquired.

Grace pondered again, and then as if it dawned on her, she said, "Oh, a couple of days ago, while we were at the mall near your company, we bumped into someone. Not really a stranger, just the old gentleman who visited your office the first time Theresa went there."

Brandon's brows furrowed instantly, his dad?

"Did he say anything to Theresa?" Brandon asked.

Grace shook her head, "No, he just stared at Theresa. But she seemed scared of him. Kept clutching my hand and hiding behind me whenever he looked her way."novelbin

Brandon queried, "And then?"

Grace uttered, "The old gentleman seemed kinda peeved, furrowed his brows, and snapped at her, 'What are you hiding for?' He didn't come over to hold her, just muttered something."

Grace hesitated, glancing at Brandon, unsure if she should relay the words.

Brandon glanced back, "What'd he say?"

"He said 'A woman who can't present herself decently can't raise a child to be lively and outgoing. Might as well let us teach them." Grace's voice trailed off, stealing glances at Brandon as she spoke, "He seemed busy at that time, said his piece and left with someone who looked like an assistant. I haven't had the chance to tell Sophia yet."

"Let's not tell her just yet," Brandon suggested, his handsome face betraying no thoughts.

Grace nodded, "Okay. After they left, Theresa just wanted to go home, holding my hand. She didn't seem off then, didn't fuss about finding her mom or anything."

"Alright, got it." Brandon nodded, "If you run into him or anyone else who's not nice to Theresa again, just give me a call."

"Will do," Grace agreed quietly.

Brandon glanced at Theresa, who was still sound asleep on the bed, wondering if her sudden outbursts were related to encountering Daniel or perhaps the encounter had triggered a nightmare, leading to her unusual behavior.

A chill lingered beneath his calm gaze. Brandon glanced at his watch, instructed Grace to take good care of Theresa, and left.

He made his way to the current residence of Daniel and Patricia. As soon as he stepped through the front door, he saw Nell, who was responsible for taking care of Daniel, packing his luggage.

Brandon's brows knitted slightly, "Where to?"