The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 523

Brandon's car made it to the construction site just in the nick of time. He hit the brakes hard as the site plunged into darkness, bringing the car to an abrupt halt.

Theresa, who'd been on the verge of dozing off, was jolted awake by the sudden stop. Confused, she looked towards the dark construction site and called out tentatively, "Daddy?"

Brandon pulled up the handbrake and started unfastening his seatbelt as he turned to look at her, "Theresa, stay in the car with your godmother and Grace while Daddy goes to find Mommy, okay?"

Theresa shook her head frantically, fear in her eyes, "No, I want to go with Daddy to find Mommy."

"It's raining outside, and it's too dark in there. It could be dangerous, and Daddy won't be able to keep an eye on you. Be a good girl and wait here with your godmother and auntie."

Brandon's voice was gentle, but it carried an undertone of firmness that wasn't to be argued with. He then looked over at Susan and Grace, "I'm counting on you to look after Theresa. I'm going to check things out."

Susan and Grace nodded in unison, "Of course."

He handed the car keys to Susan, "There's no signal inside, so we might not be able to stay in touch. You take the driver's seat, and if anything goes south, head straight to the hotel."

"Got it," Susan said, taking the keys.

Theresa wriggled, trying to break free from Grace's embrace, crying and protesting, wanting to follow Brandon.

Brandon leaned in to give her a hug, his warm palm tenderly stroking her cheek and hair, before planting a kiss on her cheek.

"Listen to me!"

His voice was hoarse with emotion as he let her go, pushing through her cries and stepping out of the car. The situation inside was unknown, and this time he couldn't indulge her desire to come along.

By the time they reached the entrance, a security guard called out from the booth, his flashlight beam cutting through the darkness, "Hold it right there. This is a construction site; you can't just waltz in."

Brandon didn't break his stride, simply lifting his work ID for the guard to see. Once the guard got a good look at the words "Project Manager, President of Starlight Group: Brandon", his demeanor instantly turned respectful, "Mr. Crawley."

"Open the gate!" Brandon's urgent pace was halted by the barrier, and he spoke in a cool tone.

The guard quickly scrambled to operate the gate.

As soon as it opened, Brandon didn't miss a beat and strode towards the construction area, fishing out his cell phone to try making a call once more.

Sure enough, even his phone had no signal.