The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 416

"What's up?" Don noticed the mood was off and cracked a smile trying to lighten things up, "Isn't today the project bidding? That's a reason to celebrate, why the long faces?"

But Brandon wasn't having any of it. His gaze was fixed firmly on Marian without a flicker. "Let her explain."

Don's heart skipped a beat at Brandon's stern tone. He glanced at Marian involuntarily and just then, his eyes accidentally caught the large screen behind her. The familiar design blueprints caught his eye, and his smile faded in an instant, his expression turning somber as he turned to Marian.

"Is this the resort you designed?"

Don asked, the pitch of his voice rising uncontrollably.

Brandon's demeanor, Theresa's accusation, and Don's questioning tone – the different voices carried the same doubt. Even Martin, who was usually slow on the uptake, realized something was amiss with the blueprints.

"Marian!"

His voice turned sharp as he spun around to point at the design on the big screen, "Tell me, where did this blueprint come from?"

"I-I..."

Marian stuttered, unable to hold back any longer, her lips quivered and she burst into tears, crying so hard she couldn't get her words out.

Louis looked on, his heart aching for her, quickly went over to give her a hug, gently patting her shoulder to comfort her.

"It's okay, it's okay. Just tell the truth. I will understand."

But the more he tried to console her, the more heartbroken Marian cried, sobbing and apologizing to Louis. "Grandpa, I'm sorry. I've let you down."

Brandon watched Marian's breakdown with indifference, his gaze coldly passing over her shoulder to Martin.

Martin's brows were still furrowed, showing no sympathy for the sobbing Marian.

As for the icy look Brandon shot his way, Martin simply met it with a silent glance before looking away.

Brandon, too, averted his gaze to Sophia.

Sophia just silently watched Marian clinging to Louis and crying, her expression somewhat dazed.

At that moment, Theresa also noticed Sophia and excitedly grabbed her hand, joyfully exclaiming. "Mom, I found the drawing you lost!"

She said this, pointing at the large screen with surprise and delight.

Sophia smiled at her, gently stroked her hair and softly responded. "Yeah, Theresa, you're awesome."

Martin was close enough to catch the mother-daughter exchange.

He turned to Sophia. "Is it your design?"

Sophia nodded firmly without hesitation. "Yes, it's my work."