“That smell…” Irene wrinkled her nose, recognition dawning. ‘It’s Samantha’s, isn’t it?” 

Adam’s mouth twitched, caught off guard. He hadn’t expected her to mail it so quickly. 

Thomas busied himself with papers, hiding a smile. If things ever got serious between these two, the boss was in for a wild ride. 

“Does it bother you?‘ Adam asked, watching her face. 

“Not really.” Irene shrugged, fiddling with a device. “Just think your usual scent works better.” The cloying perfume clinging to him felt all wrong, like someone had switched his coffee for bubblegum soda. 

Adam’s eyes brightened instantly. “If you don’t like it, it’s gone. Won’t happen again.” 

Irene paused. Why would he trash clothes over a smell she didn’t like? That little spark when she first caught Samantha’s scent on him felt uncomfortably like jealousy. Not with Richard, not with anyone had she felt this instant flash of mine, not yours. The feeling made her fidget. 

“Just go change already,” she said, busying herself with setup. 

Adam returned wearing a fresh shirt, the overpowering perfume replaced by his usual subtle scent. Something in Irene relaxed, though she’d never admit it. 

Irene hooked up the treatment machine with practiced ease, her hands moving through the routine while her mind wandered. She adjusted settings, double–checked everything. 

“Heads up–this might sting more today,” she warned, tapping the screen. “Your nerves are waking up faster. Good sign, actually.” 

Adam nodded, watching her every move. He never winced during treatment, never complained. Most patients would be whining before she even started. 

“Did Brandon scream the house down again?” he asked suddenly, the corner of his mouth lifting. 

Irene snorted. “God, yes. Wesley actually checked if I was torturing him.” She mimicked Wesley’s confused face. 

They both laughed, the sound warming the room. 

“You know, it’s strange,” Irene said, checking a connection. “Wesley’s been doing better than expected. He actually ate breakfast with everyone this morning. Joseph nearly dropped his spoon.” 

Adam nodded thoughtfully. “Joseph deserves some good news.” 

“He does,” Irene agreed. “I think having everyone under one roof means more to him than he lets on.” 

A comfortable silence settled between them as she continued the treatment. Outside, evening shadows stretched across the garden between their houses. The triplets‘ distant laughter floated through an open window. 

After finishing, Irene jotted down notes while everything was fresh. She didn’t notice how Adam’s gaze lingered on her, catching the way she tucked hair behind her ear when thinking. 

“Your progress is impressive,” she said, reviewing his chart. “At this rate, you might- 

Hold up,” he called as she packed her bag. 

1/3 

17:59 Wed, May 14 

Chapter 231. 

Irene turned to see him pointing at a steaming cup. 

‘Drink before you go,” he said, in that not–really–asking tone. 

Irene rolled her eyes but walked back and downed the tea in one gul 

“Happy?” She handed him the empty cup. “You don’t have to waste the good stuff on me. This has to be imported. She recognized herbs that were harder to get than concert tickets. 

Adam waved her off. “My health is worth more than tea. I need you.. 

He paused, something shifting in his gaze, before finishing, “to heal me.” 

That brief hesitation sent Irene’s heart racing, like she was waiting for words that never came. In that split second of silence, her mind had raced ahead, filling the blank with possibilities she hadn’t even known she wanted to hear. I need you… in my life. I need you… to stay. I need you… just you. 

The realization stunned her. When had Adam Haven become more than just a patient? When had his approval, his attention, his needs started to matter so much? She wasn’t some lovestruck teenager hanging on a boy’s every word. She was a professional, a mother, a woman who’d survived on her own for years. 

And yet, in that suspended moment before he finished his sentence, she’d wanted him to say something else entirely. The moment slid by, and she told herself she’d imagined it all, that the disappointment tucking itself into the corner of her heart was just fatigue playing tricks. 

“Well, thanks,” she mumbled, grabbing her bag and heading out before the weird flutter in her chest could show on her face. 

Adam watched her go, his gaze lingering long after she’d disappeared. 

Across town, the atmosphere in the Wright family car couldn’t have been more different. The leather seats and premium sound system did nothing to ease the tension as father and daughter returned from dinner. 

“Still hung up on Adam?” Wright asked bluntly as their car pulled away. He’d been watching his daughter’s maneuvering all evening. 

“Samantha, I get it. The man’s incredible. But there are plenty of guys in Silver City who would actually want you back.” He loosened his tie, looking tired. “You’re smart, beautiful–why chase someone who’s clearly not interested? Tell me what you want, and I’ll find 

you someone better.” 

Samantha turned, her perfect mask slipping just enough to show the steel underneath. 

“Better than Adam?” Her laugh was sharp. “Name one person in town who matches him.” She tapped her nails against the seat. “Looks, brains, power–he’s the full package. There’s only one Adam Haven.” Her voice hardened. “I’m not giving up. And if I can’t have him, that Sterling woman definitely won’t.” 

Wright stared at his daughter, recognizing that stubborn determination. He sighed and turned to the window, knowing when to fold. 

“Just be careful,” he finally said. “The Havens aren’t people you want as enemies, and from what I saw tonight, Adam has made his preferences clear.” 

Samantha’s perfect smile returned, a mask sliding back into place. “Preferences can change, Daddy. They always do when the right pressure is applied.” 

The city lights blurred outside as they headed home, Samantha already planning her next move. 

Back home, Irene kicked off her shoes and shoved the evening’s weird moments into the mental file labeled “Think About Later (Or Never).” 

2/3 

Chapter 231 

“If it doesn’t make sense, the screw it,” she muttered, washing her face way too hard. 

She crashed into bed and was out cold instantly. Whatever was in that tea worked like magic, pulling her into deep sleep she hadn’t felt in months. No thoughts of dam, no wondering about that moment of hesitation, just blessed darkness. 

Morning light had barely started leaking through when her phone’s ring cut through the silence. 

Irene fumbled blindly, finding her phone. One look at the screen and every trace of sleep vanished–Matthew Hayes. 

She hit answer, suddenly wide awake. “Hello?” 

The voice on the other end was tight with urgency. “Irene, I need you to listen carefully. There’s been an accident.” 

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