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.

Walton gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes burning with

for the family photo shoot. Mia gently woke him,

his eyes again, not wanting to

to join Leo's table. Luckily, there was enough space, and Leo found an extra chair

same. "I'll grab a chair

"Cough, cough!"

""Hem, hem!"

Andre shared an unspoken agreement as

I won't grab one,"

Cedillos' gift room looked like a small mountain range of

for treasures, rushed to inform Mia, "Auntie, there are so many gifts in the rest room, you could

with a smirk, "Be confident, Mia could spend a whole week on

seeing the gift pile herself, Jade was floored by Andre's prowess. 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

without the usual evening pomp, wrapping up a

Aaron and Madison had been on their feet all

her parents with tenderness, "Dad, Mom, why don't you rest in the lounge for a bit? Cooper's in there keeping

guests

on their way. Let's

hands, leading them to

the last of the guests, Mia came forth with a cup of detox tea, "Honey, I brewed this

the cup, rubbing his temples as he

route. Sit with our son and rest

couldn't

"He's just gone to escort Anya's

leaving the same day. Their daughter was local, so they were staying at the

to leave,

guests were seen off in pre-arranged hotel shuttles, he had a different