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.

was recently hustling for new tenants for the

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 shopping district feel, surrounded by a posh CBD area, part of the new urban center in the West district planning, so

fingers in a lot of pies architectural design, real estate construction, resorts, hotels, entertainment, and more. But

was their hotel business.

was a hot ticket for many shopping districts looking for hotel

had its challenges, being a new district in the making. Whether they could successfully land the deal was still up in the air, a real test of

company’s brand and image, and since it was Brandon’s brainchild,

the final say. Given Brandon’s busy schedule, it was unlikely he’d be involved from the get-go. The project probably started with the Market Development

The Market Development Department.

remembered seeing Hannah in Brandon’s office the day she went to see him. The badge Hannah wore seemed to belong to the Market Development

project needed Hannah’s

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 might get axed

saw the message and her heart skipped a beat. She immediately video called Sophia back Is Hannah in market expansion

one handling it, setting aside investment returns and risks, Susan figured Hannah would toss out their proposal without a second glance, especially since she had royally ticked off Hannah back in

her finger, 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 born with a chill vibe and wasn’t keen on getting too chummy with folks. But Susan, young and feisty as she was

that you just can’t help but like-sweet, demure and not one to toot her own hom She was the kind of girl that guys go gaga over Plus, 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

and being the new kid, she had loads of questions about the new digs and its rules: Hannah would act all aloof, barely giving her the time of day, answering with a half-hearted glance and a frosty word here and there Susan fiercely protective, couldn’t

school shenanigans would come back to bite her. As fate would have it, she was

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

probably in the Market Development

it’s her. When I called, they told me to ask for Ms. Abbott. With so many Abbotts in the world, I never imagined

opportunities. That place is set to become the new urban CBD, no doubt

lit up

just hand it over But his company’s pretty 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 up Kent. He’s

didn’t recognize the name, no

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 grab his coffee around noon. You could try bumping into him ‘accidentally on purpose, maybe drop some

“You sure know a lot about Brandon’s routines, even his office

Sophia fell silent.