The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 326

Sophia didn't give a hoot about Daniel and Patricia as she coolly strutted onto the stage amidst thunderous applause and gasps of awe.

Despite her limited experience in the limelight, she wasn't the least bit shaky. She politely and graciously took the mic from Don, gave a bow to thank the crowd, and only started her speech once the clapping died down.

Her address was short and sweet, basically a shout-out to the company, big thanks to Don and the Starlight Group for the gig, props to everyone for their recognition, followed by a quick dive into why she designed the project in the first place. She kept her pace steady, her tone neither too humble nor haughty, exuding a cool confidence without a trace of nerves.

Sitting among the audience, Patricia had a face like thunder as she eyed Sophia on stage, her expression a mixed bag of emotions.

Though Don had mentioned the head designer was Vivian, she never thought Sophia was the lead designer, Vivian, even knowing she was a hotshot grad from a world-class uni and now the design head honcho at Star·Dempsey Architects. To her, Sophia's achievements were just something money could buy, like how Daniel would set her up with a company to play at being an investor, picking any old fancy title she fancied. Profits are a bonus; losses, no biggie.

In her mind, Brandon probably saw Sophia in the same light.

Good ol' responsible Brandon, marrying Sophia to fulfill his granddad's dying wish but never treating her right, just leaving her to twiddle her thumbs in an empty house for years. And since Brandon had Yolanda on the brain, Sophia must've been clued in.

So, when they split, Brandon, feeling guilty for wasting two years of her life, decided to splash some cash and give her a golden ticket. In Patricia's eyes, it made perfect sense.

Daniel, wanting to save face, had also gilded her up, but with a degree you can actually buy, going beyond Patricia's grasp of how things work.

Even bumping into Sophia in the green room, Patricia never connected the dots between her and her dazzling work.

Sophia was too young, her Zenithan-style resort design too dazzling. Patricia couldn't fathom linking such a young chick to such a masterpiece. In her book, a legit designer should be pushing 35, loaded with smarts, experience, and eloquence, not the Sophia she pictured as a young homebody good for nothing.

Daniel was in the same boat, looking like he'd seen a ghost.

He was just as twisted up inside as Patricia, including the embarrassment of openly fawning over this girl they'd looked down on, not knowing she was the mastermind they'd been praising.

Getting slapped in the face like that is no walk in the park.

Backstage, Don couldn't help but sneak peeks at Daniel and Patricia, curious about what they were going through upon realizing their snubbed daughter-in-law was their beloved designer.

Unfortunately, the ceremony wasn't over, so no chance for a heart-to-heart just yet.

Don felt a twinge of regret as his eyes drifted back to Brandon.

Brandon was all eyes on Sophia, arms crossed, a hint of a smile, his deep gaze filled with quiet pride and genuine joy for her success.

Patricia and Daniel noticed his look, and it only soured their mood further.

Thinking of Don's sly secrecy turned their expressions even darker, feeling like the last to know, played for fools.

Sophia didn't even glance at Patricia and Daniel, only instinctively catching Brandon's eye after wrapping up her speech.

Brandon shot her a smile and a subtle clap, his eyes never leaving her.