Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

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.

would learn how to drive the luxury car he'd bought her, but instead, she'd let it gather dust in

a huff, Mia agreed,

food, she offered, "Leo, I didn't have time to

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

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

also had memories he'd rather

her head down, silently sipping

"Don't worry, I can

same thing. "Really, Anya, sit down and enjoy the meal," he

by everyone's strange reaction.

She was keen to make a dish for

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

towards the kitchen. Hansen, Naomi, and even Andre watched her go, while Mia

the kitchen with a large portion

placed her dish in the center. At first glance, the pasta looked creamy and appetizing, and the sause was neatly arranged with a sprinkle of pepper powder.

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

his own bowl, not letting her touch it. "Whoever cooked it

the birthday

appoint you as the first

our guest. She made this dish out of kindness. However,

bowl and bravely took a bite. "Hmm? This is actually good!" He took another bite, relishing the

and Hansen waited for his grandson's reaction. "Leo, is it good?" he

definitely avoid it," Leo replied,

taking a bite, she quickly served some for Chad as well.

housekeeper to serve him