Their eyes locked, and time fro. 

Adam twisted around at the sound of his door opening, shirt half–on When he spotted Irene, surprise flashed across his face before cool composure took over. He quickly pulled his shirt down, covering his exposed torso. 

Irene froze in the doorway. I should back out. But before she could retreat, Adam was already wheeling toward her. 

“Everything okay?” he asked, one eyebrow slightly raised. 

Irene stepped back, cheeks warming. “Heard you had a fever.” She tugged at her sleeve. “Wanted to make sure you weren’t dying or anything.” 

Inside, she worried this might be fallout from last night’s treatment had she pushed too hard with those neural points? 

Adam straightened his collar. “Just ran hot for a bit. Nothing I can’t handle.” 

A smile tugged at Irene’s lips. Adam Haven, stubborn as always–even when burning up. 

She hesitated, then stepped forward and pressed her palm to his forehead. His skin felt cool now, but a hint of warmth lingered. Memories of his previous fever nagged at her. Two fevers so close together? Her doctor brain kicked into overdrive, analyzing possibilities. 

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Adam’s eyes fixed on her face or how he’d gone perfectly still beneath her touch. 

She pulled her hand back. “Fever’s broken. Good.” 

Something flickered across Adam’s face–so brief she almost missed it. Before either could speak, laughter exploded from the 

hallway. 

“Uncle Adam! We found something!” 

The triplets burst in with Thomas trailing behind, instantly shattering the tension. 

Irene exhaled. Saved by the bell. “Where were you three hiding?” 

The kids glanced at each other, eyes wide with manufactured innocence. 

“Backyard,” Alex explained. “There’s a hurt bird. We need your doctor powers.” 

“It looks so sad,” Lily added with dramatic flair, clutching her hands to her chest. 

Irene raised an eyebrow, not buying their story completely, but the distraction was welcome. “Let’s see this tragic patient then.” 

The kids darted ahead as Thomas pushed Adam’s chair, following Irene outside. 

In the backyard, morning sunlight dappled the grass. Alex approached with cupped hands, moving with exaggerated care. 

“Look,” he whispered, revealing his precious cargo. 

A small bird with brilliant blue and yellow feathers huddled in his palm, one wing awkwardly extended. 

“Careful,” Irene murmured, gently taking the creature. She placed it on the garden table and assessed the damage. “Just a minor 

1/4 

Chapter 170 

the plamed et Thomer, teda 7 

the dissppeared inside. 

The bird’s dark eyes followed the movements, baking distinctly unpressed with the situation. 

Me key, lile one, trene toothed, stroking its head with one finger. The triplets clustered around, watching with solemn focus. 

a 

Thomas returned with the kit. Irene worked quickly–antieplic, zg, tiny splint expertly fashioned from a popsicle stick. The bird remained surprisingly still throughout the process, 

Adem wheeled river, studying the colorful creature. “Rate macaw species. See how those feathers catch the light? He tapped his armrest thoughtfully, “Emerald Garden security is tight, Lost pets yet returned immediately.” 

“Someone dumped it?‘ Lucas asked, outraged, 

Adam nodded. ‘Most likely,” 

Lucas leaped toward the bird, eyes narrowing with determination. “Hey birdie, say handsome guy! 

Irene bit back a laugh. Lucas and his wild ideas. 

To everyone’s shock, the macaw tilted its head and squawked: “Handsome guy! Handsome guy!” Its voice was eerily similar to Lucas’s, just higher–pitched. 

The kids erupted in gleeful chaos. 

“Did you hear that?” 

‘It talked!” 

‘Like, actual words!” 

The macaw looked thoroughly confused by their excitement, head swiveling between them. 

Even Irene couldn’t help laughing. “Quite the little mimic.” 

The triplets exchanged a look–that silent communication that sometimes spooked Irene with its intensity. 

“Mom,” they said in perfect unison. “Can we keep it?” 

“Please Lily added, unleashing her most devastating puppy eyes. 

Irene pretended to consider, though she’d already decided. “I suppose someone needs to look after it…” 

The backyard exploded with cheers. 

“We need a name, ex announced, suddenly serious. 

The three huddled together, whispering furiously. After a minute, Lucas threw up his hands. “I got nothing.” 

“Something cool, Lily insisted. 

2/4 

Chapter 170 

Something that fits,” Alex added. 

Adam, who’d been quietly watching, spoke up. Sparkle.” 

Four heads turned toward him. 

“Its feathers,” he explained, gesturing toward the bird. In the sunlight, blue and yellow plumage shimmered with an almost metallic quality. 

Irene smiled. “Perfect.” 

The triplets stared at Adam like he’d just performed a miracle. 

“Sparkle!” Lily clapped her hands. 

“You’re a genius, Uncle Adam,” Lucas declared. 

he 

Alex said nothing, but his eyes darted between Adam and his mother. If only Mom and Dad could spark some romance soon, thought wistfully. If they got together, we’d really be a family. He couldn’t understand it – they were so perfect together, yet nothing seemed to be happening. Why couldn’t adults see what was right in front of them? 

The newly–named Sparkle preened under the attention, then echoed “Sparkle! Sparkle!” 

Laughter rippled through the group. Irene checked her watch and winced. 

“I’m heading inside. Haven’t even had coffee yet.” Her stomach growled on cue. “You three be gentle with our new friend.” 

The kids nodded solemnly, though their eyes sparkled with excitement. 

“We’ll take care of everything,” Alex promised, already the responsible oldest child. 

Irene headed for the house, feeling Adam’s eyes follow her. Something had shifted this morning–something she wasn’t quite ready 

to name. 

Later that evening, kitchen aromas filled the dining room as Irene set out dinner. She poured water for everyone but didn’t take her 

usual seat. 

Adam paused, fork halfway to his plate. “Not eating?” 

Irene slipped her phone into her pocket. “Meeting someone. Don’t wait up.” She grabbed her jacket from the back of the chair. 

Adam nodded once, face unreadable as the front door clicked shut. 

He turned back to his meal, appetite suddenly diminished. The triplets exchanged worried glances. 

Alex cleared his throat. “Mom’s seeing Uncle Matthew.” 

Adam’s head snapped up, eyes sharp. 

Alex stabbed at his vegetables, seemingly casual, but his eyes never left Adam’s face. Whatever he saw there made him relax slightly. 

Lucas launched into a story about Sparkle’s latest antics, but Adam barely heard him. His thoughts were elsewhere, following Irene to her meeting with this “Uncle Matthew–a man who apparently knew her well enough to be given an honorary title by her 

children.