Chapter 140
Alex, bocas, and Lily crowded the window like tiny spies, noses smudging the glass as they watched Adam’s villa. Their heads swiveled in unison, tracking any movement that might signal the departure of their unwanted visitor.
“Think she’s gone? Lily whispered, hands cupped around her eyes to cut the glare.
Lucas huffed. “No way. She’s been camping out in there forever.”
“I don’t like her, Alex said bluntly, wrinkling his nose. She looked at Mom like she was gum stuck to her fancy show
They quieted down, shoulders hunched as they kept their vigil. The faceful morning routine they’d grown to love had been disrupted by this stranger in cream–colored designer clothes.
Alex suddenly slapped his palm against the windowsill. “No way, he hissed, voice tight with determination. “Uncle Adam is Mom’s Period.”
“Exactly.” Lucas nodded so hard his hair flopped over his eyes. He pushed it back impatiently. “We need a battle plan. They can’t be alone together.”
Lily bounced on her toes, face brightening. “Let’s just go over there! She tugged on her brothers‘ sleeves. “Uncle Adam’s crazy about us. He’d totally let us in.”
“Good thinking.” Lucas grinned. “We could say we need math help or something.”
“Or this.” Lily’s bottom lip quivered dramatically, eyes going wide and sad. She batted her lashes for good measure. “Works every *time.”
Alex’s fingers drummed against the windowsill. “I could say my computer’s acting weird. He always helps with tech stuff.”
“What are you three plotting now?”
The triplets jumped in unison, turning guiltily to find their mother standing in the doorway, arms crossed and eyebrow raised. Irene had clearly caught the tail end of their conversation and wasn’t impressed.
“Nothing!” they chorused, the picture of unconvincing innocence.
“I heard Lily,” Irene said, stepping into the room. “You are absolutely not going over there to bother Adam while he’s having a business meeting.”
“But Mom- Lily started, her rehearsed sad face already deployed.
“No buts,” Irene cut her off firmly. “Those are adult matters that don’t concern you. And if any of you steps foot outside this house to interfere, you can forget about dinner tonight.”
The triplets exchanged defeated glances, their shoulders slumping in perfect synchronization. The threat of missing a meal was
serious business.
“Fine,” Alex mumbled, stepping away from the window.
“We’ll be good,” Luc
added with a sigh.
Lily just pouted, but didn’t argue further.
Irene nodded, satisfied they’d gotten the message. “Good. Now find something productive to do instead of spying on the neighbors.”
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Chapter 140
She tuined to leave but paused at the doorway, her expression softer ng slightly. Lunch will be ready in a host Why duty dur three read those new books we got?”
As soon as their mother’s footsteps faded down the hallway, the triplets huddled together.
We’ll just have to wait, Alex whispered. Operation Get Rid Of The Lady is on hold.”
“For now,” Lucas added with a determined nod.
When lunchtime rolled around, the triplets petked up at the familiar sound of Thomas helping Adam into the villa. Right or schedule, as always. Some things, at least, remained predictable.
“Uncle Adam!” Lily exclaimed, practically skipping to greet him. Her earlier disappointment forgotten in the joy of seeing him again.
Alex watched Adam carefully, then glanced out the window as if checking for additional guests. “Where’s that lady?” he asked, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.
“Gone,” Thomas replied before Adam could, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He clearly had no desire to discuss Samantha any
further.
Lucas reached for the bread basket, but his mind was clearly elsewhere. “That lady was really pretty,” he remarked, eyeing Adam. “And she looked fancy. Like she comes from a good family.”
Lily picked up the thread immediately. “Yeah, she seemed important. Don’t you think so, Uncle Adam?”
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