The Indifferent Ex-Husband Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate (Brandon and Sophia) novel Chapter 772

Back when Sophia was still around, she wouldn’t even tell him where she lived—afraid that Aaron and Laura would show up unannounced and disturb the child.

Haley, too, only managed to track down Sophia’s old address after her accident, following Susan’s lead. He just wanted to know, to make sure the news was real. But he kept it a secret from the family, not daring to reveal Sophia’s whereabouts to anyone. Still, Aaron managed to find his way there.

“I have my own ways,” Aaron said coolly.

The moment Haley stormed in, the fragile peace in the room snapped. Aaron glowered, clearly not pleased by the intrusion.

Barbara rushed over and tried to usher Haley out. “Dad, please—let’s step outside.”

As Haley was being pushed toward the door, he pointed angrily at Aaron. “Aaron, let me tell you—if you have a shred of decency left, you’ll stop bothering her. Your sister’s gone. Can’t you just let her rest in peace, instead of clinging to her memory like a leech?”

Aaron shot back, “A leech? We raised her, didn’t we? What did she ever do for this family?”

Laura jumped in to defend her son, her voice sharp. “If it wasn’t for us, would she have married into such a good family? She’s had it easy, but never once cared about her parents’ wellbeing. What’s wrong with asking her to help out a little? And what did we ever take from her? Every time we needed help, we had to swallow our pride just to approach the Crawleys.”

Haley’s face grew red. “You’ve got a lot of nerve. If you hadn’t kept pestering her and her in-laws, would she have ended up divorced? Would she have needed to work herself to the bone to survive? Would any of this have happened at all?”

Laura fired back, “Don’t you put that on us. Her death was just her fate—it’s not our fault!”

Haley lost it. “Seems like you’re happy she’s gone—”

Laura snapped, “Honestly? If I’d known raising her would turn out like this, I’d have rather ended it back then. At least the family wouldn’t be in shambles now—”

“Then maybe I should just strangle you right now!” Haley shouted, lunging toward her.

“Enough!” Barbara’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

“Arguing, that’s all you people ever do. Day in, day out, it’s nothing but shouting,” she blurted out without thinking. “If she’s still alive, whoever wants to find her can go find her—just stop turning this house into a warzone.”

“What did you say?”

Haley’s hand froze in midair, shock washing over his face as he stared at Barbara. “What did you just say?”

Laura and Aaron were equally stunned, eyes locked on Barbara.

Aaron’s voice was barely above a whisper. “Honey… did you just say Sophia’s alive? That she isn’t dead?”

Barbara faltered, realization and regret flickering in her eyes as she met their stares.

Laura wouldn’t let it go. “Explain yourself. What do you mean, she’s still alive? Have you seen her?”

Aaron pressed in, gaze intense. “When did you see her? Does Brandon know? Where is she? If she’s alive, why hasn’t she come home?”

Barbara hesitated, caught in a mental tug-of-war, cursing herself for her slip. Haley, tears brimming in his eyes, stood trembling, his lips quivering as he tried to hold himself together.

“Nina, please… just tell me the truth. Has Sophia contacted you? Where is she? Is she alright? Is she doing okay?”

Barbara couldn’t bring herself to lie—not to Haley. Ever since she’d married Aaron, Haley had treated her like his own daughter, always kind and considerate, even sneaking her extra cash back when things were tight and Laura refused to help. She’d always respected him deeply.

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