Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Before long, Leo parked his car and headed back to the hotel, spotting his manager waiting for him. Together, they made their way upstairs. "Leo, I heard from a colleague you've got a car. Is that true?"

Leo glanced up, caught off guard for a second, then forced a smile. "Boss, maybe they saw my ad for selling it online? Yeah, I've got a car, but with gas prices sky-high, I can barely afford to fill it up, let alone pay the monthly bills. I'm thinking of selling it. If I don't, I won't be able to cover my rent and might end up on the street."

Having a tough time?

Vincent chuckled, "How about a raise next month?"

Leo quickly waved it off. "Boss, you've been more than generous; I'm grateful. Let's stick to the rules; fairness is important. With your leadership, you're seen as just and fair by everyone. An unexpected raise might look biased. I truly appreciate your support." Vincent straightened up, his ego a bit stroked.

Once inside the private room, they were met with a fog of smoke, banter, flattery, and the pop of wine bottles.

As Vincent entered, the group greeted him warmly, "Vincent, brought a sidekick today?"

Vincent waved them off. "Just one of the young folks from my company, introducing him to everyone."

Leo took his seat, and soon someone handed him a cigarette.

Without a word, Leo accepted it. His job was to pour drinks, and refusing would seem arrogant in this setting.

After taking it, Leo set it aside.

As someone was about to light it for him, Leo quickly stood up with a bottle of wine. "You must be Mr. Montgomery, right? My boss told me to make sure your glass is never empty."

Leo promptly poured wine for the man at the head of the table.

"Well done! Vincent, this young one's got a good vibe," remarked the man at the head.

Vincent beamed. "If he wasn't capable, I wouldn't have brought him along."

"Vincent's so proud, maybe he's thinking of this kid as a future son-in-law?"

Vincent laughed. "My daughter's about Leo's age."

Leo: "..."

After making the rounds with the wine, Leo sat back down. "Please, don't put me on a pedestal; I'm just a regular guy. I'm happy earning, saving, and one day bringing my girlfriend home." Vincent's smile faded slightly.

"Oh, you have a girlfriend?"

Leo nodded. "We've been together a while. She's still in school, but it's solid."

After that, Leo felt a bit of tension from those around him.

He kept pouring drinks. "I've been lucky at work, having a great boss who's always had my back. If I wasn't driving, I'd toast Vincent tonight to show my appreciation."

Vincent smiled slightly.

The evening continued on in good spirits.

Around nine, as things wound down, Vincent suggested hitting a club, which everyone was up for, except Leo, who hadn't been drinking since he was the designated driver. "Vincent, everyone's had a lot tonight, and Mr. Montgomery can barely stand; he'll need the hotel. Suggesting karaoke might overshadow him. When he sobers up, he might not be too happy."

Vincent looked at Mr. Montgomery, who was barely upright, and nodded. "Another time, then. Mr. Montgomery's hospitality was too good tonight; I'm seeing double. Let's plan a karaoke night soon."

With that, the group dispersed, and Leo drove Vincent home.

At the Davis family's townhouse, Leo rang the bell.

"Who is it?"

Soon, a woman in her twenties appeared.

Seeing Leo, she was surprised. "You, who are you?"

Leo asked, "Is this the Davis residence?"

She nodded, and Leo opened the car door to reveal the snoozing Vincent. "Know him?"

"My dad."

Leo knew he was at the right place. "Can you open up? I need a hand."

She quickly opened the door wider, watching as Leo helped her father inside. "Where's your mom?"

"Out playing cards."

"And no housekeeper?"

"We don't have one."

"Sorry about this."

Together, they got Vincent into the living room. Spotting no elevator and feeling it was inappropriate to venture upstairs as a guest, Leo settled Vincent on the sofa. He handed the car keys to the young woman. "Vincent's car is outside. Take good care of him. I'm heading out."

"Wait, I didn't catch your name. How do I explain to my dad who brought him home?"

Leo smiled, "No worries, your dad knows me."

And with that, Leo left, not leaving his name.

He walked away and caught a ride home.

At home, Anya was lounging, binge-watching her favorite series. Realizing it was almost ten and she hadn't studied for her meeting with Chad, she panicked.

She quickly shut down her entertainment and opened her study documents on her laptop.

Minutes later, Leo called.

Seeing his name, Anya felt the phone heat up in her hand. Chad was checking in~

Nervously, she answered, "Hello, uh, hello, Chad?"

Leo's tone was casual. "What's with the hello, hello? What's got you so jumpy?"

Anya stammered, "No, nothing."

Realizing she was stuttering, Leo paused. "Didn't study and watched shows instead?"

Anya bit her lip. "Chad, I'm studying now."

"No TV shows?"

Anya stuck her tongue out, too scared to answer.

Leo had guessed. "Ms. Anya, I'll be picking you up this week. Start packing."

Hearing this, Anya worriedly scrunched up her face. "Chad, I need to look after my mom."

"Then I'll bring her too."

Anya hesitated, whispering, "But what if my dad says no?"

Upon arrival, Leo paid the fare and entered the elevator. "I'm in the elevator now, I'll be back soon. Open up your laptop and connect with me." "Okay, I'm in front of my computer."

After hanging up, Anya quickly deleted her entire binge-watching history and cleared her browsing history. She sighed in relief, "Finally, all sorted." Feeling secure, she was convinced nothing could trace back to her now.