Chapter 205
Anna lingered outside Brandon hospital room, peering through the door’s window like a spy. Inside, Irene sat beside her brother’s bed, her profile caught in the morning light, Even in casual clothes, she radiated an elegant confidence that seemed effortless, her features refined and striking.
Something twisted in Anna’s gut–a realization she couldn’t shake,
This is what a real Sterling looks like. The thought ambushed her, cutting deep. And I’m just a fast–food worker’s kid playing dress–up.
For a moment, she almost fled. Instead, her fingers dug info the dodframe as she considered the implications. If Irene forgave Rose and saved her, the wall between her and the family would crumble. And Anna? She’d be pushed to the margins–just another Claire, her borrowed Sterling identity stripped away.
Can’t let that happen. The thought crystallized, sharp and cold. Not after everything I’ve sacrificed.
A plan took shape in Anna’s mind. She’d make sure the hospital rumors about Dr. Joy “accidentally‘ leaked. Let the world see the scandalous Sterling daughter who’d been thrown out for having kids out of wedlock. Let that perfect reputation crack under the weight of gossip.
With one last calculating look, Anna slipped away, heels barely whispering against the floor.
Inside, Brandon stretched until his injured leg protested. “Thank god Nathan’s gone. That guy was a walking migraine.”
The triplets had scattered around the room–Alex perched by the window, Lucas sprawled across the bed’s end, and Lily spinning herself dizzy in a visitor’s chair.
Alex hopped down and sidled next to Irene. “You okay, Mom? That guy was a total jerk.”
His eyes–too knowing for a five–year–old–searched her face. Lily abandoned her spinning to scramble onto Irene’s lap, tiny hands patting her cheeks.
“Mommy not sad,” she insisted. “See?” She flashed a gap–toothed grin, as if demonstrating the proper technique.
Lucas wrapped his arm around Irene’s shoulders. “We only need you happy. Nobody else matters.”
Irene pulled them close, their warmth melting the frost Nathan’s words had left behind. These brilliant, fierce little beings were her real legacy–not some family name or fortune.
“I’m not upset about Nathan,” she assured them, pressing quick kisses to their foreheads. “Just wondering if some bridges should stay burned.”
Brandon checked his watch with a dramatic sigh. “Hate to break this up, but James is probably circling the lot by now.” He shooed the kids playfully. “Scram, munchkins. Medical boring stuff time.”
The kids groaned but started gathering their things.
Later that evening, Irene sliced vegetables for dinner, knife hitting the cutting board in a rhythm that kept her centered. The kids‘ voices drifted from the living room, a soothing backdrop to her thoughts.
Her phone buzzed. Katherine.
“Hey,” she answered, tucking the phone between ear and shoulder.
“You seen the internet lately?” Katherine’s voice crackled with tension. “It’s everywhere, Irene. They know.”
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Chapter 205
The knife paused mid–carrot.
“Someone blew your cover on the hospital forum, Katherine continued. “Now it’s all over social media. The brilliant Dr. Joy is actually Irene Sterling, the disgced heiress thrown out for getting pregnant! They’re dragging up all that old drama, and the niedical world is having a meltdown.”
Irene set the knife down, fingers drumming against the counter.
“Not an accident,” she murmured. “Too organized. Too fast.”
“Exactly! Someone’s got it in for you.”
“Stay out of it,” Irene warned. “This mess doesn’t need to splash on you too.”
She hung up to find Joseph hovering in the doorway, face creased with concern.
“Storm’s brewing,” he said simply.
“My cover’s blown.” Irene attacked the vegetables with renewed vigor “I’m trending, apparently.”
Joseph moved closer. “Sterling tactics never change. They fight dirty
“Not my first rodeo,” she replied, though her shoulders told a different story.
The kids tumbled into the kitchen, faces serious.
Lily ran to Irene, small hands patting her face worriedly: “Mommy, you okay? There’s lots of stuff about you online.”
Lucas frowned, clearly irritated: “I bet tomorrow at school everyone’s going to ask us about Dr. Joy. That’s going to be super annoying.”
Alex, calm and analytical as always, offered his assessment: Someone is deliberately spreading these rumors. This isn’t a random leak. They’re trying to hurt you, Mom.”
Irene couldn’t help a smile as she ruffled his hair. “My little detective.”
The front door opened and Adam appeared, instantly reading the room’s tension.
“What happened?” His dark eyes swept over the worried faces.
“My secret identity’s not so secret anymore,” Irene said with forced lightness. I’ve been outed as Dr. Joy.”
As they finished dinner, Irene’s phone lit up with John’s name. She stared at it before answering with a flat, “Hello.”
“So it’s true,” John’s voice cut through, sharp as a blade. “You’re Dr. Joy. Get to the hospital. Your mother needs surgery.”
Irene’s knuckles went white. “Rose planning to apologize first?”
“Apologize?” He actually sounded shocked. “She’s dying! This is your duty as a doctor!”
“Funny how I’m family when you need something,” Irene replied, ice coating every word. ‘Unless Rose has something to say to me, we’re done here.”
She ended the call without heat or drama. Joseph and the kids had gathered, silent witnesses. The triplets immediately crowded close, a protective barrier of small bodies.
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Chapter 205
In Rose’s hospital room, John hurled his phone against a chair.
“Ungrateful brat!” he spat.
Rose lay against her pillows, ashen–faced, fingers clutching at her chest. She wants me dead… my own flesh and blood…
Anna rushed to adjust the oxygen, shooting John a reproachful look Mom, please stay calm. Your heart can’t take this stress.
She stroked Rose’s hand, the picture of filial devotion, while satisfaction bloomed in her chest. Perfect, Irene exposed, the family enraged, reconciliation impossible.
Just getting started, Anna thought behind her mask of concern. By the time I’m done, no one will remember Irene Sterling as anything but a disgrace.
With the kids finally, asleep, Adam lingered in Irene’s living room. He watched her straighten up, movements precise despite the day’s chaos–steady under pressure.
“This’ll blow over,” she said without looking at him.
Adam Studied her profile, catching the tension in her jaw, the tightness around her eyes. His mind was already made up.
“I’ll handle it,” he said simply.
Irene turned to object, but he’d already wheeled away.
In his study, Adam summoned Thomas with a quick text. When his assistant arrived, the transformation was complete–gone was the quiet neighbor, replaced by the CEO who made rivals sweat.
“Find who leaked the Dr. Joy information,” he ordered. “Start with the hospital forum–trace it to the source.”
Thomas nodded, already taking notes.
Adam’s fingers tapped against his armrest, eyes cold with purpose.
“They think they can hurt her without consequences,” he said quietly “They’re wrong.”
He turned to his computer, already mapping out how to neutralize the threat without Irene knowing. She had enough on her plate.
Whoever did this will wish they hadn’t, he promised silently.
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