Chapter 211
Adam leaned forward in his whlchair, bathed in the glow of multiple screens as morning light cut through his office windows. Cup of coffee at his side, his eyes remained sharp, focused on the task at hand.
“Release it,” he said, voice quiet but leaving no room for argument. Everything we have.”
Thomas nodded, his fingers dancing across his tablet. Three minutes later, the internet caught fire.
“THE UNTOLD STORY: WHY DR. JOY REFUSES TO TREAT ROSE STERLING”
“STERLING FAMILY SECRETS: THE DAUGHTER THEY THREW AWAY”
The carefully constructed narrative ripped through social media, laying out the ugly truth that couldn’t be ignored: Irene was switched at birth, treated as an outsider by her biological family, and forced to leave the country after being framed. Most damning was the revelation that Rose had slapped Irene’s five–year–old son and called her children “bastards” to their faces.
Thomas watched the engagement numbers climb. “It’s spreading twice as fast as yesterday’s hit pieces.”
Adam merely nodded, expression unchanged. “What about the supporting content?”
On cue, a second wave hit social media. Various accounts began flooding feeds with Dr. Joy’s achievements–her international awards, charity work, and pioneering treatments that had saved hundreds of children.
“Did you arrange this level of detail about her medical career?” he asked Thomas.
“Not us, sir.”
A slight smile tugged at Adam’s mouth. “Must be former patients of hers,” he murmured, assuming Dr. Joy’s grateful patients were rallying to her defense.
What Adam didn’t know was that across the garden, young Alex was just finishing his payments to several social media influencers, satisfied with the online army he’d mobilized to protect his mother.
By mid–morning, the tide had turned completely. Yesterday’s villain was today’s victim–turned–hero, with one comment capturing the prevailing sentiment: “A doctor saves lives. A mother protects her children. Dr. Joy is doing both.”
Silver City’s top law firm had also sent cease–and–desist letters to every publication that had slandered Irene, all bearing her name as the requester–another piece of Adam’s strategy.
Across town, Rose collapsed while reading the online comments, her heart monitor shrieking as medical staff rushed to stabilize her. The damage to her already weak heart was severe, pushing her condition from critical to desperate.
In Irene’s living room, the triplets huddled around a laptop while their mother stared at her phone in disbelief. Colleagues, even strangers were sending messages of support. Media outlets that had attacked her yesterday were now issuing retractions.
She set her phone down, her gaze drifting toward Adam’s house. Throughout her life, she’d weathered every storm alone. Now, without being asked, someone had stepped in to fight this battle for her.
The realization hit her unexpectedly. She blinked hard, surprised by the warmth gathering behind her eyes.
This has Uncle Adam written all over it,” Alex said, not looking up from his screen.
Irene turned to find her three children watching her. “And how would you know that?”
7
1/3
Chapter 211
Lily pressed a finger to her lips with dramatic flair. “We heard things
Irene laughed despite herself. 30 it was confirmed–Adam was indeed her mysterious defender.
Lucas flopped onto the couch beside her. “Mom, you should thank him properly. Not just a text or whatever.”
“Yeah,” Alex added. “Take him somewhere nice.”
Irene nodded slowly. “You’re right. I should.”
Lucas and Alex exchanged a quick glance while Irene was lost in thought.
1|:| པ
“We’ll help you find a restaurant!” Lucas volunteered, already pulling up search results.
After watching their enthusiasm for a moment, Irene made her decision.
“I think I’ll invite him in person,” she said, standing and smoothing her blouse.
The triplets exchanged wide–eyed looks as she headed for the door.
Crossing the garden path between their homes, Irene felt an unfamiliar flutter in her stomach. When Thomas showed her to Adam’s
study, he looked up from his screens, surprise briefly crossing his face.
I wanted to thank you in person,” Irene said, meeting his gaze directly. “For everything online, the lawyers… I know it was you.
“Someone was going to set the record straight.” Adam’s voice remained neutral, but his eyes held hers with unexpected intensity.
Irene fought a smile. “Still. I’d like to thank you properly–dinner tonight? If you’re free.”
Something flickered across Adam’s face–a warmth that made Irene’s pulse quicken.
“I’d like that,” he said simply.
“Six o’clock?”
“Perfect.”
When Irene returned home, the triplets had already selected a restaurant.
“Thomas will pick you both up at six, Alex announced matter–of–factly.
“Thomas?” Irene frowned. “I can drive us there.”
“Uncle Adam’s car is better,” Lucas explained. “Plus, the place is kinda tricky to find.”
By five–thirty, Irene found herself putting more effort into her appearance than she had in months. She chose a navy dress that hugged her curves without trying too hard, applied minimal makeup, and let her hair fall in soft waves.
Joseph paused by her doorway. “Don’t think about any of that nonsense tonight,” he said gently.
Irene turned, surprised. “You knew I was going out?”
“Those three tell me everything,” Joseph said with a knowing smile. Adam’s a good man. Better than I gave him credit for.”
“It’s just a thank–you dinner,” Irene said, feeling her cheeks warm.
2/3
Chapter 211
Joseph just chuckled, patting her shoulder before walking away.
At six sharp, Thomas arrived. Adam waited inside the car, the setting sun casting his profile in gold. When frene slid in beside him, his eye’s met hers with quiet appreciation.
“You look beautiful,” he said simply.
The compliment sent an unexpected current through her.
The triplets stood in the doorway, waving enthusiastically. Alex whispered something that made Lily giggle, while Lucas maintained a serious expression as they pulled away.
Thomas caught their reflection in the rearview mirror, a subtle nod passing between them. Whatever scheme the triplets had concocted clearly had their driver’s full cooperation.
“The young masters selected quite a special place,” Thomas said as they left the neighborhood behind. “I think you’ll both appreciate their surprise.”
Adam and Irene exchanged a glance, both aware that something was happening beyond a simple dinner invitation, but neither * choosing to question it.
The car slipped into the gathering darkness, carrying them toward an unknown destination orchestrated by three very determined five–year–olds.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
