The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

Patrick kissed her until her lips turned red and tempting.

Finally, he let go of Vera. "Why didn't you say anything when you saw me in the living room earlier?"

Vera smiled. "I was so happy, I didn't know what to say."

Patrick grinned, hugged her, and pinched her cheek. He rested his head on hers. "From now on, wherever I go, you're coming with me." Vera beamed. "I love you and missed you."

She stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and asked for another kiss.

Patrick wanted to kiss her again but noticed her lips were already swollen. So, he gave her a gentle peck.

After a bit, they went downstairs to eat. The rest of the Olteran family had finished, leaving the dining room just for them.

Cindy, understanding they needed privacy, had instructed the servants to leave.

While eating, Vera took a big sip of soup. "Honey, I took great care of myself and our baby while you were away."

Patrick smiled and fed her a piece of broccoli.

Vera ate it and teased, "Why no meat? Do you not love me anymore?"

Patrick laughed and fed her a piece of meat.

Vera enjoyed his care and took a big bite. "See, I've been eating well while you were gone."

Patrick pinched her cheek. "You've gained a bit of weight."

Vera, with her round cheeks, asked, "Did you handle all the company stuff?"

Patrick nodded. "Yes."

"Did you see Sebastian?"

"Yeah, don't worry. His injuries aren't serious, but the car's a mess."

Vera nodded, eating while speculating who might have tried to hit Sebastian. Patrick listened to her analysis.

"I don't think it was Victor because if Sebastian is suspended for a while longer, Victor can take over without any bloodshed. It's better to take over without a murder on his hands."

"Randall mentioned a kidnapping case from sixteen years ago. Maybe Sebastian found something out? Wait, Randall's been missing for a day." Vera's eyes filled with worry. "Honey, what should we do? Call Randall and see where he is." She grabbed Patrick's phone and quickly dialed Randall.

Seeing her panic, Patrick felt comforted, knowing they had true friends.

He took the phone from her. "You eat first. I'll call Randall."

After a few rings, the call connected.

Randall answered, "Patrick?"

"Where are you?" Patrick asked.

Vera grabbed Patrick's hand, worried. "Tell him to come back."

Randall, hearing Vera, realized Patrick was home. "I'm in Silvershore City. When Sebastian had his accident, I was heading to the police station to look into the Turner family's case from sixteen years ago. I felt something was up, so I came here. By the time I arrived, Dylan and Joe were already missing. I've been searching but haven't found any leads."

Patrick didn't hide anything from Vera. "Did you report it to the police?"

Randall sighed, "I did, but they won't take the case since they're adults and haven't been missing long enough. I'm checking every gambling house for leads."

"What's your plan?" Patrick asked.

"I'll stay here for a few days. I've booked a hotel for a week. If they're still missing tomorrow, I'll report it again and work with the police. Once I find them, I'll get the info we need and leave."

"Don't worry about me. I talked to Sebastian; his injuries aren't serious. Public opinion is on his side. He should stay out of our family's case for now. You just got back, and only you can handle the Tooker family. Vera's missed you, and she's pregnant. Stay with her. I'll find Dylan and Joe. You take care of things at home."

Patrick felt proud hearing Randall's words, a feeling only Vera could sense.

"Stay safe," Patrick said, hanging up. Vera eagerly waited for news.

Patrick didn't hide anything from her. He realized Vera wasn't a child. She might be playful, but she was smart about important issues.

After hearing Patrick's recount, Vera's eyes filled with worry. "How could you agree to this?" she asked. "Randall can't fight or argue with anyone. If he meets the person who hit Sebastian, he won't be able to protect himself." "He has to face these challenges alone. I believe in Randall. Do you?"

"I do, but I'm still worried about his safety," Vera said, frowning.

Patrick playfully tapped her nose. "If you keep talking about him, I'll get jealous."

Vera, feeling bold, scolded, "I'm carrying your baby, and you're still jealous? Think about Silvershore City. What if Randall is in danger? This is serious."

"Sebastian knows how to protect himself because of his job. Otherwise, he wouldn't have survived this morning. Randall hasn't had any formal training." Patrick looked at her seriously. "Vera, Randall isn't useless. I trained him myself."

Seeing Patrick's determined look, Vera knew arguing was pointless. She decided to pray for Randall's safety.

After dinner, Patrick had work to do, and Vera, understanding, didn't disturb him. She went for a walk on the lawn.