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Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
Chapter 101
Katherine stood her ground as Richard waited for a response, her posture relaxed but eyes sharp with warning.
Sorry, Dr. Joy’s schedule is full for the next two years, Katherine didn’t even try to sound apologetic,
Brandon and Henry exchanged glances, wisely staying out of the crossfire, frene kept her focus locked on her phone, making it painfully blivious she’d rather scroll through spam emails than acknowledge Richard’s existence.
Richard’s perfect smile faltered, “Money isn’t an issue,‘ he pressed, leaning forward, “Whatever the price-
‘Dr. Joy doesn’t need your money,” Katherine cut him off, her accent thickening with irritation.
Richard’s jaw twitched. The composed mask he wore to board meetings started cracking at the edges. “You haven’t even asked her,” he said through clenched teeth. “How would you know?”
Katherine’s lips curved into a smile that could’ve frozen lava. “Dr. Joy has one rule she never breaks.” She paused for effect. “She doesn’t take appointments from guys who dump their girlfriends when things get rough.” She shrugged. “So, sorry. You’re not getting on her schedule,”
With that, she turned her back on him completely,
Richard’s face darkened to an ugly shade somewhere between eggplant and fury. His hands balled into fists as he fought for composure, then stormed out without another word, nearty taking the door off its hinges.
The moment he disappeared, Henry let out a low whistle. “Remind me never to get on your bad side,” he told Katherine, eyes dancing with amusement.
Irene’s shoulders stiffened at Henry’s comment. She turned to Brandon, chin raised slightly. The temperature around her seemed to
drop ten degrees,
“Don’t speak up for me,” she said. Her fingers tightened around her phone. “I’m only treating you for Grandfather’s sake, not because we’re siblings.” Sunlight caught in her hair as she tossed it back. “He’s the only family I have in this entire mess of a clan.”
Brandon blinked, then rubbed his thumb against the edge of his blanket. “Look,” he said, sitting up straighter. “I didn’t jump in there to win you over. I meant what I said.”
He held her gaze, not backing down. “Anna–I never connected with her. Even when we were kids, something just felt… off.” His jaw tightened. “Now we know why, right? Not actually family.” He glanced toward the window. “Racing kept me away. Made it easier not to deal with her.”
Something clicked inside Irene as she listened. An uncomfortable recognition–like spotting someone wearing the exact same emotional baggage as you. In that moment, she saw it clearly: two kids who grew up starving for the love they deserved.
The realization made her skin prickle. She pushed the feeling away quickly, her face betraying nothing as Brandon continued.
“Grandfather talked about you constantly,” he said, his voice softening. “I always asked about you, planned to come home when you returned. Just never imagined our reunion would happen like this.” His mouth quirked into à rueful half–smile.
“Our family failed you spectacularly, and I’m part of that failure. I get it if you want nothing to do with me, but I still want to be there for you.” The usual sharpness in his eyes had softened, made human by the hospital setting. “No strings, no expectations. Okay?”
Irene stood frozen, blindsided by sincerity she hadn’t prepared for. The discomfort she’d just suppressed came flooding back with the force of a tidal wave. Brandon’s words hit her like that first sip of whiskey after a horrible day—burning on contact, then spreading warmth through forgotten places.
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1024 Bay, May
Chapter 101
Only Irene knew how long it had been since anyone had cared about her this way. In those lonely years abroad, she’d built walls so high and thick that nothing penetrated them. Now Brandon’s words had found a hairline crack in her defenses.
The warmth came so suddenly, so unexpectedly. She felt completely off–balance, like someone who’d stumbled after walking the same path for years–startled and unsure what to do next.
Her emotions churned as seconds ticked by, her mind scrambling for any response that wouldn’t expose too much.
“Whatever.” The word came out stiff. She glanced at her watch. “Just focus on healing. I’ve got to go.
Brandon nodded, watching her go with a flicker of disappointment. Once the door closed, Henry approached and gave his shoulder a
supportive pat.
“Give her time,” he said quietly,”
“I know,” Brandon sighed. “I just wish I’d come back sooner. What our family did to her… you don’t just get over that.”
Henry nodded. Some truths didn’t need elaboration.
Irene walked faster than usual through the hospital corridors. Her heart beat a little too quickly. She’d planned to do her usual thing -check in, stay professional, leave. But something had shifted. The careful distance she always maintained was slipping.
An unfamiliar warmth lingered in her chest. So this is what it feels like to have a brother actually care, she thought, the realization
both comforting and unsettling.
When she pulled into her driveway, the triplets were kicking a soccer ball near the front door. Lucas spotted her first and sprinted over, face breaking into a huge grin.
“Mom, come play with us!” Lily called from a few feet away, clutching another ball. “We can make teams and see who wins!”
Lucas latched onto Irene’s leg like a koala, trying to physically drag her toward their makeshift field. If he’d been just a bit taller, he might have succeeded.
“Sure, watch out, I’m going to crush you all!” Irene replied, her mood lighter than it had been in days. I’ve got a good foot and a half on them–this should be easy.
Confidence is great. Overconfidence? That’s how disasters happen.
Irene took position, drew her leg back, and kicked with everything she had. The ball launched skyward, arcing beautifully through the air-
CRASH! The distinctive sound of shattering glass echoed through the neighborhood.
Irene’s stomach dropped as she followed the ball’s path with widening eyes. Please don’t, please don’t…
The sound confirmed it before she even saw it–the ball had crashed straight through one of Adam’s windows.
Oh no. Irene’s breath caught, good mood instantly gone. She shifted awkwardly from foot–to foot, suddenly desperate for an escape plan.
Should I pretend I’m looking for a lost dog and just bolt? she thought wildly, despite not having any pets with her. Or woman up and offer to pay? The embarrassment was so acute she wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
Fate, however, didn’t give her the luxury of choice. Seconds after the crash, Thomas appeared pushing Adam through the front door.
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Chapter 101
They stopped abruptly at the sight of Irene and the triplets frozen in guilt on their lawn.
Adam took in the scene with a single glance, immediately connecting the dots. His lips quirked into something that wasn’t quite a smile but definitely wasn’t anges.
“So who’s my window–breaker?” He raised an eyebrow, looking over the guilty party.
Irene’s cheeks burned hot. She bit her lip and avoided eye contact. Her hands fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.
Behind her, the triplets exchanged glances, a silent decision passing between them.
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