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 eyes

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

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

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

this, Jade decided to do the same. "I'll grab a chair for my

"Cough, cough!"

""Hem, hem!"

an unspoken agreement

grab one,"

banquet wound down, the Cedillos' gift room looked like a small

are so many gifts in the rest room, you could spend a

Mia could spend a whole

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

gathering ended without the usual evening pomp, wrapping up a busy day around five

Madison had been on their feet all day, and once

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

the guests

nodded, "The drivers are on their way. Let's head

her parents' hands, leading them to a

lunch. As he prepared to see off the last of the guests, Mia came forth with a cup of detox tea,

his temples as he reached for his phone to arrange

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

Andre couldn't help

just gone to

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

it came time to leave, Leo made an

off in pre-arranged hotel shuttles, he had a different plan for the