The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 207

Brandon was already on his feet.

"Sorry, Mr. Temple, gotta jet—got stuff to handle. Enjoy your meal."

No sooner had he finished speaking than he was pushing back his chair and turning to leave.

Gavin's heart skipped a beat and he quickly stood up, calling out to Brandon, "Mr. Crawley, let's talk this out."

As he moved to grab Brandon, Kent, quick as a flash, intercepted him.

"Mr. Temple, Mr. Crawley's got a full plate right now."

Gavin, blocked by Kent, was stopped dead in his tracks, forced to watch helplessly as Brandon pushed the door open and left the private room.

"Kent, what's the deal here?"

Unable to get a hold of Brandon for some straight talk, Gavin had no choice but to turn to Kent, clueless as to why Brandon had suddenly bailed on the deal.

"Well. Mr. Temple, this contract between our companies is a two-way street, strictly speaking. It's the Starlight Group throwing the Horizon Group a lifeline here. Don't get it twisted about who owes who a favor."

Kent kept it light with a smile, maintaining the pleasantries.

But he didn't make it crystal clear.

Gavin's last remark seemed casual, but it was pretty obvious he was paving the way for his daughter. He implied that he approved the contract on account of his daughter taking a shine to Brandon, hoping Brandon would appreciate the gesture for his daughter's sake.

But Gavin didn't seem to consider who Brandon was. Not to mention that Brandon hadn't even taken a second look at Gavin's daughter, even if he had, he wouldn't need to bank any favors from Tia.

The current situation was basically the Starlight Group doing the Horizon Group a solid. If Brandon hadn't been swayed by a bit of college nostalgia, he wouldn't have bothered with the project at all.

Gavin's attempt at subtle manipulation had backfired, making it seem like he was the one doing Brandon a favor for his daughter's sake.

Gavin's smile started to falter at Kent's explanation.

Without further ado, Kent excused himself, "Mr. Temple, I'll be taking off, too. We'll catch up later."

Without waiting for Gavin to respond, he grabbed the unsigned contract from the table, tore it up completely with a swift cross of his hands, and left.

Downstairs, Kent spotted Brandon waiting in the car, his expression serene.

"Mr. Crawley, are you just going to drop the project like that?"

Once in the car, Kent couldn't help but ask.

Even though he had a pretty good idea of the reasons, it seemed a shame for Brandon to let go of the project after investing so much effort and time into it.

Brandon was not the type to easily give up on something he'd put his mind and time into.

"No."

His answer was short and to the point, leaving no room for debate.

As he spoke, Brandon was already starting the engine.

"It just seems like a waste to let it go," Kent mused, wondering if this was Brandon's way of keeping his distance from Sophia—or any woman, for that matter.

Brandon glanced at him but offered no explanation.

"Back to West district tomorrow."

"Okay."

Kent nodded, checking the time—it was still early.

He remembered he had yet to catch up with Susan after coming all this way, so he shot her a WhatsApp message. [Ms. Cooper, how about dinner tonight?]

Brandon turned to give him a look.

Quick to clarify, Kent laughed, "Susan. I'm asking Susan out."

"Just thought I'd follow through on our plan since I'm in town and heading back tomorrow. Gotta ask her out."

He added, then turned to Brandon, "Mr. Crawley, wanna join?"

There was a moment of surprise on the other end, followed by a cautious voice, "Brandon?"

Brandon said, "It's me."

Susan chuckled awkwardly, "Mr. Crawley, long time no see."

"Indeed. Long time. Can you make it for dinner tonight, Ms. Cooper?"

Susan sounded troubled. "Mr. Crawley, I've got to work late these next couple of days. I don't think I can make it."

"What about tomorrow night?"

"Working late then, too."

"Weekends as well? You sure are busy, Ms. Cooper.”

“You employers sure do oppress us workers."

Brandon's lips quirked up in a smirk but it faded quickly, "Ms. Cooper, are you really swamped, or are you just not in the city?"

Susan kept silent.

"Ms. Cooper?"

On the other end of the line, Susan chuckled, "Of course I'm in the city."

"So, Ms. Cooper, are you able to shoot over your location?"

Susan didn't say anything.

"If you don't want to spill the beans on your exact spot, just the city will do."

Susan still kept silent.

"Is it a bad time for you, Ms. Cooper?"