Chapter 214
The conference room at Silver City Medical Center buzzed with energy as Matthew pointed to the heart scan on the wall.
“We’ve got a narrow window once the donor heart arrives,” he said, glancing at his team. “Every minute counts.”
Katherine leaned against the table, all business. “Recovery plan’s locked and loaded. Checked it three times just to be sure.”
“I’ve adjusted the post–op treatment,” Irene added, sliding her tablet cross. “Should help her heart stabilize faster.”
Matthew raised an eyebrow. “Doing a lot for someone who treated you like garbage.”
“It’s not about Rose,” Irene replied with a half–smile. “Think of it as earing my desk before starting a new job. I need a clean workspace.“.
Katherine checked her watch. “I’ll make sure everything’s ready. The special equipment from R Country lands tomorrow.”
As everyone filed out, Irene gathered the scattered papers, stopping when she spotted Adam’s folder. She opened it, eyes catching on his latest test results.
His numbers looked good. Really good.
Something flickered across her face–a quiet realization, a possibility taking shape.
Across town, sunlight streamed through the windows of Adam’s office as Thomas delivered his update.
“University pulled the plug this morning,” he reported. “Stripped Anna’s degree, full apology to Bella. Story’s everywhere.”
Adam’s face remained calm, but satisfaction glinted in his eyes. “What about the Sterlings?”
“Keeping their heads down. Nathan’s cooperating, and Rose is focused on her surgery.”
“Make sure none of this blows back on Irene or the kids.”
Thomas nodded. “Public’s completely on her side. The comment sections are calling her a saint.”
When Thomas left, Adam wheeled to the window overlooking the garden between their homes. His gaze lingered on Irene’s kitchen window, where he could just make out her silhouette.
The dinner they’d shared–the one the triplets had sneakily arranged at that romantic restaurant–kept replaying in his mind. The way she’d laughed when they realized they’d been set up. How natural it felt, just the two of them.
He’d started this to ensure justice, to protect her from Sterling family drama. But somewhere between concert nights and candlelit dinners, everything had shifted. Now he found himself wondering if her fresh start might include him.
“Worth it,” he murmured, turning back to his desk where Anna’s case file lay closed. Not because justice was served, but because Irene could finally move forward without looking over her shoulder.
Meanwhile, Joseph and Irene stood in their kitchen, watching the same news on a tablet propped against the coffee pot.
…a stunning reversal as Silver City University strips Anna Claire of her design degree following clear evidence of plagiarism,” the reporter announced. “Bella Montgomery thanked those who helped expose the truth…”
Joseph grunted. “Took them long enough.”
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“Poor Bella,” Irene murmured, turning to slice apples for the kids‘ snack. “No degree can undo what she went through.”
As she arranged the apple slices on a plate, her thoughts drifted to Anna. No tears, no sympathy–just a clinical recognition of cause and effect. Anna had built a hose of cards and acted shocked when collapsed. Every accusation, every scheme against Irene and Ker children had come full circle, exactly as it should.
You tried to burn my life down, Anna. Don’t act surprised when you get scorched by your own fire.
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Joseph watched his granddaughter, noting the easy rhythm of her movements. “You seem lighter.”
“I am. Her gaze drifted toward Adam’s house. “Sometimes you find help in places you never expected.”
The harsh buzz of fluorescent lights filled the police station as Nathan followed a guard down the corridor. Each closing door echoed like a final judgment.
The meeting room reeked of cleaning products and despair. When Anna shuffled in, Nathan barely recognized her. Her hair hung in greasy clumps, makeup smeared beneath puffy eyes, designer clothes wrinkled and stained.
“Nathan!” Relief washed over her face. “Thank God! You have to help me this is all a huge mistake-
“Stop. His voice cut through her rambling. “I’ve arranged for a lawyer. That’s all.”
Anna lurched forward, gripping the table. “But we’re family! Sterlings stick together!”
“You’re not a Sterling.” His words landed like a slap. “You never were
Tears carved fresh tracks through her makeup. “After everything I did for the family? How can you just-
“What exactly did you do for us?” Nathan kept his voice level. “Steal someone’s work? Push her to suicide? Try to destroy Irene when she threatened your position?”
Anna’s mouth worked silently, shock freezing her features.
Nathan buttoned his jacket as he stood. “The lawyer will call you.”
The door swung open as he turned to leave. Mike and Jenny Claire walked in with Ethan trailing behind. Nathan slipped past with barely a nod.
“Wait!” Mike called after him. “Can’t you pull some strings?”
“I’ve done all I can,” Nathan said without looking back.
Jenny rushed to Anna, reaching for her hands. “Sweetheart, we came as soon as we heard.”
Anna yanked away. “This is all Irene’s fault! She’s always been jealous of me!”
Ethan stepped forward, eyes hard. “Are you serious? You’stole someone’s entire portfolio, ruined her life, then tried to ash Irene’s reputation. And you’re still blaming others?”
“Shut up!” Anna’s voice cracked. “You’ve always taken her side! Perfect Irene with her perfect life!”
“Because she actually earned what she has,* Ethan fired back. “You built everything on lies.”
Something snapped behind Anna’s eyes. She grabbed the plastic water cup and hurled it at Ethan’s face. As he ducked, a nearby officer moved in.
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“Ma’am, you need to calm down-
Anna whirled, nails raking across the officer’s cheek, drawing blood)
“Get away from me!‘ she shrieked.
Chaos erupted. Two more officers rushed in, pinning Anna against the table as she thrashed and screamed. Mike and Jenny stood frozen in horror while Ethan watched, jaw tight with a mixture of anger and pity.
“Everyone out,” a senior officer ordered. “Meeting’s oyer. She just earned herself extra charges.”
Ane
Outside in the hallway, Mike slumped against the wall. “What happened to her?” he whispered.
“She showed us who she really is,” Ethan said quietly. “That’s all.”
Evening cast long shadows through Irene’s living room as the triplets spread their toys across the carpet. Irene curled up on the couch, Rose’s surgery plans in one hand, Adam’s treatment data in the other.
“Mom,” Lily called, looking up from her coloring book, “what would Uncle Adam look like if he could walk?”
Irene blinked, caught off guard by the innocent question.
“Yeah!” Lucas sat up, suddenly interested. “Would he be super tall? He looks tall even sitting down.”
“His legs would need a lot of training first,” Alex added, ever practical. “Muscles get weak when you don’t use them.”
Irene set her papers aside, touched by their concern. “Yes, he’d need therapy, lots of exercise. But with the right treatment…”
“Could you fix him?” Lily’s voice dropped to a hopeful whisper. “Like you’re helping Uncle Brandon with his leg?”
Irene’s eyes drifted back to the test results, where a particular pattern had caught her attention. Not a sure thing. But definitely a
chance.
“Maybe,” she murmured, medical curiosity mingling with something warmer as she traced the promising numbers. “Maybe I could.”
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