The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride
Chapter 622 Business Trip

Patrick crushed his cigarette in the ashtray. "Clean it up."

Scott hung up the phone and checked the time. "All done. What's next on your agenda?"

Patrick stood up, grabbed his suit from the chair, and put it on. "Heading home. It's late; Vera and Theodore are waiting for me. Theodore rolled over today."

Scott stretched his neck and stood up, feeling relieved by the good news. "Give me a lift. I'll visit Theodore tomorrow."

In the quiet night, Patrick made his way home.

He pushed open the bedroom door and saw Vera had left a wall lamp on for him. She and Theodore were snuggled up together, with Theodore's little feet sticking out. Vera was asleep, one arm around Theodore, looking like the perfect picture of motherly love.

Patrick smiled at the sight. He quietly undressed and went to take a shower, accidentally waking Vera.

Vera rubbed her eyes and adjusted Theodore's position before heading to the bathroom. "Did I wake you?" Patrick asked, his voice soft and affectionate.

Vera yawned. "Why are you so late today?"

"Had a lot to do," Patrick replied.

As she gathered his dirty clothes, Vera noticed the strong smell of smoke but didn't say anything. She checked his pockets before putting the clothes in the laundry basket. While Patrick showered, Vera chatted, "Theodore can roll over now. He waited for you until midnight but couldn't keep his eyes open any longer."

After his shower, Patrick lay down beside the sleeping Theodore. "Vera, I have a business trip abroad tomorrow. Stay here and don't go back to our house." "When you're not home, Theodore and I don't want to go back. The house feels too big and empty. I get scared at night when you're not there," Vera said.

As they chatted, they gradually fell asleep, their breathing steady.

Theodore lay sprawled in the middle, a picture of simple happiness.

The next day, Scott came over and held Theodore for a while. He even made a short video and shared it in the group chat. "Look, everyone! Theodore is a little chubby bundle." During the day, the police got a report about a car explosion and a charred body.

Sebastian listened briefly and moved on.

"Sam, come with me to the tuxedo shop after work tomorrow to try on the groomsmen suits," Sebastian said.

Sam agreed and joined some older colleagues discussing this case. "The victim seemed to have been beaten, with multiple fractures, including a broken jaw."

Sebastian suddenly stopped. They all knew about Jeffrey's broken arm, but only a few knew about his broken jaw.

In the autopsy room, Ernest was explaining her findings while examining the body.

A new intern, overwhelmed by the sight and smell, ran out to vomit.

Ernest sighed. "The young ones are so weak."

After a while, Sebastian came over.

"Why are you here again?" Ernest asked.

"Just passing by," Sebastian said, looking at the body and assessing its height, weight, and features.

A few minutes later, he said lightly, "It's scary. I'm leaving. Carry on."

Ernest called out to Sebastian's retreating back, "Come on! You've seen worse than this."

Sebastian walked in the sunlight, hands behind his back, staring at his workplace in the distance. He hesitated for a long time but ultimately didn't call Patrick. Before he knew it, he had walked back.

In the afternoon, Patrick was getting ready for his "business trip." Vera, holding Theodore at the door, waved Theodore's little hand in the air. "Say goodbye to Daddy. He's going to earn money to raise you." Theodore watched Patrick leave, wanting to follow him.

"Let me hug you one more time. Listen to Vera and go to bed early to practice rolling," Patrick said.

Theodore buried his face in Patrick's neck, drooling on his clothes.

"I'll be back as soon as I'm done. Go to Vera now," Patrick added.

Randall, acting as the driver, took Patrick to the airport. His car was fixed, but he was still recovering from injuries caused by Shawn, though they weren't serious.

Overseas, at the Rossi Villa, Wesley and Cole had tried multiple times to reach Jeffrey's phone but failed. Wesley was worried, "Dad, has the Olteran Group made any moves recently?" Cole replied, "It's been quiet."

Wesley called Emma, who had introduced Jeffrey. Even if they lost contact, Emma would still have a connection with him.

At the airport, Emma followed instructions and took Aleah from a couple. She asked, "Where's the contract?"

The couple handed Emma a folder containing all of Aleah's information, including documents and an envelope.

The man extended his hand to Emma. "Ten thousand dollars. That's the agreed payment."

Emma was furious at the amount but reluctantly handed over the money to avoid trouble.

Looking at Aleah in her arms, Emma said, "So you're Dennis's child." She looked at the child with disdain and casually got into the car.

In the car, Emma opened the envelope and saw Jeffrey's instructions on how to access the money and his warnings. "Failed to kidnap Patrick's son. Stay away from the Rossi family. I deceived the Rossi family, and now we are on the same side. The Rossi family won't either of us."

"To ensure Aleah's safety, she will only receive the $4 billion when she turns 18. If she is mistreated in any way, you won't get the money. Besides, the Rossi family is eyeing this amount. I advise you not to expose Aleah's identity, or you'll face dire consequences."

"Jeffrey, you lied to me!" Emma punched the steering wheel.

She tried calling Jeffrey, but there was no answer.

As she tried again, Cole's call came in.

With Jeffrey's words in mind, Emma hesitated, unsure of what to do.

Unable to reach Emma, Cole and Wesley grew increasingly anxious.

"What on earth is going on? Why can't we reach anyone?" Wesley asked.

Cole explained, "Wesley, head to Zandonick and find out the truth."

It was about their fates, which had to be clarified.

Unable to reach Jeffrey, Emma drove home.

Patrick's plane landed late at night, and he was picked up by the head of the overseas division. He traveled discreetly, and few people knew this trip wasn't for business.

As soon as the plane landed, Patrick called Vera to let her know he was safe.

Vera started complaining, "Honey, your son is so lazy when you're not home. He won't take a bath. Susan, Cindy, and I couldn't hold him down. Bathing him is like a wrestling match. Finish your work quickly and come back to bathe him." Patrick chuckled, "Don't spoil him. Give him a couple of smacks if you have to."