The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride by Whispering Willow

Chapter 436 Concern

Patrick reached out, gently pinching Vera's chin as he drew her close to him.

Vera's mouth was chewing meat, her cheeks puffed out.

With Patrick's large hand pinching her face, her mouth was forced into a pout.

Patrick said, "Once you swallow the meat in your mouth, you're done eating, Overindulgence isn't good for you."

Vera pouted, her expression one of disappointment. She glanced longingly at the last two pieces of roasted meat left in her bowl, wishing she could have more.

Brianna also thought Vera had eaten quite a bit, so she immediately instructed the maid to clear away the leftovers on the table after the meal to prevent Vera from sneaking any. Later in the evening, Patrick took Vera for a walk on the lawn. Once they had both calmed down and reconciled, they began to discuss the disagreement from the other day. Patrick said, "Punishing you to stand the other day was a bit impulsive of me." He could have chosen other ways to punish Vera but opted for making her stand.

Vera also reflected on her mistake. "I was wrong this time, too. I shouldn't have taken a risk."

As she spoke, Vera headed towards a bench nestled between two trees, hoping to sit and relax. But just as she started moving in that direction, Patrick pulled her into his arms. Vera, who had hoped to take a break, wasn't pleased with this.

Patrick asked, "Why didn't you come back to our house that day and instead went to your parents' home crying?"

Vera glanced at the bench, then at Patrick holding her waist. "I felt guilty, but when I saw you so angry, I was even more scared. I knew I couldn't face you, especially not sharing the same bed. I wouldn't have been able to sleep a wink." Patrick found it rare to hear her, who was usually unshakable, admit fear so openly.

"Why didn't you come back yesterday?" Patrick asked again.

You didn't even call, so I figured you were still upset. I

but smile; Vera didn't hide

out for me. So why didn't you come to find me yesterday? You couldn't even manage a

surprised. "Who told you

He hadn't told anyone.

a secret, Vera would talk about it as if it were a

famous in the Shadow Syndicate United. I can tell

who care about my safety like this are you, Dad, and Cindy. Cindy doesn't handle these things, and Dad came to see me yesterday afternoon. So it must be you. You

thought he had arranged it very discreetly, but she had discovered it

so much about me, yet you don't care

"I came to see you

Patrick holding

time, I want you to remember this punishment and let it serve as a warning. I've usually indulged you and enjoyed spoiling you, but Jeffrey is a different case, and you're not as quick as before. The punishment was meant to be a reminder, to keep you from making the same mistakes in the future. Even though your help was valuable to us, your safety is what matters most."

later said, "There's no right side in this matter. We both were wrong. Let's just let it

not dwelling on

"Honey, it's been ten minutes of walking, right?

been eight minutes.

at the comfortable bench

bit her lip. "Is it ten

"One more minute."

next morning, Patrick