Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

The moonlight was sharp and cold, and Cooper's eyes matched it. "Whatever connections my brother-in-law has, they're his business, not mine."

"I get it. You've got your code." The man paused, then asked, "How's your sister?"

"She's still inside."

Owen added, "Chances are, the Dark Web wants to strike a deal with your brother-in-law."

Cooper let out a short, mirthless laugh. "They don't have what it takes."

At Miles's apartment, a string of encrypted calls finally got them through to the Dark Web's shadowy founder.

"Negotiate?" Andre's laugh was pure ice. "You think the Dark Web has any bargaining power over me? Twenty-four covert channels-what exactly do you think you can use to bargain?"

Mia stood by Annie's side. Maja and Dean had already been carried out by Conner's crew.noveldrama

Mia watched her husband on the phone, worry written all over her face. A moment later, she ran to him, unable to keep away.

Conner was right behind, calling in the rest of his brothers, closing the net for the final takedown.

Miles had been cuffed, completely cut off. No more calls, no more moves.

Back at Havenbrook Estates, everyone was gearing up to celebrate-a room full of laughter and cheers, except for Leo and Tony, who sat apart, waiting for news. Leo was jittery, his uncle still radio silent. Tony was glued to the Dark Web dashboard, hands clenched, his nerves fraying with each passing minute. Their friends celebrated, high on the rush of pulling off something huge.

But Leo and Tony sat apart, looking calm on the outside, but inside their nerves tangled and raw.

Leo looked at Tony, who hadn't looked away from the screen in hours. It reminded him of old times, of feelings that wouldn't quite fade. His eyes stung, heart heavy with longing.

They hadn't been home in days.

Mia was supposed to check in at school, but Molly ended up going for her, smoothing things over.

Hansen hadn't had a proper night's sleep in ages-he looked worn down, shadows under his eyes.

Molly tried her best to cheer him up, but her worry was obvious.

Anya had gone home, but even her best recipes couldn't tempt Hansen to eat.

The only thing that got a reaction

out of him was losing sight of Wayne for even a few minutes. jump up right away, searching everywhere. "Where's my

vel

sweetheart? Where's the little dragon?"

He'd find Wayne in the yard, dragging his brother's toy car, and scoop him up, clutching him tightly, never letting him out of his sight.

That night, Hansen wouldn't let go—he fell asleep holding his grandson.

The sky was just starting to lighten...

Henry's eyelids were heavy, fighting sleep, little fists rubbing his eyes as he sat cuddled in Kristen's lap. He yawned, soft and sweet, then nestled into her arms and drifted off.

Everything changed in a single night.

With every advantage gone, the Dark Web tried to talk terms with Andre, but they had nothing left to offer.

"The Dark Web threatened my wife

and kid over and over. You think just let that slide? What do you take me for?" Andre's voice was cold steel. "You think I'll let my family live in fear, just to play nice?"

Everyone knew Andre's only weak spot was his family, and he didn't care who found out. He wasn't about to hide them or pretend his love was anything less than fierce.

If they wanted to go after his family, he'd show them exactly what that cost.

"Andre, the data I've got could help you build a global financial empire." They dangled the bait.

Andre just smirked. "If I wanted to grow, I wouldn't need the Dark Web's help."

Mia had been listening the whole time, her face bright with pride as she looked at her husband. "Babe, let's crush them. Seriously-they tried to kidnap our baby andŷour precious girl again!"

Andre hung up and turned to his beloved girl, smiling. “My little kitten's got some

tiger in her now. Aren't you ever scared?"