The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 767

A voice called out from behind the stack of gift boxes—Kent’s unmistakable drawl. “Mr. Crawley, Ms. Yearwood, it’s the holidays. I brought a few presents for the little one—a small gesture, hope you don’t mind.”

The boxes, big and small, were pushed in with some effort, wobbling dangerously.

Brandon reached out just in time to steady a box before it toppled, shooting Kent a look. “Seriously, Kent, do you think this place isn’t cramped enough already?”

Grinning, Kent poked his head out from behind the towers of cardboard. “This is nothing! It’ll all fit. Besides, these are for my goddaughter, not for you. You don’t get to refuse.”

“Goddaughter?” Brandon rolled the word on his tongue, glancing at Kent sidelong. “I thought you preferred to be called ‘Kent’? Since when did you upgrade to ‘godfather’?”

Kent looked particularly cheerful—clearly in a holiday mood. “Well, your daughter only agreed to call me ‘Godfather’ after some coaxing. I’ll take what I can get.”

Sophia stood up, smiling, and gestured for him to join them at the table. “Come join us for dinner.”

Kent shook his head quickly. “Thanks, but I’ve got a flight to catch—maybe next time.”

Brandon arched a brow at him. “Flying solo?”

“Who else?” Kent shot back.

Brandon snorted. “Pathetic.”

Kent feigned offense, but couldn’t suppress a grin.

Sophia turned to him with a gentle smile. “Not staying to spend the holidays with Susan?”

Kent just shook his head, still smiling. “She’s off traveling.”

Sophia blinked in surprise. Susan hadn’t mentioned that.

Kent saw the confusion on Sophia’s face and explained, “She decided last minute. Probably hasn’t had the chance to tell you yet. She’s probably still on the plane.”

Sophia nodded. “I’ll check in with her later.”

“Alright, I’ll leave you guys to it,” Kent said, depositing his mountain of gifts before making for the door.

“Kent,” Sophia called as he turned away.

He glanced back, puzzled. “Yeah?”

Sophia’s gaze was steady, sincere. “Take good care of Susan.”

After dinner, Brandon drove Sophia and Theresa to a nearby upscale neighborhood.

As the car rolled past rows of brightly lit houses, Sophia looked out the window, puzzled. “Where are we?”

Brandon pulled the car into the driveway of a luxurious villa and headed down to the underground garage.

Only after he’d parked did he turn to Sophia. “Want to take a look inside?”

Sophia hesitated, curiosity in her eyes, but nodded and followed him out of the car. They entered the beautifully decorated villa together.

Sophia looked around, taking in the elegant décor, then glanced at Brandon, waiting for an explanation.

But the real reason, he thought, was to put some distance between them and the Yearwood family.

Brandon didn’t trust the building’s security. Rather than relying on the guards, it was simpler to just move somewhere safer.