Chapter 122
His voice was gentle, but his eyes flashed with barely contained rage Today’s incident…”
He trailed off, shaking his head as his brow furrowed. The image of his granddaughter being attacked by her own father and those outsiders made his blood boil. His hand clenched into a fist, then slowly released.
“Can you believe it?” he muttered, voice low enough that only Irene could hear. “Your own father standing there while those people attacked you. If I hadn’t been there…” He shook his head, disgust evident in his expression.
Irene watched her grandfather’s expression, warmth spreading through her chest. Though Joseph had stood up for her several times since she’d returned, each instance of his protective nature still moved her deeply.
“I stopped expecting anything from them ages ago,” she said, forcing a smile though her eyes stung slightly. “But Grandfather, I had no idea you gave the Claires money.”
Joseph’s face softened. “Those who raise a child deserve thanks–that’s what I thought. When I found you, I wanted to repay the family who’d raised you, regardless of blood.” His voice turned bitter. “Later, I discovered how they’d treated you. I had no idea they’d throw you out when you needed them most.”
“They loved the money more than they ever loved me,” Irene said quietly.
Joseph snorted. “Clearly. Loading you with chores while spoiling their biological daughter. Taking my money as payment, then kicking you out when you needed family most.” His eyes flashed. “And now they have the nerve to guilt you? Not while I’m still breathing.”
That evening, Irene arrived at Adam’s study for their usual treatment session. The hospital confrontation hung between them, unaddressed but impossible to completely ignore.
“Sorry you had to witness that circus today,” she said as she arranged her equipment, voice light despite the heavy topic.
Adam looked up from his desk, expression unreadable. “Hardly quality entertainment,” he replied, the ghost of humor softening his usual intensity.
Irene smiled despite herself, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. As she began the treatment, the room settled into comfortable silence. The familiar routine washed over her–checking readings, adjusting electrodes, monitoring responses.
Her hands moved with practiced efficiency, but her mind wandered. This time of day has become weirdly important, she realized, a small smile tugging at her lips. Something satisfying about this–using my skills to help someone who actually values it.
She glanced up briefly, noticing how Adam had grown more relaxed during their sessions. The initial stiffness from weeks ago had melted away, replaced by something that wasn’t quite friendship but definitely wasn’t the cold professional distance they’d started
with.
He keeps just the right distance, she thought, appreciating his approach. Not so distant it feels awkward, not so close it gets uncomfortable. He gets boundaries–his and mine.
The treatment wrapped up smoothly, their quiet efficiency a stark contrast to the hospital drama hours earlier.
Later that night, after checking on her sleeping children, Irene finally retreated to her bedroom. The day had been exhausting, but not as devastating might have been. Something about having her children, her grandfather, and even Adam and Thomas rally around her had cushioned the blow that Jenny and the others had tried to deliver.
She turned on the bathroom faucet, ready to wash away the day, when her phone chimed. Shutting off the water, she picked up her phone, squinting at the bright screen.
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Chapter 122
Her eyes widened slightly as she read the message that had just arrived.
“Anna is awake and stable. No fasting damage. None of this is your fault. Get some rest and don’t worry about it.”
She stared at the sender’s name, genuinely surprised.
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