The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 363

Sophia just couldn't break it down for her.

Saying "no" would just lead to a "why not", and then she'd have to wade into the whole messy divorce talk.

The kiddo was still in her curious-as-a-cat phase, her head buzzing with a gazillion questions about the world.

She was sharp as a tack for her age, and Sophia figured if she told her "no”, Theresa would probably start comparing notes with her little pals, wondering why everyone else's mom and dad were hitched but hers weren't, which would just snowball into an avalanche of whys.

But saying "yes" would be like feeding her another fairy tale.

"Theresa," Sophia mulled it over for a sec and then went for a middle-of-the-road kind of answer, whispering, "Mommy and Daddy are co-workers, and we were classmates too, just like you and Mia back in the day."

Brandon gave Sophia a look but kept it zipped.

Theresa sort of half-got it and nodded, "Okay."

"How about we grab some fruit, eh?" Sophia seized the chance to switch gears, handing her a slice of dragon fruit.

Theresa was instantly distracted, "Okay. Thanks, Mom."

Sophia patted her head with a smile and then turned to Brandon.

Brandon was eyeing her with a look that was deep and calm, making Sophia suddenly self-conscious.

"Anyway," she tried to change the subject, "what got into you to bring Theresa to the company?"

"She was bored stiff at home, and neither of us could really take the time to hang with her, so I thought I'd bring her along." Brandon explained, his gaze softening, "You worried about something?"

"Nah," Sophia shook her head, "you're just gonna spoil her rotten."

He got why they were distant; they were pretty much stuck together now because of the kid. So he didn't go blurting out jokes like Don, just smiled and chimed in, "Mr. Dempsey, with Mr. Crawley here all set with his daughter, maybe it's your turn to have one."

Don shot him a glance, "You haven't gone for it; why should I rush?"

"I'm worried you might get held back," Kent said, pulling up a chair and turning to tease Theresa.

The little one was sweet as pie, calling out to him, "Kent."

"Such a good girl." Kent said with a smile, and then teased her, "How come you're not with Susan today?"

"She wants to sleep in," Theresa replied in her baby voice.

"Susan's been beat lately, wanted to catch some Z's." Sophia spoke up for Susan, then remembering Susan's slight huff about Kent yesterday, she smiled at Kent, "You should drop by more often if you're free, Kent. Theresa really likes you."