The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

The next day, Theresa was back on her feet after a full night's sleep, having completely kicked jet lag to the curb.

She popped out of bed first thing in the morning, her long hair a tousled mess, and pressed her nose against the window, peering

out with bright-eyed curiosity.

Susan had just finished washing up and was applying her skincare products when she saw Theresa's excited face. She couldn't help

but tease, "So, Theresa, where do you wanna hit up today?"

It was Theresa's first trip back to her hcountry, and everything outside - the buildings and faces - was different from what she

was used to abroad.

Not sure where to go and scratching her head, Theresa noticed a children's playground near the entrance of a shopping mall and

pointed, saying, "Over there."

Sophia, who had just brought in breakfast, followed Theresa's pointed finger to look out the window and saw it was a mall named

"the Starry Group."

Hanging from the mall was a banner that faintly showed an indoor children's playground.

She patted Theresa's little head and suggested, "How about we eat breakfast first and then head over?"

"Okay."

Theresa nodded obediently, slid away from the window, slipped on her slippers, and made her way to the bathroom.

Sophia squeezed stoothpaste onto her child-sized toothbrush, and Theresa took it and started brushing her teeth on her own.

Her technique wasn't perfect, but she was getting the hang of it.

Ever since Theresa started walking, Sophia had consciously encouraged her independence, having her take part in her own life, like

carrying her own milk bottle and diapers when they went out.

Kent had booked a flight back to West district for 1 PM.

Before leaving, Brandon squeezed in stto check on the operations at the Starlight Hotel. It was nearly 11 AM by the time

he wrapped up, which left just enough tto dash to the airport.

"Get HR to issue a personnel change notice. Promote Quintin as the Head of Starlight Hotel's branch here," Brandon instructed

Kent as they left the hotel room, his right hand dragging a suitcase.

Kent was taken aback. "Huh? Didn't we plan to recruit someone from outside?"

Quintin was currently in charge of Starlight Hotel's operations in the city, but that was the extent of his role.

The position was vacant, and the company had been looking to hire external talent specialized in hotel management, but had yet

to find the right fit.

"No one's more suitable than him," Brandon stated.

His trip to the city was not only for the Horizon Group acquisition and to check on the Starlight Group's branch but also to swiftly

identify a candidate capable of taking on the regional head role.

After nearly half a month in the area, his observations and assessments confirmed that Quintin had the capacity and the boldness

for the job.

As an employee of the Starlight Hotel for nearly eight years, Quintin had been with the hotel since its inception and knew the ins

and outs better than any outsider could.

"Alright, I'll get on it right away," Kent responded, joining Brandon on the elevator ride down.

The elevator soon reached the lobby, where Kent and Brandon, dragging their suitcases, didn't expect to be approached by a

slender figure running toward them, with a crisp greeting, "Mr. Crawley."

Kent instinctively turned, spotting Tia who had dashed up close.

"Ms. Temple?" Kent greeted her in surprise, giving her a once-over, then scanned the lobby without spotting any luggage that

suggested she was checking in.

Tia, realizing his scrutiny, gave an embarrassed smile, "| cspecially to find you guys. | didn't know which room you were in, so

| had to wait in the lobby."

Kent could barely keep a straight face, stealing a glance at Brandon, whose handsbrow was already furrowed.

Tia seemed oblivious as she looked up at Brandon, "Mr. Crawley, | heard from my dad that you're dropping the Horizon Mall project.

Why is that?"

"Sorry, I'm in a rush. Please consult my assistant for details," Brandon replied coolly, not slowing his stride.

Continuing with his suitcase, his gaze didn't shift toward Tia.

Tia hurried to keep up, "l just wanted to ask you."

Brandon, tall with a long stride, made it hard for her to catch up.

Brandon glanced back at her, "Ms. Temple, | believe we're not acquainted."

Tia was taken aback, embarrassment creeping onto her face, but she persisted, "You clearly liked the project so much. Why drop it

just like that? If you think our demands are too high, | could convince my father for you."

"No need, thank you," he replied, still very cool.

As they spoke, Brandon had reached his car and stopped.

He pulled out his keys, clicked them twice, and the trunk popped open.

Kent stepped forward to help with the luggage, shutting the trunk lid, and when he looked up, he saw Tia still trailing behind

Brandon.

"I'm offering to help you willingly," she stated anxiously, "lI don't want anything in return, really. | just admire your capabilities and

would love to entrust our mall to you. | know you can make it a hit in the market again."

Brandon paused mid-motion at the car door, turned to Tia, and said, "Ms. Temple, I'm married."

Tia was visibly shocked and disbelieving.

Brandon didn't linger, opening the car door and getting in.

Still in shock, Tia stood rooted to the spot, staring at Brandon in the car.

Kent, feeling a bit sorry for her but ultimately a stranger, gave her an apologetic smile and politely bid farewell, "Ms. Temple, we

have to get going. Thanks for your hospitality these past few days."

With that, he opened the driver's side door and got into the car.

The black car slowly pulled away.

Snap out of it, Tia, she thought, as she instinctively chased after the car for a few steps before regaining her senses. She spun

around, hopped into her own red sedan parked nearby, and hit the gas to follow.

Kent, glancing in the rearview mirror and seeing Tia catching up, couldn't help but tell Brandon, "Mr. Crawley, looks like Ms. Temple

is hot on our tail."

"Don't mind her," Brandon replied without looking back.

"Sure thing."

Kent muttered a quiet acknowledgment. His words said one thing, but his foot on the accelerator couldn't help but press down a

little harder.

He was worried about Tia making a scene at the airport, grabbing at Brandon and causing a fuss. If someone snapped a pic and it

went viral, it wouldn't look good.

Brandon didn't stop Kent from speeding up.

He shot him a look, then turned his gaze back to the window.

Outside the window was the "the Starry Group" mall, sharing a similar history with the Horizon Group but way more upscale and

trendy, buzzing with people.

As the "the Starry Group" sign flashed by with the speed of the car, and the crowd milled beneath it, Brandon's eyes followed the

flow of people towards the entrance of the mall.

A slim figure holding a child caught his eye unexpectedly.

"Stop the car!"

Brandon suddenly shouted, his voice sharp and urgent.

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