The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 288

"Madam," Sophia softened her voice, offering gentle reassurance, "Why don't you head back and get some rest? I'll come visit in a couple of days, okay?"

Renata shook her head on the spot. "Nope, you should stay over. Otherwise, you'll vanish again in no time."

Sophia was momentarily stumped and turned to look at the others for help.

The others were equally at a loss, taking turns trying to patiently persuade the stubborn Renata, who was adamant about leaving with Sophia.

Just as the standoff continued, Patricia's puzzled voice rang out from behind. "What's going on here?"

Sophia had her back to Patricia as she faced Renata. Hearing the voice, she hesitated for a split second, her lips pursing slightly, but she didn't turn around.

The others, not catching Sophia's reaction, had already turned their attention to Patricia and Daniel, who was stepping out of the car.

"What brings you here?" Rachel asked with a smile.

"We heard Renata went missing and were worried sick, so we rushed over," Patricia said with forced casualness as she approached with concern, "How is it? Did you find her?"

"Yeah, we found her, thanks to Sophia here."

Rachel said with a smile, then turned to introduce Sophia, "See, Renata still won't let her leave."

"Sophia?"

Patricia frowned, instinctively looking up at Renata before noticing Sophia standing beside her, her frown deepening.

Daniel had also locked the car and was walking over when he saw Sophia, slowing his pace.

Noticing the odd expressions, Rachel frowned slightly, "Do you guys know each other?"

Patricia wanted to say that Sophia was Brandon's ex-wife, but seeing Marian and the entire Frost family there, and not wanting to dredge up Brandon's past marriage and possibly create an awkward situation, she just laughed it off without responding.

Sophia didn't respond either and wasn't keen on sticking around. She turned to Renata with patience, "Madam, I really have to go. Could you please go back and rest?"

Perhaps sensing Sophia's change in mood, Renata's grip on Sophia's hand loosened a bit, her confused face showing a hint of hurt.

Sophia was flooded with guilt but forced herself to steel her heart and not intervene.

Renata, reluctant to let go, came up with a compromise after some thought, "Then could you leave your phone number? I'll call you when I have the time, okay?"

Patricia, trying to be helpful, chimed in, "Renata, no need for that. We've got plenty of people here. Anything comes up, just reach out to us. No need to trouble Sophia."

"Shut your trap." Renata suddenly snapped at her with a cold face.

Patricia was taken aback.

Having known Renata for years, before and after her illness, she had always been graceful, kind, and gentle, speaking softly and never raising her voice, let alone scolding anyone. This was the first time Patricia had been rebuked and she was momentarily at a loss for words. When she did recover, the embarrassment of being scolded in public made her complexion worsen.

Rachel, also not expecting the outburst, quickly stepped in to soothe Patricia, "Renata's been getting worse lately, and her temper's been a bit off. Don't take it to heart."

Patricia forced a laugh, "It's okay. I just didn't want someone to take advantage of her in her confused state."

This comment seemed to trigger Renata again.

Turning to push Patricia away, Renata insisted, "Get out, get out now! Don't you dare talk about my Yoli like that."

Everyone was shocked by her reaction and worried she might hurt herself, so they quickly stepped in to hold her back.

Renata, however, pushed the others away, protectively placing Sophia behind her, and reassured Sophia like comforting a baby, "Don't be scared, Yoli. I'm here, and no one's gonna mess with you."

Tears threatened to spill from Sophia's eyes as she was overwhelmed with emotion. She turned her head slightly, holding the tears back with great effort.

She crouched down to be at eye level with Renata, choking up as she thanked her, "Thank you, madam. I'm okay."

Seeing the tears welling up in Sophia's eyes, Renata clumsily lifted her hand, trying to wipe them away, while soothingly saying, "Don't cry, Yoli."

Sophia had never been comforted and protected like this before. Unable to hold back any longer, her tears cascaded down.

Renata, Louis, and the others panicked, hurrying forward to help.

"I'm fine." Sophia sniffed awkwardly, quickly making up an excuse, "I just suddenly thought of my granny."

Everyone assumed she was overcome with emotion and breathed a sigh of relief.

Renata raised her hand to wipe Sophia's tears, and Sophia let her caress her cheeks without resistance.

After a while, Renata slowly retracted her hand, and Sophia said goodbye once more.

This time Renata didn't stop her but shakily took out her phone, insisting on getting Sophia's number.

Patricia watched anxiously, wanting to intervene but held back, remembering Renata's earlier outburst.