The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 701

"Hey, Auntie."

As soon as Sophia stepped out of the private room, she answered the phone.

"Sophia, are you busy?"

Amanda's familiar voice came through the line.

"Yes, I'm discussing work with a client," Sophia replied softly.

On the other end, Amanda frowned, "You haven't fully recovered yet, so why are you working? What's up with that man? He brings you back without a word, and then you're off to work immediately?"

"It's not like that. It's not his fault," Sophia quickly defended Brandon. "He's been really good to me. It's my choice to work. It's not even that exhausting, just a bit of paperwork that I can finish in half an hour. You don't need to worry."

"You always defend him," Amanda said with a hint of displeasure. "A man who drags you away against your will, who knows what he's really like? Don't just believe everything he says. Keep your guard up."

This wasn't the first time Amanda had expressed her doubts about Brandon.

Sophia found it difficult to communicate with Amanda on this matter. She appeared easygoing, but she was strong-willed. Once she decided Brandon was a problem, no amount of explanation from Sophia would change her mind. Amanda just assumed Sophia was charmed by his looks and was defending him at every turn.

Unable to reach an understanding with Amanda, Sophia opted to change the subject. "So, Auntie, why did you call?"

Amanda's attention shifted as expected. "Oh, we were supposed to have lunch today, right? Harvey has something urgent, and I need to go over there, so I can't make it for lunch. Just calling to let you know."

"No worries, we can reschedule," Sophia replied, feeling a slight sense of relief. Hearing Amanda's concerned tone, she couldn't help but ask, "Is Mr. Ferber alright?"

"He's fine, no need to worry," Amanda said, not offering further details.

"Alright," Sophia didn't press further. "If you need anything, just let me know."

"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" Sophia quickly apologized, bending down to pick up the phone.

Marian, who was also bending down to retrieve her phone, paused and suddenly looked up at Sophia.

Sophia met her gaze, momentarily stunned, her expression somewhat confused.

Marian took note of the confusion on Sophia's face, silently observing her without acknowledging any recognition, as she reached for her phone.

Sophia's eyes roamed over Marian's features, then drifted to the hand reaching for the phone.

On her fair wrist, a bracelet with a string of emerald beads unexpectedly caught Sophia's attention, making her pause.

A child's delicate voice echoed in her memory, "My mom and dad and big brother are outside. Show them this bracelet, and they'll know it's from me."