The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 264

Susan was tasked with reviewing a project where her company's mall was hoping to bag the Starlight Hotel as a tenant.

She didn't see a bright future for their mall and shot down the idea on the spot.

But Brandon went above his paygrade, took matters into his own hands, and personally took over the project.

Because of this, she got booted from the West district by the higher-ups.

The bosses didn't see her potential, so they shipped her off with the director to cut her teeth in the overseas market. Two years have flown by with no return ticket in sight, but quitting just wasn't her style.

Brandon lightly pressed his long fingers against the rim of his glass, then looked at her and said, "She's different."

"Because she's tight with Sophia?" Hannah pressed, her voice sharpening unwillingly, "You have a thing for Sophia."

Brandon's expression turned icy, "That's none of your business."

Hannah wasn't intimidated by his frosty demeanor and kept pushing, "If you're so into her, why the divorce?"

She glanced outside at Sophia and Ivan, "She obviously doesn't want you."

Brandon's eyes went cold, but his voice stayed calm, "Hannah, you're crossing the line!"

"I'm just stating the facts," Hannah said fearlessly, locking eyes with him, "She dumped you back in senior year, did the same two years ago, and it's no different now."

She looked outside at Sophia again, then back at Brandon, "If she cared about you, she wouldn't be indifferent to your blind dates and remarrying."

"What's it to you?" Brandon asked, his tone flat.

Hannah chuckled, "You're still the same cold fish, not giving an inch of warmth."

Brandon just stared at her, motionless, "Cut to the chase. What do you want?"

Hannah's smile widened, "Mr. Crawley, you are always the sharp one."

Leaning in a bit closer, she looked into his eyes and said slowly, "Brandon, you're looking for someone to play house with, just to get over Sophia, right? Easy peasy. I'll play along, just transfer me back to the headquarters."

Brandon remained still, letting her finish.

Hannah continued, "You want to get married, I'm game. You want a divorce, I'll go along with that too. We can sign a prenup. I don't want your money or any husbandly duties, and you can't expect anything from me. Marriage would just be for show."

"You think too highly of yourself."

Brandon's lips barely moved, his expression unreadable.

Hannah wasn't put off and smiled at him, "Don't be too quick to say no. You might not find another deal like this. Not many out there who don't want your money or your love."

Brandon's lips curled into a faint, hollow smile, still not taking the bait.

Hannah kept her grin, "Or let's compromise. You get me back to HQ, and I'll test the waters to see if Sophia really doesn't care about your dating and remarrying."

Brandon's smile turned cold and dismissive, "Not necessary."

He leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed, glancing outside at Sophia.

Sophia, for her part, seemed caught off guard, smiling awkwardly when she caught his gaze, then turned to Ivan.

Brandon watched without a word.

Hannah was right about one thing—Sophia didn't care, so she remained indifferent.

Always indifferent.

Even stumbling upon him on a blind date with another woman, she'd just smile and wish them well.

Sophia's discomfort grew under the weight of Brandon's gaze.

She tried to ignore the feeling, but it was impossible.

The image of him chatting up Hannah replayed in her head, and while Sophia was happy for him on a logical level, emotionally, something felt sour, but she couldn't pinpoint it.

Sophia didn't let herself dwell on these feelings. Noting that Ivan was almost done eating, she apologized, "I've got some stuff to deal with at home, so I'll head out."

"I'll walk you."

Ivan stood up with her.

As they rose, Sophia inevitably locked eyes with Brandon and Don inside.

Being acquaintances, she felt obliged to say goodbye, "We've got to run, enjoy your meal."

Hannah smiled, "Sure, stay safe out there."

Don also waved, "Take care."

Only Brandon remained seated, his penetrating gaze fixed on her.

Sophia managed a tight smile towards him, a nod of acknowledgment, then bent down to grab her bag.

Suddenly, Brandon stood up, to the surprise of Don and Hannah, and strode straight to Sophia. He bent over, grabbed her arm, and without looking back, whisked her out of the door.

By the time Ivan realized what was happening, Sophia was already being dragged away by Brandon. They reached his car, he opened the door, shoved her in, and then got in himself. The car sped off into the night.

Both Don and Hannah were stunned at the scene, and then ran out when they did, only saw the back of the car.

Ivan also stood at the front door and stared at the leaving car emotionlessly.

Don shot him a glance, showing sympathy, and then patted his shoulder.

Ivan smiled back, “I gonna back home then.”