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.

steering wheel tightly, his

for the family photo shoot. Mia gently woke him, and to

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

Luckily, there was enough space, and Leo found

the same. "I'll

"Cough, cough!"

""Hem, hem!"

Andre shared an unspoken agreement as they sent

won't grab one," Jade

room

knowing her aunt's love for treasures, rushed to inform Mia, "Auntie, there are so many gifts in the rest room, you could spend a whole

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

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

wrapping up a busy

had been on their feet all day, and once everything settled,

you rest in

all the guests gone?" Aaron

are on their way. Let's head home and get some early

her parents' hands, leading them to a

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

as he reached for his phone to arrange their

interjected, "I've already called the driver. They're en route. Sit

Andre couldn't help

whereabouts, "He's just

and Mrs. Calder, unlike the other guests, weren't leaving the same day. Their daughter was local,

time to leave,

pre-arranged hotel shuttles, he had a