Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 509

The little guy was the star of the show today, but all the attention seemed to just roll off him like water off a duck's back.

Yawning wide enough to make a room full of adults smile, he nestled into his dad's arms with a little wriggle, his eyes fluttering shut almost instantly.

Mia adjusted her son's tiny tiger beanie, her voice soft and warm. "He thinks his daddy's arms are the coziest place in the world, cozy enough to fall asleep right away." The crowd chuckled and nodded. "I bet Andre's the king of cuddles at home, huh?"

Mia grinned, her smile spreading like a warm sunrise. "Oh, absolutely. My husband's the cuddle champion, even more than me."

The buzz of conversation ebbed and flowed, topics swinging from business deals to personal stories, a perfect spot for networking or just checking out who's who.

The Gordons kept a close eye on Leo. Even when he stepped away to toss a cup, Mrs. Calder watched intently, ready to judge if he missed the trash can-a slip-up could be a lifelong blemish. Several young ladies, each trying to catch Leo's eye, found him politely stepping aside each time.

Leo had one golden rule: always keep a respectful distance.

Chad wasn't ignored either. Someone remarked, "Officer Chad, climbing the ranks so young in Havenbrook-there must be a supportive lady behind the scenes, right?"

The business folks, as cunning as ever, tried to dig into Chad's personal life.

Chad, the master of catching foxes, knew just how to respond. "It's too early to call her my wife, but without her support, I wouldn't be here today."

With that single line, Chad made it clear-he was taken, just not married.

The hotel buzzed with activity, only accessible to those with golden invitations. The Cedillo family had locked down every entrance, with guards posted at each door and patrols circling like hawks.

In a nondescript black car, a man with scarred knuckles sat like a mole in the shadows, watching everything.

The Cedillos' prosperity starkly contrasted his lurking darkness.

They were vigilant, with someone at each door subtly checking hands. Anyone wearing gloves was asked to remove them.

Tom Walton gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes burning with hatred...

Thankfully, the little star behaved for the family photo shoot. Mia gently woke him, and to everyone's delight, he didn't cry but blinked sleepily.

After being paraded around for the family portrait, he closed his eyes again, not wanting to waste a single second of sleep.

At dinner, Anya wanted to join Leo's table. Luckily, there was enough space, and Leo found an extra chair for her.

Seeing this, Jade decided to do the same. "I'll grab a chair for my Chad too-"

"Cough, cough!"

""Hem, hem!"

Hansen and Andre shared an unspoken agreement as they sent Jade a warning glare.

"Th-then, I won't grab one," Jade quickly backtracked.

As the banquet wound down, the Cedillos' gift room looked like a small mountain range of generosity.

Anya, knowing her aunt's love for treasures, rushed to inform Mia, "Auntie, there are so many gifts in the rest room, you could spend a whole day unwrapping them."

Jade added with a smirk, "Be confident, Mia could spend a whole week on them."

Upon seeing the gift pile herself, Jade was floored by Andre's prowess. Today, she realized he was more than just formidable he was extraordinary. His network and influence were unparalleled, reaching heights others couldn't in a lifetime. Molly felt ordinary in comparison, unworthy of being Andre's sister.

The Cedillo gathering ended without the usual evening pomp, wrapping up a busy day around five in the afternoon.

The Cedillos were exhausted. Aaron and Madison had been on their feet all day, and once everything settled, they collapsed onto the sofa.

Mia approached her parents with tenderness, "Dad, Mom, why don't you rest in the lounge for a bit? Cooper's in there keeping Henry company."

"Are all the guests gone?" Aaron inquired.

Mia nodded, "The drivers are on their way. Let's head home and get some early sleep tonight."

She took her parents' hands, leading them to a well-deserved rest.

Andre was in high spirits, having enjoyed a fair share of wine at lunch. As he prepared to see off the last of the guests, Mia came forth with a cup of detox tea, "Honey, I brewed this for you earlier. Drink up."

He took the cup, rubbing his temples as he reached for his phone to arrange their ride.

"No need," Mia interjected, "I've already called the driver. They're en route. Sit with our son and rest your eyes for a bit."

"And Leo?" Andre couldn't help but worry.

Mia knew everyone's whereabouts, "He's just gone to escort Anya's parents."

Mr. and Mrs. Calder, unlike the other guests, weren't leaving the same day. Their daughter was local, so they were staying at the hotel.

When it came time to leave, Leo made an exception.

While other guests were seen off in pre-arranged hotel shuttles, he had a different plan for the Calders.

Anya announced, "Chad, I'm going to the hotel with my parents."

Leo replied, "Wait for me; I'll be back in two minutes with my car keys to drive you."

Mrs. Calder raised an eyebrow-why the special treatment?

Her gaze lingered on her daughter.

Back in the lounge, Andre played with his son's tiny toes, suddenly noticing a missing presence, "Molly's off to the Byrnes again?"

"Not quite," Mia reassured him. "She's just gone to see Chad off. She knows we're having a family gathering at home later."

In no time at all, Jade returned home, kicking off her high heels the moment she stepped through the door, liberating her bare feet. She dashed to where her son Henry was sound asleep, unable to resist planting a kiss on his cheek. Before she did, she carefully wiped her lipstick off with the back of her hand to avoid leaving a mark.

One kiss simply wasn't enough, so she went in for another. Her affection nearly woke the child, and only when he stirred and almost cried did she stop.

By six o'clock, everyone had gathered, all the presents and checks had been delivered to Maplewood Estates, and the driver had arrived. The group made their way back to the Cedillo household in the soft glow of the evening.

Out of their formal attire and into comfy loungewear, cousins Molly and Leo sprawled across the living room couch, unabashedly lying down to sleep in the comfort of their own home.

When Mia came downstairs to get a glass of water for her son, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of her fatigued relatives. When Molly had first reunited with the Cedillo family, she was shy about everything, embarrassed to even come downstairs in her pajamas, let alone sprawl out on the couch for a nap. But now, Jade's relaxed demeanor said it all. Setting aside her son's bottle, Mia picked up a lightweight blanket and draped it over the two sleepers.

Upstairs, Andre lay down to rest, his infant son sleeping beside him. The little one's tiny fists were near his head, and when he stirred restlessly, his hands flailing and his whimpers suggesting he might cry, Andre's hand would reach out to gently pat his little guy back to sleep.

The elders too retired for the night, and the Cedillo house was immersed in a peaceful tranquility.

Everything was so quiet, footsteps naturally slowed, and voices were hushed, all to avoid disturbing the sweet dreams of those around them.