Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The little guy was the star of the show today, but all the attention seemed to just roll off him like water off a duck's back.

Yawning wide enough to make a room full of adults smile, he nestled into his dad's arms with a little wriggle, his eyes fluttering shut almost instantly.

Mia adjusted her son's tiny tiger beanie, her voice soft and warm. "He thinks his daddy's arms are the coziest place in the world, cozy enough to fall asleep right away." The crowd chuckled and nodded. "I bet Andre's the king of cuddles at home, huh?"

Mia grinned, her smile spreading like a warm sunrise. "Oh, absolutely. My husband's the cuddle champion, even more than me."

The buzz of conversation ebbed and flowed, topics swinging from business deals to personal stories, a perfect spot for networking or just checking out who's who.

The Gordons kept a close eye on Leo. Even when he stepped away to toss a cup, Mrs. Calder watched intently, ready to judge if he missed the trash can-a slip-up could be a lifelong blemish. Several young ladies, each trying to catch Leo's eye, found him politely stepping aside each time.

Leo had one golden rule: always keep a respectful distance.

Chad wasn't ignored either. Someone remarked, "Officer Chad, climbing the ranks so young in Havenbrook-there must be a supportive lady behind the scenes, right?"

The business folks, as cunning as ever, tried to dig into Chad's personal life.

Chad, the master of catching foxes, knew just how to respond. "It's too early to call her my wife, but without her support, I wouldn't be here today."

With that single line, Chad made it clear-he was taken, just not married.

The hotel buzzed with activity, only accessible to those with golden invitations. The Cedillo family had locked down every entrance, with guards posted at each door and patrols circling like hawks.

In a nondescript black car, a man with scarred knuckles sat like a mole in the shadows, watching everything.

The Cedillos' prosperity starkly contrasted his lurking darkness.

They were vigilant, with someone at each door subtly checking hands. Anyone wearing gloves was asked to remove them.

wheel tightly, his

the little star behaved for the family photo shoot. Mia gently woke him, and to everyone's delight,

being paraded around for the family portrait, he closed his eyes again, not wanting to waste a

Luckily, there was enough space, and Leo

the same. "I'll grab a chair for my Chad

"Cough, cough!"

""Hem, hem!"

Andre shared an unspoken agreement as they sent

won't grab one,"

the Cedillos' gift room looked like a small mountain range

Mia, "Auntie, there are so many gifts in the rest room, you could spend

Mia could

Today, she realized he was more than just formidable he was extraordinary. His network and influence were unparalleled, reaching heights others couldn't in a lifetime. Molly felt ordinary in comparison, unworthy of being Andre's

usual evening pomp, wrapping up a busy day around

feet all day, and once everything settled,

don't you rest in the lounge for a bit? Cooper's in there keeping

the guests

are on their way. Let's head home and

hands, leading them to

spirits, having enjoyed a fair share of wine at lunch. As he prepared to see off the last of the guests, Mia came forth with a cup of detox tea, "Honey, I brewed this for

his temples as he reached for his phone to arrange

driver. They're en route. Sit

Andre couldn't help

knew everyone's whereabouts, "He's just

and Mrs. Calder, unlike the other guests, weren't leaving the same day.

to leave, Leo made

were seen off in pre-arranged hotel