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Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empre
Chapter 150
Ethan stood tall in the principe’s office, his new blue striped shirt a stark contrast to yesterday’s rumpled appearance. The transformation was impossible to miss.
Jackson shuffled his papers nervously before sliding two documents cross the desk. “Here you go. Official apology and scholarship
reinstatement.”
Ethan’s hand trembled slightly as he reached for them, though his face gave nothing away.
“Director Williams notified the committee this morning,” Jackson continued. “Everyone agrees it was a misunderstanding.” He gestured at the papers. “Your record’s clean again. Jason and the others will be taking a month of integrity courses.”
He looked Ethan in the eye, genuine regret in his voice. “We’re truly sorry for what happened.”
Irene caught the subtle tension in Ethan’s jaw as he fought to keep together. Being vindicated after such humiliation was overwhelming.
“Thanks,” Ethan said simply, steadier than his hands. “I’ll just focus on school now.”
Jackson nodded. “That’s all we want. My door’s always open if you need anything.” He checked his watch. “Your new homeroom
teacher’s waiting. First period is AP Math, right?”
Through the blinds, Irene spotted Mike and Jenny pacing anxiously in the hallway. They’d dressed up for the occasion–Mike without his usual fast–food grease stains, Jenny in a blouse rather than her work uniform.
Ethan noticed them too, his shoulders instantly stiffening.
“Better get going,” he muttered, turning to Irene. “I’m good now. You can head out.”
He pointedly ignored his parents waiting outside.
Irene gave his shoulder a quick squeeze. “See you after school.”
As they stepped into the hallway, Mike and Jenny swooped in. Jenny’s eyes darted over Ethan’s new clothes before settling on his
face.
“How’d it go?” she asked, wringing her hands. “Everything okay now?
Ethan nodded once, keeping his distance. “It’s fine.” He checked his watch. “Gotta get to class.”
Before they could respond, he walked off, head high and steps sure–nothing like the kid who’d fled their house days earlier.
Mike and Jenny watched him go, their faces a battlefield of conflicting emotions. Mike’s mouth tightened into a thin line.
Irene turned to leave, but Jenny caught her arm.
“Wait,” she said softly. “Can we talk?”
Irene raised an eyebrow but followed them to a quieter corner.
Jenny twisted her hands. “Thanks for helping Ethan with all this…”
Mike cut her off. “But you’re not family anymore. You shouldn’t be meddling in our business.”
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Chapter 150
Irene’s expression cooled instantly. She caught the flash of apology
Jonny’s eyes, but Mike’s face remained stubborn.
“Not family?” Irene shot back. Convenient timing. I grew up with Elian. He’ll always be my brother, blood or not.”
She narrowed her eyes. “And if you want me to stop meddling, may try actually protecting your son when he needs it. Where were you when he was being falsely accused?”
Mike’s face flushed red. Jenny looked at the floor.
We care about him too, Jenny mumbled. “It’s just… complicated…
“There was nothing complicated about it,” Irene cut in. “You picked na over your own son. Ethan’s staying with me until he’s ready to forgive you–if he ever is.”
Without waiting for a response, she walked away, heels clicking sharly against the tile. By the time she hit the fresh air outside, her heart was pounding. The Claires‘ attitude left her fuming, but she took a deep breath. Getting worked up wouldn’t help Ethan.
When Irene pulled into Emerald Garden later, she spotted Adam soaking up sunshine near the garden path. The sight of him looking so relaxed was unusual enough to catch her attention.
She approached, still carrying traces of frustration from the morning
Adam glanced up, immediately reading her face. “What’s wrong?”
Irene shook her head, not wanting to get into it. “Nothing worth mentioning. What are you doing out here? Thought you were
buried in work.”
“Getting some air,” Adam replied. “And waiting for you.”
Irene paused. “Waiting for me?”
Adam’s expression turned serious. “I need to leave town for a couple days. Neighboring city. Urgent business.” He paused. “Can we postpone the treatments?”
Irene immediately shook her head. “No way. Your neural recovery’s at a critical stage.” The sunlight caught his features as she weighed their options. “This trip absolutely necessary?”
“If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t ask,” Adam said simply.
Irene crossed her arms with a sigh. “Then I’ll have to come with you. The solution seemed obvious. “It’s only two days, right?”
Adam hesitated, a slight frown appearing. “Won’t that be inconvenient? And the kids–they shouldn’t miss school.”
“They’ll come too,” Irene said with finality. “Will that mess with your work?”
Adam shook his head. “I’m not worried about my work. Just don’t want to impose on you.”
“It’s fine,” she assured him. “The children will be excited for a mini–trip.”
That afternoon, Irene laid out the travel plans for her grandfather, who lounged comfortably in her living room armchair.
“Go ahead,” Joseph waved off her concerns. “Just watch yourselves on the road.” His eyes twinkled warmly. “You managed five years abroad without me hovering. Two days is nothing. James will keep me fed, though I’ll miss your cooking.”
The triplets sat nearby, pretending to listen while trading glances loaded with unspoken conspiracy. Their little brains were clearly
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working overtime
“We want to stay with Great–grandfather! Lucas suddenly announce, plastering himself against Joseph’s side with soap opera dramatics.
“Yes! Lily chimed in, pigtails bouncing with each emphatic nod. Lily will miss him too much!”
Alex, ever the strategist, offered the rational approach. “As the oldest I should keep an eye on these two. Plus, Great–grandfather needs company.”
They said no. Irene watched the triplets‘ unexpected resistance with growing suspicion. Their refusal to join the trip was completely out of character. Yet somehow, it simplified everything. No distractions. Just her and Adam.
In the afternoon, as she packed, she couldn’t shake a strange nervousness. Two days alone with Adam. Just doctor and patient. No kids running interference.
“Just keep it together, she muttered to herself.
Outside in the hallway, three small shadows huddled together, whispering excitedly.
“Coast is clear, Alex breathed. “Operation ‘Mom and Dad Alone Time starts soon.
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