Leo, who had no status in the Cedillo family, disdained it. "What's this?"

"A shield against punches," she replied.

Leo was speechless.

Mia laughed loudly before pulling out her own gift. "Molly's gift only treats the symptoms. Mine treats the root cause."

"And what's that?" Leo asked.

"A secret martial arts manual."

Again, Leo fell silent.

Andre, his uncle, stifled a laugh behind his hand. Leo stood, gesturing to his empty chair. "Come, come, who wants to be the birthday boy? Let's switch seats."

Laughter erupted around the table. Hansen, Leo's grandfather, looked at his grandson with love in his eyes. "Sit down now."

Chad handed over his pre-prepared gift - a fountain pen. "I hope this helps you make progress in your studies, Leo."

"Thanks, Chad," Leo replied, accepting the relatively normal gift.

Andre, always one to do things differently, simply tossed his car keys to his nephew.

Leo's eyes widened. "A McLaren sports car! Uncle, I love you!"

Mia turned to her husband with wide eyes. "Honey, I want one too."

"First, learn how to drive the car I already bought you, then I'll get you a new one," Andre replied.

had previously promised Andre she would learn how to drive the luxury car he'd bought her,

a huff,

gift. Looking at the table laden with food, she offered, "Leo, I didn't have time to get you a birthday gift. Let me

Cedillo family, having previously suffered under Mia's disastrous cooking, immediately refused. "No need, Anya," Hansen said. "Your presence is gift enough. We have

victim of Mia's culinary experiments, agreed. "It's the thought that counts, Anya.

had memories he'd rather

only Mia kept her head down, silently sipping her

worry, I

thought back to when Mia had promised him the same thing. "Really, Anya, sit

puzzled by everyone's strange reaction. "Anya, can you really cook?"

She was keen to make a

Anya's capabilities, pointed to the kitchen. "It's

Hansen, Naomi, and even Andre watched her go, while Mia

the kitchen with a large portion of

dish in the center. At first glance, the pasta looked creamy

his grandson, who was the perfect guinea pig. "Leo, Anya made this especially for you. You should have the first

he quickly picked up his own bowl, not letting her touch it.

the

the first taster," Leo

his son. "Anya is our guest. She made this dish out of kindness. However, you're not only ungrateful, but you're also making her eat

bite,

Hansen waited for his

avoid it," Leo

a bite, she quickly served some for Chad as well. "Dad, you really

wasn't fooled and asked the housekeeper to serve him

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