The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 248

Sophia wasn't exactly thrilled about riding in Brandon's car.

They'd let loose way too much during that day and a half, and now being in a confined space with him was a bit too awkward for comfort.

"Mr. Dempsey, how about I hitch a ride with you?" Sophia caught Don just as he was about to get in his car, "It's the perfect chance to chat about the design proposal for the property project. We've gotta nail it down by tomorrow."

"Don's first reaction was to glance over at Brandon.

Brandon, who had just yanked open his driver's side door, seemed neither surprised nor upset by Sophia's request. He didn't put up any objections.

Without a word, he bent down, slid into the driver's seat, buckled up, and smoothly hit the unlock button for the passenger door.

The passenger door popped open.

Kent couldn't quite read whether that was a cue for him to get in or for Sophia. He also couldn't make heads or tails of what the deal was between Brandon and Sophia right now. The tension seemed to have fizzled out, leaving behind an eerie calm.

He and Don exchanged "what the heck" looks. How could locking a guy and a girl in a room for a day and a half end up making them more distant?

Don responded with a similarly clueless gaze.

Kent might not have been able to see through the situation, but he knew how to read Brandon's mood. The old Brandon was distant around Sophia, but there was always a bit of a spark there. Today, Brandon was as chill as a cucumber, not a hint of irritation in sight.

Kent figured since Brandon wasn't peeved, it wouldn't hurt to let Sophia take the passenger seat in his ride.

So Kent gave Sophia a smile and said, "Ms. Yearwood, work can wait, right? Mr. Dempsey's gonna drive on the freeway. You can't expect him to multitask."

Don chimed in too, "Yeah, driving's no joke. You can't be distracted. We'll talk shop later, no rush."

They didn't spell it out, but their "no way, Jose" was pretty clear.

Sophia just smiled and nodded, "Alright." She turned and headed towards Brandon's car, taking the passenger seat. The car slowly made a U-turn and drove off.

"You haven't had much rest these past couple of days. I'll drop you off at home, and you can take a leave today," Brandon said calmly as they pulled away.

Seeing the familiar surroundings, Sophia turned to Brandon and said, "Just drop me off at the entrance. I need to pick up a package."

Brandon nodded and pulled the car up to the entrance of her complex. Sophia said her goodbyes and got out.

"Get some rest when you're back," he told her through the car window.

Sophia nodded, "You too, take care of yourself."

After parting ways, she walked into the complex. Brandon watched her disappear at the entrance before restarting the engine.

On the way back, he'd pass the mall where he last took Theresa to play the claw machine. As he drove by, he instinctively glanced at the mall.

Theresa was at the playground set up at the entrance, about to slide down the slide. She looked up, spotted Brandon in the car, and excitedly waved, "Handsome Unkie!"

Brandon gave her a surprised look and instinctively eased his foot onto the brake. Theresa slid down the slide, scrambled to her feet, and stumbled excitedly towards Brandon's car.