Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Tony stood off to the side, chuckling as he poured everyone some coffee. "We all owe Leo big time; if our little brother's in a jam, we've got to step up. Chunky, check it out, will you?"

Chunky, the tech-savvy guy, took a sip of his coffee. "Sure thing, but Leo, why the sudden interest in him?" he asked, clearly puzzled.

Leo's thumb rested thoughtfully against his lower lip, mirroring a fleeting look of authority on the TV screen. But no one else seemed to notice. "I'm just curious if he'd be interested in joining my project."

Everyone burst into laughter, as if Leo had cracked the funniest joke. "Oh, Leo," they teased, "we always thought you were wise beyond your years, but look at you-still a dreamer at heart, a bit naive."

Tony joined in, "Leo, you just said how talented he is. If he joins you, what's in it for him?"

Leo grinned, "I was just thinking out loud. You all tease me, but what if he's looking to start something himself and needs a partner?"

Chunky laughed even harder. "Ah, now I see. Leo, you're the one who wants to start a business."

After their playful banter, everyone left the villa by afternoon. Tony hopped into Leo's passenger seat. "What's up with Greg? You're not usually one to spill your plans."

Leo replied, "I'm just intrigued by him."

"What caught your eye?"noveldrama

Leo's face turned serious. "He hacked into my computer."

Tony had a hunch. "Did you trace it back to him and find his details?"

Leo nodded. "I couldn't dig too deep, no info yet. But I tracked him through the school's system. My skills alone aren't enough, so I need my buddies' help." If he breached Greg's firewall solo, it would raise eyebrows. But if a team effort cracked it, it'd just show there's talent among us.

Tony got the hint and didn't pry further. "Drop me off by the curb. I'll grab a bike share and pedal home."

Leo objected, "Tony, it's scorching out, let me give you a lift."

"No need, just let me off here. I like cycling. The sun warms the seat nicely-try it sometime."

Leo chuckled and pulled over.

Tony hopped out, scanned a bike,

and rode up to Leo's window,

whenever you're in a fix, comvel

tapping it. "Leo, remember,

me. I might be able to help.

Leo looked puzzled. "What's going on, Tony?"

Tony waved as he rode off, "Got to dash. I'm cooking spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread for my wife and daughter tonight."

Watching Tony ride away, Leo felt something was off. He grabbed the laptop from the back seat, opened it, and saw signs of another breach.

Not just his computer, but Anya's too-used for watching shows, solving puzzles, and listening to music-had been compromised.

Even more concerning, among the potential hires at Cedillo Inc., was Greg's name from the computer science department.

Leo got on high alert, snapping the laptop shut.

When he got home and opened the door, he was welcomed by the mouthwatering smell of food. Two dishes were on the dining table, and the sound of cooking drifted from the kitchen. "Hey, you're cooking again?"

The living room's air conditioning was on, creating a pleasant coolness. Leo opened the kitchen

Porto let in the breeze, giving Anya

a bit of relief from the heat.