The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate

Chapter 17

Susan said, “Back in school, everyone was buzzing about them being an item. And now, what a coincidence they end up at the same company, with Brandon giving her such a high-profile gig. I’m not buying it for a second that Brandon doesn’t have a thing for Hannah.”

“From what you’re saying, it looks like I might have been the third wheel, Sophia said quietly, instantly putting a lid on Susan’s grumbling.

“That’s different,” Susan shot back. “Whatever might or might not have happened between them back then, when you and Brandon crossed paths, you were both single and ready to mingle.”

Seeing Susan getting all worked up on her behalf warmed Sophia’s heart.

“Don’t sweat it, Brandon’s not that kind of guy, Sophia reassured her. “If he agreed to split, it’s just because we weren’t a good fit, and that’s the end of it

“Alright then, Susan said, not wanting to stir the pot. “Sorry for bringing up a sore subject.”

Sophia chuckled, “No biggie, I’m not made of glass, and for the record, I was the one who dumped Brandon, okay?”

“Fair enough. He should be the one crying a river for letting a catch like you slip through his fingers. He’ll regret it big time, Susan said with a laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll get our revenge. Once I take over the Starlight Group, I’ll hop on the next flight to come hang with you and my goddaughter.”

Sophia laughed, I’m holding you to that. Can’t wait to hear the good news.”

“You got it, Susan said cheerfully, finally getting back to business. “But seriously, think long and hard about whether you want to keep the kid. I’m all bark and no bite when it comes to this stuff, but at the end of the day, you’re the one who’s pregnant, your life’s the one getting turned upside down, and you’re the one who’s gonna be responsible for the baby’s future. I can only tell you this much. Whatever decision you make, I’ve got your back one hundred percent. Susan added. “If you decide to keep the baby, I’ll be right there with you. I’ve got my nutritionist cert; taking care of a pregnant lady and a baby should be a walk in the park. And don’t worry about my career. Our company has branches over there, too. I can request a lateral move overseas anytime as long as I pass the assessment, and if I want to come back later, I just apply for a transfer.”

Sophia nodded. “Got it.”

“Take your time thinking it over. There’s no rush. You still have time, Susan glanced at her watch. “You better hit the hay. I’ve got to head to work.”

Sophia nodded, hung up the phone, turned off the light, and was about to get some sleep when she remembered the project Susan had mentioned.

Sophia and Susan didn’t talk shop too often, but she had heard Susan vent about work stuff now and then.

recently hustling for new tenants for the

once. It was a mix of a mall and office buildings, with floors one through seven dedicated to retail, like any other mall, divided into various sections: a large supermarket, fashion area, kids zone, food court, sports section, and an entertainment lounge. They had pretty much filled the commercial space, except for the floors above the mall. The company’s plan was to attract a hotel, aiming for a high-end

of pies architectural design, real estate construction, resorts, hotels, entertainment, and more. But the only part

was their hotel business.

luxury business hotel brand tailored for the elite, a brainchild of Brandon himself, focusing on quality over quantity. It was a hot ticket for many shopping districts looking for hotel partnerships. The hotel’s branding was indeed a match for the vibe Susan’s complex was going

land the deal

and image, and since it was Brandon’s

was unlikely he’d be involved from the get-go. The project probably started with the Market Development

The Market Development Department.

she went to see him.

the project needed Hannah’s

pretty green and trying to find her footing I bet she’s playing it safe right now, picking sure bets to prove her chops. Your project’s got a long ROI horizon and is high-nsk I don’t think Hannah would dare to take a gamble and send it up the chain. Your company

saw the message and her heart skipped a

one handling it, setting aside investment returns and risks, Susan figured Hannah would toss out their proposal without

which kind of went to her head She came off as a bit too cool for school, looking down on everyone Maybe she was just

she looked a bit younger than the rest so naturally, the spotlight started shifting from Hannah to Sophia. Susan took a shine to Sophia’s down to earth personality and since Sophia turned out to be a secret brainiac, Susan shamelessly glued herself to Sophia, and soon they were BFFS Hannah, whether it was jealousy over Sophia stealing her thunder or because Susan kept poking her started giving Sophia the cold shoulder, treating her with

rules: Hannah would act all aloof, barely giving her the time of day, answering with a half-hearted glance and a

expect that her high school shenanigans would come back to bite her. As fate would have it, she

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

quickly tried to cheer her up. “She’s probably in the Market Development Department, but I might be wrong, and even if she is there, it doesn’t mean she’ll be the one dealing with you. Don’t sweat it. Just wanted. to

bottom dollar it’s her. When I called, they told me to ask

Sophia reassured her. Tve scoped out your business district and kept tabs on the local policies and investment opportunities. That place is set to become the new urban CBD, no doubt about it. If you can get the project to Brandon,

eyes lit up

clear-cut about who does what, and it’s tough to jump the chain of command. So if your contact turns out to be Hannah and she shoots you down, my advice is to hit

the name, no

for the fresh brews at the coffee shop downstairs. The mant never skips his midday caffeine fix, doesn’t even pause for a break. Kent usually heads down to

looked thoughtful. “You sure know a lot about Brandon’s routines, even his

Sophia fell silent.