The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 83

Daniel had already gotten used to Patricia's thoughtful companionship, and even relied on her to the point where his initial intentions of a mutually beneficial relationship had evolved into genuine care. So, when he saw Brandon snub Patricia, his face turned stormy in an instant. "What's with that attitude? Is that any way to treat your mom?"

Brandon spun around, glaring at him. "My mom's been dead for ages."

Patricia's face stiffened.

Then Brandon turned to Patricia and Daniel. "Did you guys hit up Sophia the other day?"

Patricia's spirit deflated. She had been warned by Brandon not to contact Sophia.

"Just ran into her at school and chit-chatted a bit," Patricia's voice faded, even sounding a bit shaky.

"Just a chat?" Brandon's lips curled up slightly, but he quickly composed himself and looked at her calmly, "Mrs. Crawley, I used to call you 'mom' out of respect for your situation, but let's get one thing straight. Just because you are my stepmother doesn't mean you get to badmouth or meddle with my people. If there's a next time, don't expect me to hold back."

Patricia's face turned sour.

Daniel was also fuming. "Brandon, what the hell are you blabbering about? Apologize to your mom, now."

"You too, Dad," Brandon continued, "I hope I don't have to stop calling you 'dad' after today."

Daniel was livid.

Patricia forced a smile. "Let's all chill, no hard feelings. It's my bad, just happened to bump into her that day. I thought it'd be nice to catch up over a meal. I didn't realize Sophia was so against it."

Brandon shot her a glance. "Shut it!"

Patricia and Daniel fell silent.

Both had always known Brandon as a self-disciplined and calm individual, always polite and composed. They were taken aback by his blunt and harsh choice of words.

Louis's family lived next door and, with their door ajar, had overheard the commotion. Curious, Louis opened the door wider.

Louis, having weathered many storms, quickly surmised there was a family spat and tried to play peacemaker with a chuckle. "What's going on here? Why's everyone looking so sour?"

Then he turned to Brandon with a warm invitation. "Hey, little Crawley, come on over tonight. Martin has invited Yolanda over for dinner. You should join. It's been a while since you two caught up."