The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 451

Sophia totally brushed off his grumpiness.

She didn't swing by today to ruffle Daniel's feathers - she wouldn't be able to handle the guilt if she ticked him off to death. The only reason she checked up on his health was because it was going to set the stage for their chat.

Seeing Sophia stay mum, Daniel couldn't help but sneak another peek at her, yet there wasn't a trace of anger or hurt on her face.

All she did was calmly grab a chair, take a seat, and turn to him, "If you're feeling up to it, let's talk. If not, we can always catch up another day. You should rest up."

Her voice was gentle, smooth, and soothing, lacking the fiery comeback he had braced for.

This chilled-out Sophia threw Daniel for a loop, leaving him with a belly full of gripes he couldn't vent. He glared at her for a good while before finally turning his face away with a huff, "I'm fine; let's talk."

"Alright then."

Sophia cut straight to the chase, no beating around the bush, "You called me here 'cause you want me to leave Brandon, right?"

Her voice remained soft and serene. Daniel gave her a look but said nothing.

Sophia's gaze met his, "I can leave, but I'm taking my daughter with me. Once I'm gone, I promise I won't come back."

Daniel eyed her suspiciously, "What's your angle?"

"I don't have any conditions." Sophia whispered, "Just take care of your health; that's all."

Daniel

couldn't help but scrutinize her, his eyes searching. This wasn't the response he was expecting.

Sophia let him look her over, her voice still calm and gentle, "You don't have to look at me like that. I'm not interested in your family, not in the wealth, the clout, the status, nothing. All I want is my daughter, but Brandon won't let us go right now. So, I need you to buy us some time, or else we're stuck."

Daniel stared at Sophia, not daring to agree.

"I know it's risky, which is why you need to be in good shape first."

Sophia left it unsaid, but the implication was clear - a spat with Brandon could land him back in the ER.

Daniel caught her drift and snapped, "Since when am I afraid of my own son?"

"That's even better." Sophia looked at him, "Once I've made the arrangements, you help me hold him off."

Sophia didn't want to push his buttons, so she softened her voice, "Don't worry. I won't throw you under the bus. Before I go, I'll leave him a letter explaining everything. It's all on me, not you."

Daniel looked at her skeptically, "Why the sudden urge to bolt?"

"It's not sudden." Sophia explained, gazing at him, "I've always wanted to leave. If it wasn't for the Zenitha-style resort project, I wouldn't have come back. Now that the project's underway, there's no reason for me to stick around."

"And that little girl." Daniel thought of Theresa, his granddaughter he had seen at the company, Brandon's daughter, and felt a twinge of something complex.

"My daughter must be with me." Sophia insisted, "Leaving her behind would only complicate Brandon's chance to remarry. Your family won't miss one granddaughter, and Brandon will eventually marry someone you approve of, giving you the perfect family you desire; you’ll have as many grandkids as you want. Plus, once I'm gone, my family won't dare bother you again. It's a win-win for you; what's there to hesitate?"

Daniel looked at her skeptically, "Can you really let go of Brandon just like that?"

Sophia nodded, "Yeah, I'm over him."

Daniel gave her a doubtful look but after a pause, he nodded, "Alright, I agree."

"I don't agree!"

Brandon's cold, stern voice filled the room as the door burst open.