Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

When Grandpa George handed his walking stick to his grandson and sauntered towards the door, little Henry stood there, as cute as a button, not moving an inch.

As Grandpa George reached the door and noticed his little buddy wasn't following, the living room suddenly fell into a hush. It was like time had stopped for everyone, including Henry. "Alright, I'm off then, back to sort out the family business," Grandpa George announced, waving as he strode outside.

No sooner had he left than Henry turned with a puzzled look towards his dad. Kneeling down, Andre said gently, "Grandpa's gone, so he won't be here to play with you tonight." Henry's lips quivered as he dropped the walking stick, and soon the room was filled with his whimpers.

Out in the yard, Grandpa George heard the cries.

A little while later, Andre came out holding Henry, and Grandpa George quickly asked, "What's with the tears now? Didn't I let you play with my walking stick? Don't cry, my little treasure." Henry reached out his tiny arms, longing for his grandpa.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Naomi stepped out, chuckling, and explained, "Andre just told him you weren't staying to play tonight. He tossed the walking stick and started crying."

Holding his little bundle of joy, Grandpa George beamed, "See, I knew it. My grandson loves me, not the walking stick. I'm indispensable around here." Deciding against his earlier plans, Grandpa George returned inside, saying, "Grandpa's not leaving, let's play some more."

When Mia got home that evening, she heard Grandpa George boasting, "Mia, you wouldn't believe how close my grandson and I are now." Mia, eyeing the top of Grandpa's head, teased, "Dad, aren't you cold in winter?"

"Uh?"

The next day, Mia met Jamie and shared, "Jamie, my dad says being bald isn't cold." "Your dad's bald?" Jamie recalled a man with a full head of hair from months ago.

Mia waved it off, "I've got another dad."

"You asked him directly?" Even Denny, eavesdropping, couldn't resist the gossip.

Mia turned around, "Yeah, and because of that, my dad refused to babysit last night."

So, little Henry happily nestled between his parents last night.

Anya spent a couple of days with her folks. On Sunday, after lunch at the Calder's, Leo and Anya headed back to Havenbrook.

Mr. and Mrs. Calder stood by the door, waving them off.

Mrs. Calder suddenly felt an odd sensation, like sending off a daughter returning to her in-laws.

As they left the Calder's, Leo drove slowly.

Anya waved from the car, "Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! I'll miss you. I'll be back when the baby comes. Love you both."

Once they were out of sight, Leo picked up the pace.

Anya was on her way back, and Grandpa George wrapped up at Maplewood Estates, leaving no ungrateful grandkids behind.

By 8 PM, as Anya arrived at the Cedillo house, two cars pulled up at the same time.

"Dad, we're back." "Hey, old man, come welcome me." "Woo-ah-ah."

Grandpa George stood at the door, fuming as he saw four adults cradling a little bundle.

With his walking stick tapping the floor, Grandpa George grumbled, "Who said you could all come back? All at once!"

Mia chimed in, "I'm just coming home."

Molly added, "This is my parents' house."

Henry, cuddled in his dad's arms, pouted, "Woo-um."

Anya, quick as a breeze, dashed over, "Hey there, little one, Auntie Anya's here!"

Naomi and Bruce were all smiles, too. It seemed only Grandpa George wasn't thrilled. The Cedillo house buzzed with its usual liveliness.

ned

Meanwhile, Lee and Paige seemed to be making headway. When Lee messaged Leo, Anya happened to be nearby. "Chad, why let those two get together?"

Leo put away his phone, masking his intentions, "You've got exams soon. How's the prep going? Let's take a look."

"Chad, is that all there is to it? You're not getting involved, right?" Anya asked, worried.

Leo didn't answer directly, gently ruffling Anya's hair, "Ms. Anya, focus on your finance studies. You'll be managing my books one day."

He leaned in, kissing Anya, sending her thoughts into a swirl.

At Cedillo Inc., the two brothers

exchanged looks. Little Henry was

snug in his dad's arms, looking even more adorable in his winter layers thanks to Mia's careful bundling.

"Come on, just lend him for a day?" Conner leaned over Andre's desk, his tone almost pleading.

Andre shook his head, his refusal firm. "Nope."

Conner pressed, "Name your price, whatever it is, I'll meet it."

Andre shot back, "You think you can buy me?"

Frustrated, Conner slammed his

hand on the desk, standing up

straight, pacing around in agita

Henry's curious eyes followed his godfather's every move.

Conner pointed at Andre, "I'll give you a third of my Newtown shares. Just for one day. That's my final offer."

Andre remained unyielding, "I'm not into shady deals."

Conner clenched his fists, pounding Andre's desk again, "I just want to borrow our son for a day, why are you so stubborn?"

Little bystander Henry: ?? Why am I being borrowed again?