Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"He's a decent guy, and the manager's been trying to match you two up," Lee said. "The manager sees potential in him and respects his character. He's been hoping you two would hit it off, but Leo's not into it. His girlfriend? Besides her looks, what's she got? He's been thinking about quitting and is hunting for a new job. Bringing you into the company was a way to get you two to spend more time together, hoping love would grow." Paige had stopped crying and looked at her dad for answers.

Vincent nodded, "I see the value in his connections, and I trust his character. If he doesn't break up with her, you don't stand a chance. I'm doing this for you." His plan? Steal a subordinate's girlfriend.

Paige didn't seem too fazed, "How'd you know he's thinking of quitting?"

"A friend of mine got Leo's job application. They mentioned him to me because they'd heard his name from me, so I asked around, and it checked out."

So, Vincent was the one truly blocking Leo's way.

In their tight-knit circle, Vincent had a wide network. Without any backing, it was easy for Vincent to cut off someone's path.

Paige thought of Leo's girlfriend, always in his protective embrace, and how he constantly referred to her as "my wife," "my partner," "my girlfriend," making it clear they're together, even avoiding impropriety with others by saying things like "my partner wouldn't want me to sleep elsewhere."

Even with something as simple as a nickname, Leo kept things clean, not allowing any closeness. But his girlfriend could dive into his arms, calling him "Chad" sweetly. He was truly devoted; their love was pure.

Paige had never seen such genuine love, nor had she experienced it. Everyone could see how Leo cherished his girlfriend, showing her all his affection. That love was hers to enjoy alone.

"Paige, love is something you control. If you want something, you go after it, no matter what," Vincent said, observing his daughter's calm demeanor, imparting his lesson. Paige replied, "Do you do this a lot? She looks even younger than me."

Vincent continued, "Your mother and I lost our connection ages ago. Besides, by doing this, I'm clearing obstacles for you. What I achieve, you can achieve more easily." Paige clenched her fists, gritting her teeth, "All I want is for him not to marry her." She ignored everything else.

Vincent and Lee exchanged a knowing glance, and Lee drove off with a smile.

Lee, though he looked down on the backseat dealings, had a job to do. His superiors tasked him, and he had to see it through.

Leo watched from the window as the car pulled away, Anya holding a bowl, blowing on its edges, "Chad, drink this hangover soup I made for you."

Leo turned, taking the bowl without worrying about the heat, placing it on the table.

"Come on, I'll call a cab to take you home."

"No need, you've had too much to drink. I should stay to take care of you," Anya said, folding her papers, fanning the steaming soup.

"I was faking."

"I don't buy it."

"Don't be difficult."

Anya said, "Then I'll tell your aunt you're drunk, and she'll definitely come over to help me take care of you."

"Ms. Anya!"

"Chad, who's that woman?"

"Who?"

Anya's eyes shifted, "The one who calls you 'little Chad,' I don't like her."

"Couples often see eye to eye."

Anya smiled, "I felt it too." Before she could even get jealous, Chad had already put her worries to rest. Once the soup cooled a bit, Leo drank it down.

Just then, Naomi was in the living room, calling Anya, "Strange, the girl's not home yet, and it's late."

Mia and Andre had already gotten home.

Their little boy was in a playpen, Henry shaking the fence, making baby sounds.

Andre came into the living room, scooping up his son, holding the soft bundle. "Naomi, Anya's not back yet?" "Nope."

Anya's call connected, "Hey, Anya, time to come home, sweetie."

Anya replied obediently, "Aunt,

Chad's drunk, I need to stay... Mom, I'll send her back later, don't worry,

she won't stay over." Suddenly, Leo's voice cut into the call.

The two didn't hang up, continuing their debate, "Chad, you were all wobbly. You need someone to look after you."

"You, a little girl, have you taken care of anyone before? Go home."

"I took care of my mom."

"I'm a drunk."

"See, you admit you're drunk."

Leo took Anya's phone, ending the call for her.

Naomi was left speechless, staring at her phone, "These kids..."

Andre, holding his son, headed upstairs, "Your mom's done with her work; we can go to bed."

Henry twisted his small body, looking at his aunt's place, babbling.

Andre said, "Naomi, get some rest."

Henry chimed in with a "mm-hmm."

Back in the bedroom, Andre watched his son smile broadly as he tossed him in the air and caught him.

With each toss, Henry's excitement grew, "Baba, dad."

Mia came out of the bathroom, watching the father and son play, reminding, "Be careful, don't drop him."

Andre securely held his son, hugging him close. Their precious child, even

if he was a handful, he'd always

protect him, "Anya's not yet."

"It's past nine, and she's not back," Mia said, tossing Henry's dirty clothes aside, "Our son's getting harder to handle. We might need to hire a nanny just to wash his clothes. Feed him once, and you'll have to change his clothes; he's gone through four outfits today just staying in pajamas. I'm about ready to give up."

Henry lay quietly in his father's arms, trying to be cute and making faces, but not daring to upset his mom.

After a bit, Mia came in from the balcony, "Did Anya go to Leo's place again?"

"Probably. But you should talk to her too, not just take Naomi's word for it."

Mia replied, "She seems the most obedient, yet she's the most stubborn. If Leo can't get through to her, I'm not going to try."

Passing by Henry, he clutched the soft, fragrant bread he was holding, then grabbed his mom's pajama sleeve, trying to dive into her arms.

"Go to your dad; I'm busy," Mia said, pushing her son away without a second thought.

Henry looked at his dad, pouting, and began to cry.