Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leaving Maja's room, Kon found his way back to the meditation spot under the oversized spider sculpture.

"Mr. Kon, I gotta say, she's playing us. Why are we still dealing with her?" his aide grumbled.

Kon's eyes darkened. "She's got what we need right now. Any news on Greg?"

"Three undercover agents from Havenbrook tried rescuing him, but they all went dark. Anyone who even saw Greg vanished after leaving."

Kon clenched his fist. "Seems like Andre's got his fingers in every pie in Havenbrook."

"Mr. Kon, we already lost someone in The Silent Ring, and we still don't know who's pulling the strings there. Even the government is treading carefully over Greg."

Kon let out a dry laugh, an idea taking shape. "Andre's just handed me a brilliant plan."

His aide looked confused, so Kon explained, "I remember the Johnson place is right on a 'dragon line' according to geomancy." A sly grin spread across his face. "Pass me the laptop."

Meanwhile, the Cedillo family was having a typical day. Henry was helping his brother Chad, who never left his side.

Mia was nibbling on ice cream while tackling her English homework, and Molly was engrossed in a finance book with a fruit platter in hand.

Hansen was glued to the TV, while Bruce and Naomi chatted, "It's been ages since we saw our son. How about dinner with him and Anya this weekend?"

Andre was out schmoozing. When Henry got tired of pushing Chad, he sneaked a lick of his mom's ice cream before returning to his brother.

That evening, when Andre got home, the Cedillo family was all smiles, chatting and laughing, blissfully unaware of the looming threat.

Conner tagged along with Annie to the Martin family's place.

On Gabby's birthday, seeing Conner walk in made him clam up.

The Nettleton family didn't have the usual jitters about a new son-in-law. Instead, they were easygoing. "Uncle, relax. I'm practically family already. Treat me like you treat Annie."

Gabby was flustered, "No way, you're the head of the Nettleton family. You should sit at the head of the table."

Conner reassured him, "I know, but you don't have to treat me any differently. Just like any other son-in-law is fine."

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Conner asked bluntly, "Why are your parents so skittish? Annie, you're nothing

like them."

"I take after my sister."

Conner: "..."

Sensing the awkwardness, the Martin parents quickly ushered everyone to the table.

Despite the festive spirit, only Conner seemed genuinely happy, while the Martin family felt uneasy.

Conner thought to himself: Annie bringing me home as her fiancé must mean she truly accepts me.

Annie was distracted, glancing at her phone. "Why hasn't my sister called for Dad's birthday?"

The Martin parents were a bundle of nerves, uneasy and anxious.

Conner pulled out a special bottle of whisky, "Uncle, let's celebrate with a toast."

Gabby hesitated, "Oh no, you're busy, and drinking might lead to trouble."

"It's all good. I came back with Annie just to celebrate your birthday." With

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Annie stepped in, "We're here to eat, not drink."

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wouldn't

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always share a drink with their

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Annie snatched the bottle away, "I'd rather not be stuck taking care of two drunken

fools later."