Chapter 406 

Warm light spilled across Irene’s dining room, wrapping the five people seated around the table in a golden glow. The air hummed with laughter as Adam regaled the triplets with stories from his college days, his hands animating each ridiculous mishap. 

And then, Adam continued, eyes crinkling at the corners, ‘I nearly crashed the entire lab’s computer system!” 

“Really?” Lucas gaped, a forkful of spaghetti suspended halfway to his mouth. But I thought you were super good with computers!” 

“Everyone has to learn somehow,” Adam replied, ruffling Lucas’s hair with natural affection. “Just like you three are figuring things out now.” 

Irene approached the table with a basket of freshly baked garlic bread, contentment softening her features as she surveyed the scene. Family dinners like this had become their nightly ritual since Adam had entered their lives. What once was a table for four now comfortably accommodated five, as if the fifth chair had always been waiting for its rightful occupant. 

“Mom!” Lily waved her fork excitedly, nearly sending a meatball flying. “Did you send out all the birthday invitations? Our birthday’s just a week away!” 

All taken care of, sweetie, Irene nodded, sliding into her seat. “Everyone’s said they’ll be here. We’re keeping it simple and cozy, right here at home.” 

“Will Great–grandpa Joseph come? And Uncle Brandon and Uncle Wesley?” Alex asked, always the one most concerned with details. 

“You bet, Adam answered before Irene could, his confidence in family matters growing daily. “Great–grandpa Joseph, Uncle Brandon, Uncle Wesley, my parents, Thomas, and Emily’s even flying in from R Country specially for you guys. The whole family’s gonna be here. 

The triplets exchanged a meaningful glance–a silent communication that didn’t escape Adam’s notice. His lips quirked slightly, but he chose not to comment on whatever secret plan was brewing in those three brilliant minds. 

After dinner, while Irene retreated to her study to handle some paperwork from the research institute, Adam engaged the children in an enthusiastic game of hide–and–seek. The house echoed with giggles and Adam’s exaggerated calls. 

“Oh my goodness! Where could my little stars be hiding? I just can’t seem to find them anywhere!” 

Behind the living room curtains, Lily struggled to contain her giggles, small hands pressed against her mouth. Lucas had wedged himself under the sofa, occasionally letting out muffled snickers. Alex, ever the strategist, had slipped into Adam’s home office. 

Unlike his siblings, Alex wasn’t particularly concerned about being found quickly. He scanned the room with appreciative eyes, noting how seamlessly Adam’s presence had integrated into their home. The desk displayed a family photo of all five of them, while the walls featured Lucas’s astronomy charts and Lily’s piano competition certificates. Everything felt right, as if Adam had always been there. 

His attention caught on a desk drawer that wasn’t fully closed. Curiosity–always his defining trait–pulled him forward. Carefully, he eased the drawer open and discovered a small velvet box nestled inside. His heart rate accelerated–could it be what he thought? 

With gentle fingers, he lifted the lid and immediately squinted against the sparkle that greeted him. A diamond ring lay cushioned within–intricate and elegant with a center stone surrounded by delicate floral engravings that caught the light and scattered it like tiny stars. 

Wow… he whispered, awestruck. Then, hearing approaching footsteps, he quickly closed the box and pushed it back into position, arranging himself to appear as though he’d just ducked into hiding. 

When Adam pushed open the door, Alex let out a theatrical gasp. “Oh no! You caught me!” 

Adam chuckled, scooping him up with ease. “Gotcha, little spy! Come on, let’s track down your brother and sister.” 

Later that night, as the triplets huddled in their shared bedroom after being tucked in, Alex couldn’t contain his discovery any longer. He whispered urgently to his siblings, eyes bright with excitement. 

“You guys won’t believe what I found in Dad’s office!” 

“What?” Lucas propped himself up on his elbow, instantly intrigued. 

“A ring!” Alex’s voice quivered with excitement. “A diamond ring in a little box!” 

1/2 

Chapter 406 

Lily’s eyes widened to perfect circles, her stuffed unicorn clutched tightly against her chest. A real ring? You mean Dad gonna ask Mom to many thing 

Shhh! Alex cautioned, finger pressed to his lips. “This is top secret!‘ 

Lucas’s brow furrowed as he processed this information. “Should we just act like we don’t know? Is that what we’re supposed to do? 

“No way.” Alex shook his head decisively, that telltale gleam of calculation lighting his eyes. I think we should help! Do something special! 

“Like what?” Lily whispered, leaning in closer. 

Alex’s expression shifted into what his siblings recognized as his ‘master plan‘ face–the one that preceded their most ambitious schemes. Since Dad wants to marry Mom, we should create the perfect setting for it to happen!” 

“How do we do that?‘ Lucas scooted closer, fully invested now. 

*First off, Dad’s legs still aren’t completely better. It would be perfect if he could be totally recovered.” 

“And Mom and Dad are always crazy busy taking care of us–they barely ever get alone time, Lily added thoughtfully. 

“Exactly!” Alex nodded vigorously. “So what if we create a chance for them to be alone together while Dad gets the best treatment possible?” 

Lucas’s face suddenly brightened with understanding. “Our birthday’s coming up–we could make this our birthday wish!* 

“That’s brilliant!” Alex exclaimed, bouncing slightly on the mattress. “We could get everyone to help out! Each person could handle a part, and Mom and Dad could go to Mom’s research place for that super–special treatment!” 

Lily clasped her hands together, eyes shining. “It’s the best birthday present ever! A complete family!” 

“We’ll call it- Alex paused dramatically, then snapped his fingers. “Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire!” 

“Perfect!” Lucas and Lily chorused, grinning from ear to ear. 

Their plotting was interrupted by a gentle knock, followed by Adam’s voice. Time to hit the hay, little geniuses. What are you still chattering about?” 

Author’s Note: Seeing that plan name–yes, our book title–you’ve probably realized we’re nearing the end. Thanks for sticking around this long, through all the drama and tears. Any guesses what this Scheme actually involves? Won’t say more… you’ll see soon enough. 

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