The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

Ellie heard about some of Shawn's quirks and burst out laughing. "He's like a big kid."

Molly had already agreed to play a game with Shawn and then let him go to bed early.

Ellie stuck around, waiting for Molly to finish the game before talking to her.

After one game, Molly put down her phone and lay next to Ellie. "Mom, what do you want to talk about?"

Ellie said, "I want to talk to you about Sebastian."

Molly perked up and turned to Ellie. "What's up with Sebastian?"

Ellie reminisced, "You were always attached to Sebastian when you were a kid. He was the first to find you lying on the beach. He pointed at you and told us to look. Later, when you woke up, you kept calling for your brother and wouldn't allow Sebastian to be out of your sight, always saying you were scared and didn't want him to leave."

Molly propped her face with her hand. "And then, Mom?"

Ellie said, "Then you clung to him for fifteen years."

"In winter, he wore a black coat, and you had to wear one too. If we couldn't buy one, you'd cry until I had one made for you. When he got a new bed, you had to sleep in it the first night. When he went to college, you got familiar with the campus before he did."

"When you wanted something I wouldn't buy, you'd go to him. When you wanted to play and I wouldn't join, you'd go to him. When you wanted to eat something I wouldn't cook, you'd go to him." "Sebastian watched movies with you, took you on trips, and helped you shop for clothes. Molly, what exactly is Sebastian to you?"

"He's my brother," Molly said directly, without a hint of hesitation or emotion in her eyes.

Ellie asked, "Then why did you open the door for him when you were only wrapped in a towel today?"

Molly said awkwardly, "I used to walk around the house in a towel, and you never said anything. Besides, who knew the towel wasn't secured properly today? Mom, please don't bring it up again; it's embarrassing. I'll be more careful at home from now on."

Ellie sighed and said gently, "That's not the only thing I'm talking about. You're an adult now; you shouldn't be hugging and clinging to Sebastian all the time."

"You two are siblings, so you need to keep some distance. You hug his arm and rest your chin on his shoulder; even Timothy and I don't do that. When Sebastian gets a girlfriend, do you think she won't be jealous?" Molly retorted, "Sebastian said he won't date anyone before he's thirty."

Ellie asked, "Is that what I'm talking about?"

Molly pouted. "I get it, Mom. You think Sebastian and I act more like a couple than siblings."

Ellie didn't know what to say.

Molly added, "I'll be more careful, Mom. I'll keep my distance from Sebastian. I'll even wear a sign around my neck: 'I'm Sebastian's sister, not his girlfriend.""

Ellie said to Molly, "Molly, I'm not joking. Timothy and I know you and Sebastian are close, but you need to be mindful."

"Also, you shouldn't only have Sebastian as the only man in your life. Your social circle should be broader. If someone asks you out, don't automatically say no. Participate in more activities; it'll be good for you in the long run."

"Who says I don't have other men in my life? I have two dads, Randall, Vincent, and Patrick. Aren't they all men?" Molly said.

Ellie got up and tucked Molly in. "But can you date them? You're in college now, and I support you dating. If you meet someone suitable, give it a try."

Molly could already imagine Sebastian lecturing her about cases if she started dating. It would either be about dismemberment or intentional homicide. Tired of thinking about it, she casually said, "Fine, I'll consider it, Mom."

Ellie nodded.

They then talked about Bella and Jonathan, who had visited earlier. "Why did Bella come over?"

Ellie replied, "She was visiting."

Ellie thought about the marketing manager position at the company. Jonathan had held it for too long and knew too many company secrets. Firing him abruptly wouldn't be wise, but keeping him around was also a risk. She looked at Molly and said, "Molly, I want to hear your opinion on something."

Molly leaned in. "Mom, go ahead."

Ellie shared her concerns with Molly without mentioning any names.

After listening, Molly said directly, "Just strip him of his power. He knows too many company secrets, so you can't fire him suddenly. Also, you need to find someone capable to take his place, then give him another position, a demotion in disguise. This way, you can explain it to Bella and keep Jonathan in check."

Ellie was shocked. "Did I mention Jonathan just now?" She wondered how Molly figure it out.

Molly tapped her head. "Mom, don't compare a simple mind to your clever, sharp, and intelligent daughter, okay? From your conflicted tone and the fact that Bella and Jonathan visited today, I could guess it was related to them. If it were someone unrelated, you wouldn't hesitate to be blunt. Only if it's a relative would you find it hard to handle. Therefore, this person must hold an important position, a leadership role. Who else could it be but Jonathan?" Ellie looked at Molly, pleasantly surprised. "You really are Patrick's sister. I can rest easy handing the company over to you in the future."

Molly hugged Ellie's waist and leaned closer. "Mom, you need to find the right position for this demotion. Clerical jobs pay too little, and procurement jobs offer too many perks. If you keep him close, you'll have to be wary of him." Ellie realized that when she discussed work with Timothy, he always comforted her but rarely offered substantial advice. He mostly taught her how to manage subordinates and network. Molly, on the other hand, hit the nail on the head. She said, "Mom, you should always prepare a backup plan. You can't have too much talent. For a marketing manager, appoint a deputy. If the general manager is moved, the deputy can step up immediately."

Ellie replied, "You don't need to worry about that. I've been in the business world for many years."

Molly was curious about what Jonathan had done to make Ellie want to get rid of him. "Mom, tell me what Jonathan did."

Ellie refused, "Timothy doesn't want me to tell you."

"Dad is just afraid I'll do something implusive. Don't worry, Mom. Vera is pregnant now. I wouldn't dare actually go after someone," Molly said.

Ellie hesitated, then thought about how Molly might say one thing but do another to vent her anger. She shook her head. "I won't say."

Molly pleaded, "Mom, please, tell me. I promise I won't cause trouble for Jonathan."