Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

"He might know what projects Dad had going on before he left and what his future plans were," Patrick mused.

Aimee was puzzled, "But Patrick, this means you're just walking in Dad's footsteps, not making your own path."

"The only way to figure out whose toes Dad might have stepped on, and who had a reason to hurt him, is to retrace his steps," Patrick explained.

Aimee got it then. Patrick wanted to walk the same path his father did, immerse himself in the past to narrow down the list of suspects. They both sat in silence, deep in thought, pondering the same issue but from different angles.

After a while, Patrick broke the silence, "Why haven't I heard little Max's giggles in a bit?"

Aimee looked down at the "little bundle" in her arms, "Oh, he's dozed off."

When her husband wasn't home, Max made it his job to keep his mom company at night. And now, whenever he woke up and didn't find her there, he'd let out a big cry. Even during his afternoon naps, he'd gotten used to waking up cuddled in her arms.

"Aimee, I got a call coming in, I'll hang up for now."

After he wrapped up the call and dialed back in, Patrick said, "Hey."noveldrama

Manny said, "Patrick, you're already starting construction near Riverview Mall? That's a bit quick, don't you think?"

Patrick replied, "It's gotta be a quick win; I can't afford a long haul here."

"You're planning to turn that area into a posh neighborhood so quickly. Are your blueprints ready? Have you sent out the bids? What about the construction firm..." "Breaking ground means everything's set," Patrick reassured Manny.

Manny was baffled, "You wrapped it all up this fast? You must've had this planned from the get-go."

But Manny couldn't resist giving a heads-up, "The Hoffman family won't let you start construction that easily. Riverview Group was never a Collins family business, so the Collins family might not back you up, or worse, they might side with Song Corp."

"After taking the main course, shouldn't we at least let Song Corp have some soup?"

Manny couldn't quite grasp Patrick's plan, but knowing his brother-in-law was sharp, he didn't worry too much, "Just call if you need anything."

"Thanks."

Patrick got home late that night. Aimee, after a long day at work, was also on her way back, with the summer night still warm. Little Max didn't mind the heat, even with the car's air conditioning on. He insisted on having the window down, his tiny hand holding the edge, taking in the bustling streets outside.

Aimee, sitting in the back holding Max, was lost in her thoughts.

Brooks noticed, "Hey sis, what's on your mind?"

"Brooks, if I suddenly disappeared, what would you do?"

"...Sis, you're not sick or anything, right?" Brooks asked, concerned.

Aimee gave the back of Brooks's seat a playful thump, "Am I sick?"

Brooks shook his head. "But you're fine, so why bring it up?"

Aimee, holding her son with one hand to keep him from squirming, was thinking about Logan's whereabouts. "I'm just asking, no need to get all curious."

Brooks replied, "What could I do? I can't follow you, can I? I'd definitely visit you every year on that day."

Then Brooks got curious, "Hey sis, maybe you could tell me now what your favorite foods and drinks are, so I can have them ready each year before I visit..."

With another playful thump, Aimee said, "You're getting cheeky, huh?"

Brooks laughed, "Sis, your temper's getting spicier. Remember when we started Common Ground Coffee together, you wouldn't even think of yelling at me?"