The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

Vera's bedroom was all cozy as she rocked Theodore to sleep and gently placed him in the crib.

Patrick, always nosy, piped up, "So, when did those two start hooking up?"

"Summer break," Vera replied, not missing a beat.

Patrick's eyes widened, "No freakin' way."

Vera tucked a light blanket over Theodore, "What are you even talking about?"

Patrick pressed on, "How far have they gone?"

Vera smirked, "As far as you can dream up."

"Come on, be real," Patrick pushed.

Vera shrugged, "Then I got nothing. Would you even be cool with them being together?"

"Not a chance," Patrick shot back without a second thought.

"Then I'm keeping my mouth shut," she said.

Vera headed to the bathroom, and after a bit, she came out in her PJs, trying to sound all serious, "If you don't let me get some sleep tonight, I'm taking Theodore and bailing!"

But Patrick just chuckled, totally unfazed, "I'm heading to the study."

Since he was home just for a bit, all the work calls were flooding in. Patrick didn't want to wake Theodore, so he took his phone to the study to handle business. He didn't even bother responding to Vera's threat. Later, Molly called up Sebastian, "I told them."

Sebastian went silent, totally caught off guard.

Hearing Molly's sniffles, Sebastian guessed she'd been crying, "I'm coming over to the Olteran place to see you now."

Molly stopped him, "Don't come."

Sebastian was firm, "I gotta see them face to face."

"They'll kick you out," Molly warned.

Sebastian was determined, "I know, but I have to go."

After hanging up, Molly filled Sebastian in on her family's quirks.

That night, Sebastian showed up at the Olteran house solo.

Vera thought Sebastian's move was kinda reckless. The Olteran family was already fuming, and his showing up might just make it worse.

When he got there, Shawn didn't bother to see him. Instead, Vincent and Patrick met with Sebastian.

Luckily, no one booted him out. Vera went to find Cindy and asked, "Cindy, isn't Sebastian just asking for trouble by coming here now? Why'd he still come?"

Cindy grinned, "So, there are times when you can't figure things out."

Vera was genuinely confused, "Why?"

Cindy broke it down, "If he didn't come today, we'd think Molly was dealing with everything alone. But since he's here, it shows he's standing up for her, taking the heat from the Olteran family. Even though Dad didn't see Sebastian today, he probably respects him for it."

Vera hung out with Cindy at the third-floor corner, peeking downstairs, "So, Dad actually wanted Sebastian to come. It means he's got Molly's back, not leaving her to face us alone?"

"Exactly, his attitude matters." Cindy, being older, had a better grasp on things than Vera.

Vera curiously watched downstairs, unable to catch what they were saying.

"Cindy, do you think Molly's situation will work out?" Vera asked.

Cindy shook her head, "It's up in the air."

"I think there are two people who can make the call on this." Vera looked at Cindy and said, "One is you, and the other is Shawn."

Cindy was surprised, "Vera, don't play games with me. What can I decide?"

Vera said, "Shawn's the dad, so his word is huge. With Savannah gone, you're the top dog in the Olteran family. If you agree, even if Patrick and I are against it, it won't matter 'cause we gotta listen to you." Cindy grinned, "What about Vincent?"

"Molly's marriage can't just be decided by the guys; a woman's gotta step in." Vera, being young, thought Cindy was the perfect fit to make the call.

Cindy looked at the sharp Vera, "Vera, what should I even praise you for?"

"We're all family, no need for praise," Vera teased with a smile.

Cindy looked at her tender face, liking Vera more and more. She already liked her a lot before, but now she liked her even more.

Vera glanced downstairs, "Cindy, Molly told us the truth 'cause she wants our help. We need a solid plan to help Molly seal the deal with her marriage."

"We're women, we get what it's like to get married and know what kind of family is best to marry into. So when we found out Molly and Sebastian were together, we were shocked, then supportive, 'cause no family is better for Molly than the Chase family."

"But guys don't see it that way. They think Molly getting married means the Chase family is taking someone from them. Men have a strong sense of territory, unlike us women who know what's best."

Cindy nodded, "You nailed it. Luckily, Vincent and Patrick married us, otherwise, they wouldn't get it. They just think it's best if Molly never gets married, which is a total fantasy."

"I even argued with Vincent in the bedroom this afternoon. He didn't say anything, and I wasn't happy. What did you say to Patrick this afternoon?" Cindy continued.

Vera propped her face with her hand, looking down the stairs, "I didn't bother talking to him. Even if I did, he wouldn't listen. Later, he got busy with work and went to the study." Cindy and Vera chatted warmly in a corner of the third floor about stuff only they could relate to, being experienced and all.

After a bit, Teddy woke up and started crying in the room. His cries were so heartbreaking that they alerted Vera outside.

Hearing the sound, Vera exclaimed, "Theodore's crying. Cindy, I gotta go."

Cindy nodded, "Go quick. He's probably hungry again. I'll fill you in later if anything happens."

"Thanks, Cindy." Vera dashed back to the bedroom.

"Don't cry, Mommy's here," Vera soothed.

Holding Theodore from the crib, Vera started to unbutton her shirt with one hand.

Meanwhile, Molly hesitated and went to the living room. As soon as she sat next to Sebastian, Vincent said, "Molly, go back to your room. We're discussing something, and it's not for you to hear." Sebastian was much gentler, "Molly, be good. Go back first. Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Molly softly called, "Sebastian."

"Go back!" No one was as stern as Patrick. With a single stern shout, Molly was so scared she didn't say another word and ran off.

After Molly ran off, Randall awkwardly went over.

After feeding Theodore, Vera came out holding him. "Cindy, what did I miss?"

"Molly showed up for like ten seconds and got scolded back by Patrick. Randall showed up again, and they're still talking," Cindy replied. "Should we go find Shawn?" Vera asked.

Cindy nodded, and without saying a word, they headed to Shawn's bedroom.

Shawn had just sent the butler to gather info, and before the butler returned, Cindy and Vera arrived.

Shawn didn't look too thrilled, "Leave Teddy here, and you two go."