Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

At home, it seemed only Dad could be scared off by his daughter-in-law and his own daughter. "Why's that?" Bruce asked, settling in next to his wife.

Naomi grinned, unable to hold back her laughter at the thought of their kids. "The minute those two walked in, they called out for Dad and said both our little rascals were going to sleep in his room tonight. They even teased him that the kids napped all afternoon and would keep him up all night. Dad said he was running away and not coming back-Whoever's kids they are, let them deal with it,' he said."

Bruce glanced out the window; the sky was already darkening. "It's getting late. We really should get Dad home before it gets too late."

Andre chimed in, "I already checked with the housekeeper. Dad's out on Main Street with Harry, Mr. Zheng, Uncle, and some new friend. They're eating spicy shrimp tails and having the time of their lives. He'll sneak back in once he's had enough."

So, he was out enjoying good food-no wonder he'd been gone so long. Bruce didn't worry anymore.

"What are the girls talking about now?" Bruce asked, watching the two kids at the dining table, chatting nonstop.

Naomi burst out laughing. "Who knows what they're on about this time? They were talking about ice cream a minute ago, now it sounds like they're swapping gossip."

"It's so much better with everyone home. The house actually feels alive," Bruce said, gazing fondly at the girls.

Naomi nodded. "It's really those two who bring the energy. Andre and Chad barely say a word, and when they do, it's never about family. If Mia and Molly aren't around, and Henry and Sweetie are gone too, the place just feels empty."

Wherever those two women went, all the fun and noise followed. You couldn't drive it away even if you tried.

That night, every family scooped up their kids and headed for their rooms.

Molly held her son's chubby face and smothered him with kisses until little Wayne went stiff, staring at the ceiling, unsure what was up with his overly dramatic mom this time.

"Sweetie, Mommy's leaving now."

Officer Chad: "... ..."

Molly's teary voice was so infectious that even Wayne, who didn't

understand a word, started to elnes

nearly bursting into tears himself.

So, that night, Molly managed to make her son cry-and finally got her own emotions back in check.

In the quiet hours just before dawn, a car quietly rolled into the driveway. Hansen, leaning on his cane, snuck back into the house. "You checked with Una, right? All the bedroom lights are off?" Hansen asked the housekeeper, still a little anxious. Cóntent

The housekeeper nodded. "I checked with Una before you came in-Henry and Sweetie are both asleep."

Hansen straightened his back, stretched his arms, and walked into the living room.

He and Naomi, who was getting a glass of water, both jumped when they saw each other.noveldrama

Naomi startled, "Dad, what are you doing home so late?"

Hansen patted his chest. "Naomi, why are you up in the middle of the night? You nearly gave me a heart attack."

"I already woke up from a nap, Dad. You should head upstairs and rest. If Bruce finds out, he'll go on about it again tomorrow."

Hansen muttered all the way up the stairs, casting a glare at the housekeeper. "Didn't you say everyone was asleep?"

The housekeeper replied, "I said both the little Leos were asleep." No one asked about the adults.

Hansen, ever the stubborn one, grumbled some more. Just before reaching his room, he turned back headed downstairs again, and

caught Naomi before she ack

"Naomi, don't tell Bruce or Andre what time I got home, okay?"

Naomi nodded. “Don't worry, Dad. But this is the only time I'll cover for you."

Hansen grinned, finally satisfied. "You're the only one in this house who's truly good to me. The other five? All traitors."