Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Hansen was left bewildered by Mia's barrage of questions.

"So, you were just now complaining about my daughter and my grandson, saying they're too much alike in not wanting to take over the family business. I thought you were trying to be all high and mighty."

Having had her fill of meat, Mia stretched out her arm to grab a piece of lettuce, balancing her meal. "Dad, do you really think, after being friends with your daughter and grandson for over a decade, I'd consider myself superior? Please." Hansen found no words to counter her argument.

Instead of engaging in a verbal spar with Mia, he turned his attention to his son. "Andre, make sure you keep an eye on Leo, alright? He's still young, unsure of what he wants. But don't let him get away with being indecisive."

Mia, munching on her lettuce, added meat to her plate, her words muffled, "Yeah, Dad, you always make my husband play the bad guy. Naomi's son gets a free pass, but my husband has to step in as the strict uncle. And here you are, unable to handle Leo but expecting my husband to lay down the law."

After her speech, Mia cast a sly glance at Andre. "Honey, let's not bother with Leo, alright? Let him figure his own path. You just focus on taking care of our little prince. His parents should deal with him, not us."

Hansen, visibly annoyed, retorted, "Then take your son and move back to the Cedillo family estate. See if I don't teach him a lesson."

Mia snorted, "In your dreams. My son behaves now, but wait until his teenage years. We'll see if I don't send him back to drive you up the wall."

"You ungrateful child," Hansen fumed.

Mia mockingly replied, "Oh, now you notice."

The room was filled with their banter, only Andre remained calm, smiling at his cunning wife. Even in her complaints, she made it clear she didn't want him to meddle with Leo, preferring to focus on their own son. Her underlying message was to let Leo be free. Andre, knowing Mia all too well, could only laugh inwardly. Without her having their child, her protectiveness over her nephew might have rubbed him the wrong way.

As he cuddled their son closer, making him comfy, the little one squirmed in his sleep, murmuring, "Dada."

Andre gently patted his back, whispering, "Sleep, Daddy's here."

Soon, the child drifted back to sleep.

Hansen, witnessing the tender fatherly side of Andre, couldn't help but compare it to the strict treatment Leo received. "Blood is thicker, I suppose. Look how gentle you are with your own."

Mia agreed, "I thought my husband would be a strict father, all serious and no fun. But look at him, so soft. And wasn't it you who insisted he discipline Leo when he was younger?" Hansen quickly changed the subject, "Let's eat. No more family drama at the table."

After lunch, Mia suggested Hansen rest in the bedroom, but he was caught up playing a game on his phone. "Leo's online. I'll join him for a game before I nap."

Mia, observing her father's actions, realized he was not just any old man but one with a rebellious streak and a gaming addiction.

When Hansen sent a game invite, Anya, holding Leo's phone, asked her brother Chad, "Should I accept it?"

"Ignore him. You figure out the game. I'll read for a bit," Leo advised.

Anya, new to gaming, was already trying out the pro account.

Hansen, feeling ignored, complained to his son.

Andre, cradling his son, walked around the living room a few times before they all retreated to their bedroom.

Lying in bed, Hansen reflected on his stay at Andre's home, a rare occurrence since Andre moved out.

In the bedroom, Andre wanted to discuss Leo's situation with Mia, hoping she could help persuade Leo. But Mia feigned sleep as soon as the topic arose.

Andre carefully placed their son between them, and the child, sensing his parents' presence, calmed down.

They decided to let the boy play as they talked. "Mia, Leo's always up to no good, but even if he and Anya were serious, would Mr. and Mrs. Calder approve? I have a say in business matters, but when it comes to their daughter's happiness, I doubt they'd budge. Everyone knows why Naomi spoke to me the way she did; it's their way of expressing their concerns."

Their son, caught up in the conversation, babbled, "Dada."

Andre smiled, touching his son's cheek. "Why call for Daddy?"

Mia emerged from under the blankets, "Honey, if it wasn't for the business blocking Leo's path, he might already be with Anya. He's as lost as we are. If Leo doesn't follow your plans, the Gordons won't be happy.

Following your plan means diving into a career he dislikes, which could affect his life. A man fears the wrong career as much as a woman fears marrying the wrong man. If Leo chooses wrong, it affects both him and Anya. That's probably why he hasn't rushed into anything with Anya. He's more mature than we give him credit for, despite appearing as a jester.

I still say, let Leo have a few years of freedom to find his path. Worst case, he takes over the business in his twenties, still plenty of time."

Andre slouched on the couch, a glass of bourbon in hand, and muttered, "Decadence. It only takes a month to ruin a man."

Mia and her husband were at an impasse, unable to continue their conversation. If her husband could be easily swayed by a few persuasive words, he wouldn't stand as the titan of the business world that he was today. In minor matters, he'd indulge his wife's whims. But when it came to the big decisions, nobody could budge the compass of his conviction.

Mia felt at a loss. "I'll video call Molly tonight and figure out whether to support you or to keep backing Leo."

After saying this, she pulled her beloved son into her arms. "Sweetie, say 'Mama.""

"Baba mmm-Dada ah ah oh."