Chapter 197
Twilight cast long shadows acres Emerald Garden Estate as Adam’s ar pulled up to Irene’s house. Thomas hopped out to unfold the wheelchair before the front door burst open.
Three small blurs shot down the path, skidding to a halt at the sight of their mother and Adam arriving together.
“Mom’s back!” Lily bounced on her toes, hair flying. “With Uncle Adam!”
Irene stepped out, the hospital drama with Rose, instantly forgotten. You three look ready to burst,” she said. “What’s going on?”
”
They exchanged glances that screamed conspiracy as Thomas helped Adam into his chair.
Lucas stepped forward, chest puffed out.. “We got money!” He rocked on his heels. “And we wanna take you and Uncle Adam out for dinner. Our treat!”
His eyes darted to Alex, silently begging for backup. Alex nodded once, lips pressed tight to hold back a smile.
Irene connected the dots instantly. Five hundred million dollars to “Ace.” She bit her lip. “That’s… very generous.”
Adam wheeled closer, brows knitting. “Money? From where?”
“Can’t tell!” Lily’s voice dripped mischief. “Super secret, Uncle Adam.
Alex stayed suspiciously quiet, studying his shoes while Lucas jumped in. “Just say yes. Please?”
Adam’s eyes narrowed as he scanned their innocent faces. After a moment, his mouth quirked up. “If your mom’s game, I’m in.”
“She already said yes!” Lucas declared, though Irene hadn’t said a word.
After the day she’d had, dinner with people who actually wanted her around sounded perfect. “Apparently I did,” she said, ruffling Lucas’s hair.
The restaurant buzzed with just the right energy–nice without being fancy, lively without being loud. The sweet spot where a family could enjoy a meal without whispering or shouting.
Lucas twirled pasta and shoved it in his mouth. “This is crazy good.”
“Chew first, talk second,” Irene said automatically, her tone light.
Adam watched them, fork paused halfway to his mouth. The easy back–and–forth between Irene and her children pulled him in–the inside jokes, the looks that said everything without words, the casual touches that showed complete trust. He felt like both an outsider and somehow part of their circle.
Lily leaned across the table, eyes serious. “Uncle Adam, is your steak yummy?”
“Best I’ve had in ages, he answered truthfully, rewarded with her gap–toothed smile.
After dinner, they spilled onto the sidewalk, bellies full and moods high. Thomas fell in behind Adam’s chair while Irene walked alongside. The triplets bounced around them, racing ahead then looping back like they couldn’t bear to stray too far,
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Chapter 197
“That fountain has fish in it!” 14ly reported, pointing wildly before darting off again.
Is your building taller than that one? Lucas appeared at Adam’s elbow, then vanished before getting a complete answer.
From across the street, they looked exactly like what they weren’t–family enjoying a perfect evening together. The thought should have made Irene tense, but somehow it didn’t. Not anymore.
They rounded a corner and came upon an open plaza where a crowd had gathered. Teenagers on skateboards swooped and spun to music blasting from speakers, each trick more daring than the last.
Lucas stopped dead, mouth falling open. He stared at the skaters, completely transfixed.
“Mom?” He tugged her sleeve, eyes never leaving the action. “Can I try? Just once?”
Irene glanced over, eyes quickly scanning the scene. Unlike parents who defaulted to “no,” she nodded without hesitation.
“Go for it. Just be careful and ask nicely to borrow a board.”
Lucas’s face lit up as he bolted toward the skaters, approaching them with a perfect blend of respect and eagerness.
“He’s always had a thing for balance challenges,” Irene said, watching him go. “Put that kid on anything with wheels and he’s in heaven.”
Adam watched Lucas approach the teenagers. “Kid’s got guts,” he said, a hint of approval in his voice.
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