Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance
Chapter 467

Leo, who had no status in the Cedillo family, disdained it. "What's this?"

"A shield against punches," she replied.

Leo was speechless.

Mia laughed loudly before pulling out her own gift. "Molly's gift only treats the symptoms. Mine treats the root cause."

"And what's that?" Leo asked.

"A secret martial arts manual."

Again, Leo fell silent.

Andre, his uncle, stifled a laugh behind his hand. Leo stood, gesturing to his empty chair. "Come, come, who wants to be the birthday boy? Let's switch seats."

Laughter erupted around the table. Hansen, Leo's grandfather, looked at his grandson with love in his eyes. "Sit down now."

Chad handed over his pre-prepared gift - a fountain pen. "I hope this helps you make progress in your studies, Leo."

"Thanks, Chad," Leo replied, accepting the relatively normal gift.

Andre, always one to do things differently, simply tossed his car keys to his nephew.

Leo's eyes widened. "A McLaren sports car! Uncle, I love you!"

Mia turned to her husband with wide eyes. "Honey, I want one too."

"First, learn how to drive the car I already bought you, then I'll get you a new one," Andre replied.

Mia had previously promised Andre she would learn how to drive the luxury car he'd bought her, but instead, she'd let it gather dust in the garage.

In a huff, Mia agreed, "Fine."

Anya, who came in a hurry, hadn't managed to bring a gift. Looking at the table laden with food, she offered, "Leo, I didn't have time to get you a birthday gift. Let me make you some pasta instead."

The Cedillo family, having previously suffered under Mia's disastrous cooking, immediately refused. "No need, Anya," Hansen said. "Your presence is gift enough. We have plenty of food."

Naomi, another victim of Mia's culinary experiments, agreed. "It's the thought that counts, Anya. No need to cook."

Andre also had memories he'd rather forget.

At the table, only Mia kept her head down, silently sipping her soup.

Anya stood, "Don't worry, I can cook."

Hansen thought back to when Mia had promised him the same thing. "Really, Anya, sit down and enjoy the meal," he insisted.

Molly was puzzled by everyone's strange reaction. "Anya, can you really cook?" she asked.

Anya nodded. She was keen to make a dish for Leo.

Molly, believing in Anya's capabilities, pointed to the kitchen. "It's over there. Go ahead."

Anya stood and walked towards the kitchen. Hansen, Naomi, and even Andre watched her go, while Mia kept her head down.

About ten minutes later, Anya emerged from the kitchen with a large portion of pasta.

The serving dish was quickly cleared and Anya placed her dish in the center. At first glance, the pasta looked creamy and appetizing, and the sause was neatly arranged with a sprinkle of pepper powder. The smell was enticing.

Hansen looked at his grandson, who was the perfect guinea pig. "Leo, Anya made this especially for you. You should have the first taste."

Anya stood to serve Leo, but he quickly picked up his own bowl, not letting her touch it. "Whoever cooked it should eat it first," he declared.

"But Leo, you're the birthday boy," Anya protested.

"I appoint you as the first taster," Leo insisted.

Shortly after, Bruce, Leo's father, chided his son. "Anya is our guest. She made this dish out of kindness. However, you're not only ungrateful, but you're also making her eat first. You should eat."

Leo hesitated but eventually gave in. He served himself a small bowl and bravely took a bite. "Hmm? This is actually good!" He took another bite, relishing the perfectly cooked pasta and the delicious, creamy sauce. Before he knew it, he had finished his bowl, even drinking up the remaining sauce.

He served himself another portion, and Hansen waited for his grandson's reaction. "Leo, is it good?" he asked.

"It's terrible, grandpa. You should definitely avoid it," Leo replied, continuing to eat.

Molly didn't believe him and served herself a portion. After taking a bite, she quickly served some for Chad as well. "Dad, you really shouldn't eat this. We'll take care of it for you," Molly offered.

Hansen wasn't fooled and asked the housekeeper to serve him a portion as well.

Naomi also tried it. "Anya's cooking is really good. She's so young, but her cooking is amazing."

Andre silently served his wife a portion as well. After tasting it, Mia realized what a real chef's cooking tasted like. "Anya, did you train under a professional chef?" she asked.

"No," Anya replied. "I've always loved eating, but I didn't want to gain weight. So, I started researching how to eat without gaining weight."

"Did you figure it out?" Mia asked.

Anya shook her head. "Not yet."

"Keep at it, so you can share your secret with me," Mia encouraged.

Molly agreed, "Count me in."

Before he knew it, Leo had eaten three plates. The table was buzzing with conversation about Anya.

After the meal, Chad had to leave for work. Molly quickly packed her bag to go with him, but Chad reassured her, "Stay here and have fun. I'll pick you up after work."

Knowing that Chad would return for her, Molly agreed, "Alright, but don't forget."

As Chad left, Molly went to see him off.

Leo saw this. He went to find Mia who was enjoying the sunshine in the backyard. "Aunt Mia," he began, "can I ask you something?"

Mia, lazily enjoying the sunlight, turned to look at her nephew. "Well, so polite today? Go ahead, what's up?"

Leo leaned in. His voice was a conspiratorial whisper, "What's the deal with Molly and Chad?" Today, she was calling him hubby like it was the most natural thing in the world. She was even flirting in that sweet manner of hers, unabashedly eating together without any hint of discomfort. Even when Chad left, she followed.

Leo questioned further, "They're not... together, are they?"