The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride
Chapter 612 You Can't Discourage Children

When the barber came back to start again, Theodore started crying all over. He squirmed around, but Patrick's big hand held the back of his head, keeping him still. Patrick turned his head to the side so the barber could get to work. A chunk of hair fell right onto Patrick's pricey suit, but he didn't care. "Mr. Olteran, sorry about that," the stylist said.

Patrick replied, "No worries, keep going. Let's get this over with."

Most of the employees on the first floor had stopped what they were doing to watch. They were surprised to see such a tender, fatherly moment from Patrick. And, of course, there was Theodore's tear-streaked face.

Vera held Theodore's little hand and bent down to his eye level. "Sweetie, just a bit longer. It doesn't hurt. Let's get this haircut done, and when we get home, we'll have a contest with Grandpa to see whose hair is shorter, okay? Oh my baby, why are you crying with such a funny little expression?"

Theodore cried even harder. Vera added, "Not funny, I said it wrong."

Another chunk of hair fell on Patrick's shoulder, and some even slipped into his collar because they were so close.

After a bit, they switched directions, and toothless Theodore cried so much that his drool dripped onto Patrick's shoulder, leaving wet spots.

Vera pulled out a tissue to wipe Theodore's tears and mouth. "Where's Daddy? Theodore, where's Daddy?"

Theodore's crying slowed down a bit, and he looked at Vera with teary eyes. He didn't know where Patrick was either. Vera tried to soothe him, calling out, "Honey?"

It was time to cut the hair at the back. Patrick let go of Theodore's head and responded with a "Hey," catching Theodore's attention.

Theodore turned his head, and Patrick gently held his side, letting the barber cut the back of his head. Patrick's deep voice reached Theodore. "Couldn't you find me?"

Theodore started getting used to the buzzing sound and stopped crying, his chubby face buried in Patrick's shoulder, still sobbing.

Vera moved to the side and kept soothing Theodore. Finally, Theodore's haircut was done, and everyone let out a sigh of relief. Theodore was just as tough to handle as Vera had said. Patrick's neck was covered in Theodore's hair clippings, and since he had been holding Theodore's head, his sleeves were full of hair too.

Looking at the freshly shaved Theodore, Vera picked him up, laughing. "Theodore, I'm still getting used to your new shaved head."

Patrick stood up and brushed the hair off his body. "Vera, are you getting a haircut?"

Vera glanced at her hair in the mirror. "No, let's go home. You're covered in hair clippings. Let's go home and take a shower."

Patrick took off his black coat, but his shirt was still covered in hair. He couldn't get it all off, so he went to the counter to pay.

Theodore didn't have a hat, so after a bit, Patrick came over and draped his black suit over Theodore's head, wrapping him up.

As they left the barbershop and headed to the car, Vera held Theodore. "Your dad's got your hair clippings all over him, and you're still crying. Is your dad good to you?" Theodore, lying in Vera's arms, responded excitedly. "Then give your dad a kiss," Patrick said.

Vera lifted Theodore closer to Patrick's face. "Honey, bend down, or Theodore can't reach you."

"No kisses," Patrick mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed in public.

Vera insisted, "It's just the three of us, no one's watching. Don't let him down."

With a sigh, Patrick bent down, smiling, and let Theodore plant a kiss on his cheek. In the shadows, a phone camera was recording them until they got into the car.

Vera was still teasing, "Does it feel the same to be kissed by your wife and your son?"

"Not even close. His kisses are all slobber and snot," Patrick said, sounding disdainful but looking happy.

Vera grinned. "What about mine?"

Patrick gave her a meaningful look. "I'll tell you before bed."

The video was then sent straight to Cole's phone. In the Rossi Villa overseas, it was just Cole and Wesley in the study.

Wesley stood behind Cole, looking at the photos on the phone. He zoomed in on Randall's face in the first one, sneering, "So, this is the Randall Patrick's been hiding for over ten years." Randall was Patrick's chosen successor, and Wesley knew it well. Even though Patrick was tough on Randall, he couldn't hide his hopes for him.

Cole and Wesley had long figured out Patrick's game. Overprotecting Randall and keeping him under wraps was all to prep him for taking over the Olteran Group.

Wesley glanced at another photo. "Susan, Ulysses' only daughter, very loyal to the Olteran family."

Cole didn't bother with Susan; he focused on Randall, sneering with disdain, hatred growing in his eyes. "So, he's the next in line for the Olteran Group. I'm curious about his skills." Wesley shook his head. "That's not set in stone. Remember, Patrick's already a dad. His first kid is a boy!"

Wesley swiped to the next picture, seeing Sebastian and Molly. He stared at Molly's face. "She was Patrick's weak spot back then. Too bad we missed that chance."

Cole said to Wesley, "Don't underestimate Sebastian. The youngest squad leader of Zandonick, he took down the Tooker Group, Dennis, and his leaders. Ever heard of the MS Group?" Wesley was surprised. "The up-and-coming clothing company?"

Cole pointed at Sebastian. "His mom founded it. Jeffrey found out Molly once lived as Mia Chase, who's actually Sebastian's sister. Now, they're about to get married." Wesley's eyes lit up with interest. "I suddenly want to visit Zandonick."

The last video showed Patrick's true weakness to Cole and Wesley. Wesley stood up, looking at Theodore's face, wrapped in Patrick's suit, being lifted to kiss Patrick. The happiness in Patrick's eyes made him want to destroy it. In the video, Vera's face was also full of joy. She and her son both had chubby faces, not particularly striking. Yet, this ordinary woman had won Patrick's heart.

Wesley leaned on Cole's chair. "Dad, what do you think of Vera?"