The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 256

He might not have known the reason, but ever since he stumbled upon the issue, he's tiptoed around the name Yolanda in front of them, even referring to Marian by her current name instead of “Yolanda.”

Just now, seeing Marian's reaction, he blurted out, reminded of young Yolanda clinging to Brandon, without intending to hit a nerve.

Marian seemed oblivious to the subtle change in the air, defiantly eyeing Don. "Who remembers stuff from when they were a kid? We were just little squirts back then. Plus, people change, you know."

Marian glanced at Brandon, giving him a once-over. "I have no idea what my grandpa saw in you, insisting on playing matchmaker with us."

Brandon looked up, giving her a chilly glance. "I'm not interested in you, Ms. Barlow, thanks."

"Feeling's mutual, I'm not into you either, Mr. Crawley, thanks," Marian retorted, her voice rising a notch, as if her tail had been stepped on.

Sophia couldn't help but look up at her.

Marian was puffing up like a blowfish at Brandon.

Suddenly, the phrase "frenemies" popped into Sophia's head.

Usually, those who start off disliking each other end up falling head over heels in love.

She couldn't help but glance at Brandon.

Brandon just happened to look up at her.

Their eyes met mid-air.

Sophia felt like she'd been caught red-handed.

She awkwardly chuckled and turned back to continue discussing the previous plan with Ivan.

Don caught every bit of their reactions. It was always the same, acting all cool and indifferent, but when it came time to really find someone else, they both got all up in arms.

To him, it seemed like Brandon and Sophia were flying kites with each other.

They seemed to revel in the freedom of the vast sky, both letting go, but actually, they were holding onto the strings of each other's kites.

They were simply keeping each other at a safe, controllable distance, and once that control slipped, they'd both go haywire.

He didn't know how long they'd keep up this dance, whether it was tiring. As the go-between, he was definitely worn out.

Under this mindset, Don suddenly felt a mischievous urge to stir the pot.

He looked over at Marian and Brandon with a grin. "You guys know what you look like right now?"

Marian looked at him. "What?"

"Like something straight out of a soap opera," Don said, leaning forward, elbows propped on the conference table, eyeing them both, "Isn't that how they all go? The leads can't stand each other at first, but end up madly in love, right?"

Marian was speechless.

After a moment, she blurted out. "Fuck off!"

Brandon gave him a frosty glance. "Don!"

Don, feigning ignorance, turned to Sophia and Ivan with a grin. "Sophia, don't they remind you of a soap opera?"

Sophia, called out, had to look up and hesitantly nodded. "Um."

Brandon's gaze turned colder at her.

Don, not fearing the consequences, continued. "They've got that soap opera look, too. A handsome man, a pretty woman, the cold and domineering CEO, the feisty and charming spitfire. This ship is solid, right?"

Sophia didn't say anything.

Marian glared at Don speechless. "Don, shut it. You've been watching too many of those dramas. I could never stand him, not an ounce of warmth in him."

Don looked at her with a smile. "Don't make such absolute statements, who knows what might happen?"

Then he couldn't help but sneak a peek at Brandon.

Brandon was tilting his head slightly, staring at him with a warning clear in his eyes.

As if he hadn't noticed, Don turned to Sophia and pressed on. "Right, Sophia?"

Sophia couldn't reply, let alone dare to look at Brandon.

Brandon was the last person who liked being set up, especially in public.

"Mr. Dempsey, don't drag me into this," she said with an awkward smile, trying to change the subject.

Brandon looked at her. "Is this about dragging you into something?"

Sophia's smile stiffened as she pursed her lips, then looked at him. "Isn't this what you want?"

Marian, confused, looked at them. "Want what?"

Don glanced at her, but didn't speak.