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 eyes burning with

photo shoot. Mia gently woke him, and to everyone's delight, he didn't

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

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

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

"Cough, cough!"

""Hem, hem!"

an unspoken agreement as they sent Jade a

won't grab one,"

Cedillos' gift room looked like a small mountain range of

her aunt's love for treasures, rushed to inform Mia, "Auntie, there are so many

Mia could spend a whole week on

than just formidable he was extraordinary. His network and influence were unparalleled, reaching

pomp, wrapping up a busy day around five

on their feet all day, and once everything settled, they collapsed onto

Mom, why don't you rest in the lounge for a bit?

all the guests gone?" Aaron

"The drivers are on their way. Let's head home and get some early sleep

leading them to a

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

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

Leo?" Andre couldn't help but

just gone to

the other guests, weren't leaving the same day. Their daughter was local, so they were staying at the

to leave, Leo made an

seen off in pre-arranged hotel shuttles,