The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

Patrick's phone rang. He glanced at the number and turned away from Vera.

Vera tilted her head, curious. She thought, 'Why's he avoiding me?'

After the call, Patrick found Shawn, and they went to the study.

Vera stood in the living room, puzzled. "What's going on?"

Alan wrapped up his meeting with Dennis and headed back to the office to see Jesse.

Since the conversation was crucial, Jesse and Alan went home.

Coincidentally, Dawn, who had a gambling problem, was also there.

Alan said, "Dad, Dennis wants to work with us. He hasn't given details, but it seems shady."

Jesse asked, "Who did you meet today?"

Alan thought of the three people present. "Jerry was there too."

Jesse was shocked and looked at Alan.

Alan confirmed, "Timothy's boss."

Jesse advised, "Alan, you can't agree to this. We're still aligning with the Chase family now. A strong alliance is the right move."

Dawn, having overheard the conversation, quickly chimed in. Although she initially didn't want to get involved, hearing about the Chase family changed her mind, she quickly chimed in, "Alan, you need to cooperate." Jesse and Alan looked at her.

Dawn said confidently, "You've been trying to get in good with the Chase family. Look at Timothy and Sebastian's attitudes. Isn't it because they have powerful backing? Now a higher-up is reaching out to you. You can't pass this up. You're dealing with Jerry now, but in the future, it'll be someone even more powerful."

Jesse looked at Dawn and said, "Nonsense. Didn't you hear Alan say it's illegal? If things go wrong, Alan could end up in jail. Politics and business should stay separate; we shouldn't get too involved."

With decades of experience in the business world, Jesse knew the ropes. Apart from his personal life being a mess, he was always clear-headed and never greedy for what wasn't his.

He saw a potential marriage alliance with the Chase family as a normal move-nothing to do with direct cooperation.

"It's no big deal. Timothy works for the government and isn't in jail. Jesse, do you have a thing for Ellie? Why can she do it, but Alan can't?"

Jesse, furious, slammed his hand on the table, eyes red with anger.

"Mom, that's enough!" Alan was also annoyed.

Given Dawn's hostility toward Ellie, even if he married Molly, they wouldn't get along.

Dawn, agitated, pointed at Jesse, crying and cursing, "Alan, don't listen to Jesse. He's got a mistress outside, while I have only you. I wouldn't steer you wrong. Jesse's going to let you down, keeping you from achieving more. Listen to me, not him-partner with Jerry."

Jesse looked at the hesitant Alan and said, "Working with wolves will only lead to the sheep being devoured. Alan, if you're a sheep, stick to grass. Too much meat will only bring you trouble!"

With that, he got up, glanced at Dawn with disgust, and left the house, not wanting to face her anymore.

Alan got Jesse's point, but Dawn kept pushing. "Alan, how do you know you're just a sheep? Why can't you be a wolf? Jesse doesn't believe in you. As a postdoc, you should break out of this narrow circle and aim for broader horizons." Alan hesitated again.

"Alan, you need to shine, and the Chase family will look up to you. You like Molly, don't you? There's no need to worry she won't fall for you then. You should have the Chase family under your feet to let off some steam," Dawn urged. Alan stayed silent, maybe leaning towards agreement.

Sebastian was promoted to deputy leader and celebrated with his team at noon.

In the evening, many wanted to take him out, but he declined all except Molly's invite.

During dinner, he kept answering calls. Just as the cake arrived, he got the news that Glen had convulsed in custody, was taken to the hospital, and escaped.

He got up, barely having eaten, and rushed to leave.

Molly, confused, asked, "Sebastian, where are you going? You haven't had the cake."

Sebastian said, "You go home first, pack the cake. I have to go."

"Sebastian..."

Molly's tone was full of reluctance.

Seeing her act like this, he couldn't just leave.

He took a spoonful of Molly's cake and, with one hand around her waist, pulled her into a tight embrace. His lips, slightly tainted with cream, deliberately kissed her ear and cheek. When he swallowed, she could feel his every movement. "Sebastian, it's going to rain. Be careful."

Sebastian bit his lip, restraining his impulse. "Okay."

Leaving the restaurant, Sebastian called Patrick, "Patrick, are you off work?"

"Not yet, what's up?"

Sebastian said, "Glen faked an illness to get into the hospital and just escaped. I need to catch him. I promised Molly dinner, but now she's alone at the restaurant. Can you pick her up? It's about to pour, and it's hard to get a cab there." Patrick agreed and gave a tip. "Got it. Keep an eye on Dennis; he might go to the Turner family." Sebastian was surprised. "Dennis?"

Patrick gave him an address.

Summer rain was unpredictable, completely at the whims of nature.

After months of drought, without any mention of rain in the forecast, it decided to pour today.

The sky had darkened prematurely, with a tempest roaring outside; it was as if the evening at seven o'clock had turned into nine.

The wind whipped the edges of women's skirts into chaos.

Hair was whipped against faces by the gale, causing women to rub their cheeks in discomfort.

Dust carried by the wind stung their eyes, forcing them to squint to see clearly.

From the restaurant's upper floor, Molly watched the scene outside through the window.

Dark clouds hung low, enveloping the city in a thick, oppressive gloom.

In no time, the rain, having gathered in heavy drops, began to pour down in torrents, washing over the entire city.

The rain was heavy, and the wind was strong, blowing the rain sideways.

Raindrops splashed against the glass, and a gust of wind caused the sheer curtains to flutter, bringing a chill.

Pedestrians with umbrellas struggled against the wind, which tore their umbrellas apart while the rain continued to batter them.

Due to the weather, Molly decided to stay in the restaurant to wait out the storm.

The rain continued for half an hour with no sign of stopping.

As Molly worried about getting home, Patrick suddenly arrived.