Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
Chapter 116
Sophia’s heels faded down the hallway. Irene waited until she was gone before turning to Adam.
‘Did your mother misunderstand something about us…?” she asked carefully.
Adam’s jaw tightened. The last thing he needed was Irene getting caught in his family drama. His mother had been playing matchmaker forever, and he didn’t want Irene becoming collateral damage.
“Nothing to worry about,” he said flatly. “You don’t need to concern yourself with it.”
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He watched her, expecting more questions. Most people would have pushed, hungry for Haven family gossip. Irene just nodded and let it drop. No prying, no fishing for details–another reason he found her company refreshing.
“Let’s go eat,” she said, nodding toward the door. “Everything’s ready.
As he followed her out, his eyes caught the drawing Sophia had noticed–Lily’s colorful creation showing him with Irene and the triplets. She’d insisted it needed to hang “where everyone can see it.”
That simple picture had given his mother exactly the wrong idea. Not that he particularly cared.
Red carpet stretched from the street to the grand entrance of the hotel hosting Samantha’s birthday party. Security checked invitations efficiently, maintaining the exclusive vibe the Wright family had bankrolled.
Inside, the lobby sparkled under crystal chandeliers. At its center, an elaborate fountain featured a goddess statue with water flowing from her hands into the pool below.
The Wright family greeted guests at the entrance. Samantha stood between her parents looking picture–perfect in her white gown. The dress moved like rippling water with each step, the result of countless fittings to ensure it flattered her in every way.
Her makeup artists had spent hours on the “I woke up this gorgeous look that highlighted her features while seeming effortless.
When the Haven couple appeared, Samantha’s heart jumped. She squeezed her mother’s hand, eyes darting past them searching for
Adam.
Her mother squeezed back reassuringly before greeting their guests.
“Marcus, Sophia,” she said warmly, “we’re so happy you could join us for Samantha’s special night.”
While they exchanged pleasantries, Samantha couldn’t help noticing the differences between the women. Her mother projected power, while Sophia radiated warmth. Both commanded respect in totally different ways.
“The pleasure’s all ours,” the Havens responded smoothly.
Samantha stepped forward with the perfect greeting, she’d been drilling since childhood. “So glad you could make it tonight.”
Sophia smiled warmly, something flickering behind her eyes as she studied Samantha. If that doctor dressed up a bit, she’d outshine this girl easily. There’s something about her that money can’t buy.
After a few minutes of small talk, Mrs. Wright found the perfect opening to ask what was burning in her daughter’s mind.
And Adam? I don’t see him with you this evening?”
Samantha’s head snapped up, hope written all over her face as she studied the Havens. Her palms went clammy.
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Chapter 116
Sophia kept her pleasant expression, though discomfort flashed briefly across her features. “He’s buried in work, I’m afraid. Couldn’t pull himself away.”
A twinge of guilt hit her, remembering her promise during their dinner. She’d really thought she could get Adam to show.
“Our apologies, Marcus added smoothly.
Hope drained from Samantha’s face, replaced by crushing disappointment. The joy that had lit her up all evening dimmed visibly, though she fought to keep smiling.
“Don’t worry about it,” she managed, voice tight. “I’m just happy you both could come.”
She stared down at her dress, trying to keep it together despite the hollow feeling spreading through her chest. All her planning, all the preparation–and the only person she truly wanted to impress hadn’t even bothered to show up.
Mrs. Wright noticed her daughter’s distress and slipped an arm around her shoulders. The nerve of him, she thought behind her smile. After a personal invitation, he couldn’t spare one evening? That Haven boy has gotten way too full of himself.
Back at Emerald Garden Estate, dinner was in full swing at Irene’s villa. Adam, Irene, the triplets, and Joseph sat around the table, plates loaded with home cooking.
Lucas fidgeted before working up his courage. “We saw a really pretty lady coming out of Uncle Adam’s house earlier. Who was she?”
The triplets leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity.
Adam thought of his mother, guessing they’d spotted Sophia leaving. “That was my mother.”
The triplets traded quick glances, secretly thrilled–their grandmother! They couldn’t believe how young she looked.
“Uncle Adam’s mom looks so young!” Alex blurted, clearly impressed.
Lily nodded so hard her ponytail bounced. “I know! She looks amazing! I thought she was just some pretty lady at first!”
Alex bobbed his head excitedly, thrilled at having glimpsed another member of “their” family, even if only from a distance.
Adam watched their eager faces and felt his usual coolness melting. She’d love hearing that from you three.”
Even the famously detached Adam Haven couldn’t resist the triplets charm.
From her end of the table, Irene watched with a weird knot forming in her stomach. Why were her kids so obsessed with the Haven family? Was it the fancy clothes? The money? Or had they simply gotten bored with plain old mom?
A twist of jealousy caught her off guard. First Brandon, then Adam, now Sophia–her children seemed to worship everyone else these days.
“That’s enough chatting,” she cut in, sharper than she meant to. Quiet down and finish dinner.”
The triplets immediately shut up, heads bowing over their plates. Under the table, they traded confused looks, wondering what they’d said wrong.
Joseph caught Iren ye, his expression questioning, but she looked away, suddenly very interested in her broccoli.
Adam clocked the shift in mood but said nothing, letting the quiet sounds of dinner fill the silence. He’d gotten surprisingly comfortable with these family meals–the kids‘ nonstop questions, Joseph’s occasional stories, even Irene’s rare genuine laugh.
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Tonight, though, something had clearly struck a nerve. As he watched her methodically cutting her food with unnecessary precision, he caught her stealing a glance at the triplets. Something in her eyes–a flash of vulnerability he’d never seen before–made him realize what was happening. Was the untouchable Dr. Sterling actually jealous of his mother’s connection with her kids?
The thought was so unexpected it almost made him smile. The woman who kept strangers at arm’s length was worried about losing her children’s affection. It was the most human he’d ever seen her–and oddly fascinating.
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