Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Juliana's eyes widened in shock. "Settling down?"

"Yeah," Coleen replied with a nod. "Dave's not getting any younger. It's time we started thinking about his future."

Juliana was barely making ends meet, her days a juggle of bills and worry. The last thing on her mind was playing matchmaker.

Coleen sat in the backyard, her laughter mingling with the chatter of the neighbors.

Vivian watched from a distance, her brows knitted in confusion. What could Juliana possibly have to discuss with her that was so amusing?

Clutching a throw blanket, Vivian stepped outside to join Coleen, curious to catch the drift of her conversation.

"Has Dave met anyone decent at college?" Coleen inquired.

After a moment of reflection, she sighed. "Not really. But no regrets. If it's not someone from school, we'll just have to take matters into our own hands. You know, Vivian's been quite the gem. She's been taking care of me at Havenbrook with such dedication and skill. She's got a good head on her shoulders, knows her way around the kitchen, and has a heart of gold. She's been like a daughter to you all these years, right? That's got to count for something.

Plus, she and Dave grew up together, thick as thieves.

Our own kids? Molly wouldn't give the time of day to anyone but her dear Chad."

Overhearing this, Vivian's eyes bulged with shock. Staring at Coleen's back, her grip on the throw blanket tightened, her teeth clenched.

Juliana questioned, "Coleen, if Vivian is so wonderful, why not set her up with Chad? If your foster daughter married into the Byrne family, with your health not allowing you to work much longer, she'd be the one calling the shots soon. Wouldn't that mean better days ahead for me?""

Coleen offered a wistful smile before replying, "Dear sister, Chad isn't as lucky as Dave to have someone like that in his life. Plus, Chad's girl... let's just say she's not exactly a catch. She's never so much as washed a dish; she expects dinner served on a silver platter. She has a temper, no skills to speak of, just a knack for whining. Spends Chad's money like water; it's always about her.

It drives me, and my husband, up the wall. Imagine having a daughter-in-law like that. It's enough to give you an ulcer.

compare her to Vivian. You don't know how

dripped with disdain for her

would be unbearable with such a person in the family. Seizing the moment, Coleen added, "Besides, you wouldn't have to spend a

considering Coleen's words, the final

money, down payment for a house, a car, jewelry - it all adds up to a hefty sum. Where would you find that kind of cash? But with Vivian, you wouldn't have to worry about any of that." Coleen knew Vivian was eavesdropping and didn't bother to hide her

reflection, Coleen dismissed the idea as petty - not worth ruining two lives over. Besides,

invite

down and remain in Havenbrook like a bad seed, Coleen felt

avoid complications, she recalled her son's morning advice,

as her son suggested -

to use someone she equally despised

noon, recalling her daughter's angry words, Coleen hatched a

instincts told

fight like dogs over a bone,"

words some thought. I'm going to head inside before the chill gets to me,"

me? We have no savings. If we can't go back, we'll have to return to our hometown." Coleen fell silent, her mind racing. Her daughter, impulsive as she was, would have simply sent thugs

leaving them homeless and exposed

dirtied his

there's an investigation, let them investigate. I can't interfere. But... Vivian seems pretty well-off." After hanging up the phone, Coleen

Vivian seem insignificant as an ant

Vivian's dark thoughts couldn't escape

why are you doing this

her. She chuckled lightly,