Hansen was left bewildered by Mia's barrage of questions.
"So, you were just now complaining about my daughter and my grandson, saying they're too much alike in not wanting to take over the family business. I thought you were trying to be all high and mighty."
Having had her fill of meat, Mia stretched out her arm to grab a piece of lettuce, balancing her meal. "Dad, do you really think, after being friends with your daughter and grandson for over a decade, I'd consider myself superior? Please."
Hansen found no words to counter her argument.
Instead of engaging in a verbal spar with Mia, he turned his attention to his son. "Andre, make sure you keep an eye on Leo, alright? He's still young, unsure of what he wants. But don't let him get away with being indecisive."
Mia, munching on her lettuce, added meat to her plate, her words muffled, "Yeah, Dad, you always make my husband play the bad guy. Naomi's son gets a free pass, but my husband has to step in as the strict uncle. And here you are, unable to handle Leo but expecting my husband to lay down the law."
After her speech, Mia cast a sly glance at Andre. "Honey, let's not bother with Leo, alright? Let him figure his own path. You just focus on taking care of our little prince. His parents should deal with him, not us."
Hansen, visibly annoyed, retorted, "Then take your son and move back to the Cedillo family estate. See if I don't teach him a lesson."
Mia snorted, "In your dreams. My son behaves now, but wait until his teenage years. We'll see if I don't send him back to drive you up the wall."
"You ungrateful child," Hansen fumed.
Mia mockingly replied, "Oh, now you notice."
The room was filled with their banter, only Andre remained calm, smiling at his cunning wife. Even in her complaints, she made it clear she didn't want him to meddle with Leo, preferring to focus on their own son. Her underlying message was to let Leo be free.
Andre, knowing Mia all too well, could only laugh inwardly. Without her having their child, her protectiveness over her nephew might have rubbed him the wrong way.
As he cuddled their son closer, making him comfy, the little one squirmed in his sleep, murmuring, "Dada."
Andre gently patted his back, whispering, "Sleep, Daddy's here."
Soon, the child drifted back to sleep.
Hansen, witnessing the tender fatherly side of Andre, couldn't help but compare it to the strict treatment Leo received. "Blood is thicker, I suppose. Look how gentle you are with your own."
Mia agreed, "I thought my husband would be a strict father, all serious and no fun. But look at him, so soft. And wasn't it you who insisted he discipline Leo when he was younger?"
Hansen quickly changed the subject, "Let's eat. No more family drama at the table."
After lunch, Mia suggested Hansen rest in the bedroom, but he was caught up playing a game on his phone. "Leo's online. I'll join him for a game before I nap."
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