Chapter 171 

As Irene’s footsteps faded down the hallway, Thomas leaned forward with obvious curiosity. So who’s this Uncle Matthew? Is he close with Dr. Sterling?” he aske, picking up on Alex’s mention from moments ago.. 

The triplets exchanged quick glances, suddenly cornered. 

Alex jumped in, his eyes darting nervously to Adam. “Hayes uncle worked with Mom in R Country. He helped us tons of times.” He paused, then burst out, “He’s totally into Mom, but she doesn’t feel the same way about him. Not one bit!” 

Thomas grinned. “Wait–you’re five and already catching who’s sweet on your mom?” 

Lucas crossed his arms, looking offended. “Duh! It’s way easier to see these things from the outside!” He stabbed his broccoli for emphasis. “Hayes uncle makes these googly eyes at Mom. Anyone can spot it.” 

Adam’s fingers tapped lightly on his armrest. His face stayed blank, but his eyes crinkled slightly, suddenly far more interested in this conversation than his dinner. 

And you’re positive your mom’s not interested?” Thomas pressed, dropping all pretense. 

Lily put down her fork like she was about to drop a bomb. “Mom always turns down his presents,” she declared. 

A hint of a smile touched Adam’s lips. His shoulders relaxed, replaced by something that looked an awful lot like satisfaction. 

“What kind of presents?” he asked, voice casual despite the sharp look in his eyes. 

“All sorts of stuff!” Alex said eagerly. “Last time it was fancy medical equipment. Mom said it was way too expensive and flat–out refused.” 

Adam’s eyes flickered, fingers tapping another soft beat. He caught Thomas’s eye in a look that said everything without words. This Matthew guy wasn’t just a colleague–he was playing for keeps with Irene. 

Across town, Irene spotted Matthew the moment she walked in. He rose as she approached, smiling warmly. 

“You never blend in,” she said, sliding into her seat. “Something about you just stands out.” 

Matthew chuckled. “I was thinking the same about you.” 

She took him in with a quick look. Simple white shirt, dark pants, glasses perched on his nose. Handsome in a bookish way, with clean features. Yet something was missing–a certain edge she couldn’t quite put her finger on. 

“Where are the kids?” he asked, glancing around with disappointment. “I was hoping to see them. 

Irene shook her head. “They’re a handful 

in restaurants. Plus, we’re talking shop tonight–not exactly kid–friendly.” Seeing his face fall, she added, “Come by the house next time. They’d love to see you” 

His face brightened. “I’d like that.” He switched gears smoothly. “Our patient’s stable. Surgery’s set for three days from now. That work for you?” 

“Perfect,” she nodded, already mapping the procedure in her head. 

Their food arrived–Matthew had ordered knowing her tastes from years of working lunches. 

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Chapter 171. 

“I should call the family and lock in the schedule,” he said, pulling out his phone. “Any special instructions?” 

Irene gestured at the table. “Go with your usual approach. I trust you judgment.” 

He smiled appreciatively before making a quick call. 

As they ate, talk bounced easily between medical cases and life updates. Irene found herself relaxing–there was something comfortable about talking medicine with someone who spoke her language. 

“How’s that nerve project coming? The spinal one?” she asked between bites. 

Matthew lit up, hands flying as he explained his findings. This waste colleague she remembered–brilliant and genuinely passionate about helping people. 

By eight, he glanced at his watch. “Getting late. Let me drive you home.” 

Irene knew better than to argue. “Thanks.” 

On the drive, Matthew followed her directions through Silver City’s streets. The quiet between them was broken by his occasional 

questions. 

“The kids seem happy here,” he commented, fingers tapping the steering wheel. “Must be quite a change from R Country 

Irene smiled. “They’ve adjusted really well. Made friends, and…” she paused, choosing her words, “they’ve found good people to look up to.” 

Matthew caught something in her tone but didn’t push. “Anyone special in your life these days?” he asked casually. “You mentioned helping someone with their treatment.” 

Just focusing on the kids and work,” Irene replied smoothly, sidestepping the question. “Speaking of which, I’m excited about our approach for this surgery.” 

Matthew nodded, taking her hint to shift back to shop talk as he navigated the quiet streets. 

When they pulled up to Emerald Garden’s entrance, his eyebrows shot up. 

“Quite the change from R Country,” he commented, clearly impressed 

Irene just smiled. “Life’s taken some interesting turns.” 

Thirty minutes later, they stood at her front door, wrapping up surgery details. 

“I’ve gone through your approach three times,” Matthew said. “It’s brilliant–you see angles nobody else catches.” 

“That’s why they pay me the big bucks,” Irene joked, fishing for her keys. 

Without warning, the door swung open. Adam and Thomas appeared clearly heading out after spending the evening with the kids. 

Time seemed to stretch like taffy as unexpected eyes locked onto each other. 

Matthew’s smile faded, confusion flashing across his face as he took in the strangers leaving Irene’s home. Though his polite expression held, wariness crept into his stance. 

Adam zeroed in on Matthew instantly, sizing him up in one sweeping glance. His gaze turned razor–sharp. Two fingers tapped almost imperceptibly against his wheelchair–a dead giveaway to anyone who knew his habits. 

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Chapter 171 

So this is the famous Matthew the one who sends expensive gifts and gets an uncle title from her kids, Adam thought, something possessive stirring in his ches. All proper manners and pressed clothes. Probably never takes a real risk. 

He noted Matthew’s neat appearance, so different from his own calculated boldness. The polite doctor might have history with frene, but Adam saw a fundamental difference between them–Matthew asked permission; Adam made decisions. 

Nothing in Adam’s face revealed his thoughts, but his eyes carried an unmistakable edge. Even seated, every line of his body radiated quiet power. 

Matthew sensed it–something in Adam’s bearing, the intensity of his focus, or perhaps his positioning near Irene signaled this wasn’t just any neighbor. He straightened slightly, drawing himself up to full height, though it didn’t seem to diminish the presence of the man in the wheelchair. 

Where Matthew’s strength came from his gentle confidence and smarts, this stranger projected raw authority that seemed to fill the doorway despite his seated position. 

Matthew’s doctor instincts automatically noted the wheelchair–likely spinal injury–yet something about the man’s piercing stare made him hold back his professional curiosity. 

This wasn’t a potential patient; this was someone with a claim on Irene’s world that Matthew couldn’t quite figure out. 

The air between them buzzed with unspoken tension. Neither man showed open hostility, but the current of awareness flowed between them like electricity–two alpha predators suddenly finding themselves in shared territory, each taking the other’s measure without a single word. 

Thomas glanced between them, fighting a smirk as he watched the silent standoff. He’d seen Adam face down boardroom sharks without blinking, but there was something different now–something more personal than business strategy. 

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