The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 224

Zachary and Alex, worried about a brawl breaking out, quickly stepped in to pull Ivan back.

"We can talk this through, man."

Zachary tried to mediate.

Sophia didn't want to ruin the day's festivities over herself and turned to Brandon, "Brandon, do I have to clearly state that I've got a boyfriend before you'll back off?"

Brandon's eyes suddenly turned fierce, his grip on her wrist tightened suddenly, then just as quickly releasing when he noticed her furrowed brow.

His voice was eerily calm: "Sophia, you're cornering me."

"It's you who's cornering me." Sophia retorted, her gaze steady and unyielding as she locked eyes with him.

Their standoff had Don worried sick, especially upon seeing Brandon's bloody hand. He feared prolonging the confrontation might permanently cripple the hand, not to mention how deep the glass had cut.

He hurriedly intervened, "Alright, alright, let's talk about this later. We all work together; nobody’s going anywhere. Go and get that wound taken care of first."

Don moved to push Brandon away but got swatted with his injured hand, splashing blood across his face.

Sophia’s expression shifted subtly at the sight of the blood on Don's face. She glanced at Brandon's injured palm instinctively, then pressed her lips together and looked away, deciding not to intervene.

Seeing Sophia resolve to ignore Brandon, Don didn't bother with niceties and whispered in Brandon's ear, "What are you doing here, man? Everyone's watching."

Brandon didn’t reply to him, his gaze still locked on Sophia.

"So, you're not coming with me no matter what today?" he asked.

Sophia gave a slight nod, "Mhm."

Brandon prodded, "What if I say you have to come with me?"

"You can't force me, Brandon." Sophia’s voice was still soft, "Stop it, this isn't you."

"Then what would be 'me'?" Brandon asked, "Sophia, do you really know me?"

Sophia remained silent, pressing her lips together.

"Sophia, I've made a lot of concessions for you," Brandon said, his voice softening.

So this time, he wouldn't compromise, no matter what.

Even though he knew deep down that this scene—of him and her—felt like a farce.

Don said, and quickly followed after Brandon.

Their figures disappeared at the entrance of the villa.

Zachary looked at Sophia with concern.

Sophia's eyes were reddening as she lowered her gaze and said her goodbyes: "Mr. Gardner, I'm going back first."

Zachary nodded, without trying to stop her, "Go rest up."

Sophia nodded slightly, "Thank you."

Ivan also turned to say goodbye to Zachary, then followed Sophia to escort her.

Sophia raised her hand in a stop gesture, without even turning back.

Ivan was compelled to halt, and he watched Sophia leaving with a complicated look in his eyes.

Sophia didn’t speak again, and walked away without turning her head back.