The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 17

Susan said, "Back in school, everyone was buzzing about them being an item. And now, what a coincidence they end up at the same company, with Brandon giving her such a high-profile gig. I'm not buying it for a second that Brandon doesn't have a thing for Hannah."

"From what you're saying, it looks like I might have been the third wheel," Sophia said quietly, instantly putting a lid on Susan's grumbling.

"That's different," Susan shot back. "Whatever might or might not have happened between them back then, when you and Brandon crossed paths, you were both single and ready to mingle."

Seeing Susan getting all worked up on her behalf warmed Sophia's heart.

"Don't sweat it, Brandon's not that kind of guy," Sophia reassured her. "If he agreed to split, it's just because we weren't a good fit, and that's the end of it."

"Alright then," Susan said, not wanting to stir the pot. "Sorry for bringing up a sore subject."

Sophia chuckled, "No biggie, I'm not made of glass, and for the record, I was the one who dumped Brandon, okay?"

"Fair enough. He should be the one crying a river for letting a catch like you slip through his fingers. He'll regret it big time," Susan said with a laugh. "Don't worry, I'll get our revenge. Once I take over the Starlight Group, I'll hop on the next flight to come hang with you and my goddaughter."

Sophia laughed, "I'm holding you to that. Can't wait to hear the good news."

"You got it," Susan said cheerfully, finally getting back to business. "But seriously, think long and hard about whether you want to keep the kid. I'm all bark and no bite when it comes to this stuff, but at the end of the day, you're the one who's pregnant, your life's the one getting turned upside down, and you're the one who's gonna be responsible for the baby's future. I can only tell you this much. Whatever decision you make, I've got your back one hundred percent," Susan added. "If you decide to keep the baby, I'll be right there with you. I've got my nutritionist cert; taking care of a pregnant lady and a baby should be a walk in the park. And don't worry about my career. Our company has branches over there, too. I can request a lateral move overseas anytime as long as I pass the assessment, and if I want to come back later, I just apply for a transfer."

Sophia nodded. "Got it."

"Take your time thinking it over. There's no rush. You still have time," Susan glanced at her watch. "You better hit the hay, I've got to head to work."

Sophia nodded, hung up the phone, turned off the light, and was about to get some sleep when she remembered the project Susan had mentioned.

Sophia and Susan didn't talk shop too often, but she had heard Susan vent about work stuff now and then.

She remembered Susan was recently hustling for new tenants for the East Lake District shopping area.

Sophia thought for a moment, then shot Susan a text. [Are you talking about getting Starlight Hotel on board? If so, you might have to go through Hannah. She just joined the company at the start of the year, still pretty green and trying to find her footing. I bet she's playing it safe right now, picking sure bets to prove her chops. Your project's got a long ROI horizon and is high-risk. I don't think Hannah would dare to take a gamble and send it up the chain. Your company might get axed right off the bat.]

Susan had just wrapped up her prep when she saw the message and her heart skipped a beat. She immediately video-called Sophia back. "Is Hannah in market expansion too?"

If Hannah was the one handling it, setting aside investment returns and risks, Susan figured Hannah would toss out their proposal without a second glance, especially since she had royally ticked off Hannah back in their senior year of high school.

Back in the day, Hannah was the class knockout, acing tests and turning heads with her good looks. She had everyone wrapped around her finger, which kind of went to her head. She came off as a bit too cool for school, looking down on everyone. Maybe she was just born with a chill vibe and wasn't keen on getting too chummy with folks. But Susan, young and feisty as she was, didn't take too kindly to Hannah's nose-in-the-air attitude and couldn't help but needle her whenever she got the chance.

Things really got interesting when Sophia transferred in. She was so cute that you just can't help but like—sweet, demure, and not one to toot her own horn. She was the kind of girl that guys go gaga over. Plus, she looked a bit younger than the rest, so naturally, the spotlight started shifting from Hannah to Sophia. Susan took a shine to Sophia’s down-to-earth personality, and since Sophia turned out to be a secret brainiac, Susan shamelessly glued herself to Sophia, and soon they were BFFs. Hannah, whether it was jealousy over Sophia stealing her thunder or because Susan kept poking her, started giving Sophia the cold shoulder, treating her with disdain.

Sophia ended up being desk mates with Hannah, and being the new kid, she had loads of questions about the new digs and its rules. Hannah would act all aloof, barely giving her the time of day, answering with a half-hearted glance and a frosty word here and there. Susan, fiercely protective, couldn't stand seeing Sophia treated like that and got even more sarcastic with Hannah, totally dissing her, which only deepened the bad blood between them. When they graduated, they didn't even bother saying goodbye.

Little did Susan expect that her high school shenanigans would come back to bite her. As fate would have it, she was about to cross paths with Hannah once again.