The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

Randall got the lowdown from Vera and Molly about why the Chase fam showed up that day.

"No proposal?" Susan asked, looking all puzzled.

Randall shrugged, "Nah, there's a whole song and dance for proposals. They wouldn't roll up with so few gifts and not give us a heads-up." Susan's eyes sparkled, "Randall, how do you know all this stuff?"

Molly jumped in, "He's just getting ready for his own big day."

"Who's Randall gonna marry?" Susan asked, curious as ever.

The room went dead silent, everyone just staring at her. The vibe got kinda weird.

Susan started to piece it together but couldn't quite believe it. She glanced at Randall, who was already looking at her.

Her heart felt like it might just stop!

Randall's intense gaze shifted to Molly, "You got a lot to say. Why didn't you speak up when Sebastian came to propose?"

Molly finally let it out, "Are you kidding? You think it's easy to keep quiet? I had a ton to say, but one look from Patrick and I zipped it." Everyone's eyes turned to Vera, who was holding Theodore.

"Don't look at me. I handle the money, but Patrick calls the shots."

Theodore, now full and content, started babbling too.

"See, even little Theodore gets it," Vera said, nudging him forward.

Randall chuckled, "Vera, you're usually so tough. How come you fold in front of Patrick?"

Vera shot back, "And you? Mr. Tough Guy? You bolt the second Patrick raises an eyebrow."

Susan watched them bicker, roast each other, but also give advice and help out.

She smiled, a bit envious, "Vera, Molly, Randall, you guys have such a tight bond."

Most people think three's a crowd, but Susan never felt left out with them. She'd felt Vera's warmth and Molly's kindness firsthand. They were arguing, but no one seemed genuinely mad.

"I think winning over my grandpa is the key," Randall said, all serious.

Vera nodded, "Shawn's a tough nut to crack. Got any ideas?"

Molly chimed in, "What do you think Shawn's weak spots are?"

The room went quiet again.

Over at the Olteran Mansion, the lights were dim.

In Shawn's bedroom, after the Chase family left, Vera, Molly, Randall, and Susan showed up.

Shawn counted them, "What are you guys doing here?" He cut to the chase.

They all said together, "To bond with you!"

Shawn raised an eyebrow, "I smell something fishy!"

In Patrick's room, he just got out of the shower and saw Theodore on the bed, no Vera in sight.

Patrick walked over, looking at Theodore, "Vera ditched you with me again?"

Theodore turned his head, looking around, totally clueless.

Patrick scooped him up with one hand and took him to the bathroom, using Theodore's special face towel to wipe his little face. "Hold still, let me see where you look like me," Patrick said, staring at Theodore in the mirror.

Theodore's little face stared back at Patrick, both of them just looking at each other.

After a long pause, Patrick finally said, "You're chubbier than me."

Meanwhile, in Shawn's bedroom, the gang was having a blast.

"Dad, you're cheating! No fair!" Vera whined, clinging to Shawn's arm. "We said the winner gets to pick truth or dare."

"You all let me win on purpose, that doesn't count!" Shawn was about to blow a gasket.

"Truth or dare, pick one," Vera insisted.

Shawn grumbled, "Fine, dare!"

Randall jumped in, "Let's do a long jump contest. I can jump eight feet. Loser does a ten-minute plank."

Shawn quickly backpedaled, "I choose truth."

Molly smirked, "Name three of Sebastian's flaws."

Shawn went silent. He knew it was a setup!

Just as Shawn was about to kick them out, Susan swooped in with some pre-made spaghetti.

Shawn couldn't resist Susan's cooking, so his plan to kick them out flopped.

"Sebastian's flaws? First, he likes Molly. Second, he wants to take Molly. Third, he doesn't know his own limits."

Molly shot back, "Dad, those are his strengths. First, he has good taste. Second, he's got guts. Third, he's willing to push boundaries."

Shawn sighed, "Alright, you win."

Molly and Vera exchanged a knowing look with Randall and Susan.

"Shawn, I want to marry Susan, but Sadie and Ulysses are against it. They don't want Susan staying with us next year. What should I do?" Randall suddenly asked. Shawn froze, "What?!"

Susan added, "Shawn, my dad doesn't want me to marry Randall. He thinks Randall isn't good enough for me."

Shawn got worked up, "What do you mean not good enough? How is Randall not good enough? What are Sadie and Ulysses unhappy about?"

Susan glanced at Randall, "They're unhappy with everything."

Shawn pressed, "There has to be a reason for their dissatisfaction."

Susan sighed, "They're mad that Randall likes me and wants to marry me. My dad wants me to stay single forever and stay by his and my mom's side." Shawn went quiet, finally getting it.

Vera chimed in, "Girls shouldn't get married. Look at Molly, she's ready to stay single for life. You two can keep each other company in the future."

Vera saw that Shawn was moved, "When you grow old and we've all settled down, she'll be left alone. You wanted me to marry Patrick quickly so he wouldn't be alone after you were gone. Now Vincent has Cindy, Patrick has me, but what about Molly?"

Shawn said nothing. He put down his knife and fork, got up, and waved them away.

That night, Shawn couldn't sleep.