Chapter 228
Morning light flooded the breakfast table at Emerald Garden as Wesley made his way downstairs. His steps were steadier now, and the dark circles under his eyes had faded slightly. For the first time in ages, he looked almost human.
Brandon perked up instantly, “Well, look who decided to join us! He kicked out a chair. ‘Better grab something before these kids demolish everything.”
Wesley sat down, his thin face relaxing into something that resembled a smile,
“Sleep okay?” Brandon asked, watching his brother, like a
“Yeah. Just one word, but after years of sleepless nights, it sounded like a miracle.
Wesley looked over at Irene, who was buttering her toast and seemed completely unfazed by his improvement.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
She glanced up. “Don’t get too excited. We’ve just started fixing whats broken. There’s still a long way to go, and not every treatment will feel this good. If you quit halfway like with every other doctor, I’m done.”
Wesley/nodded seriously. “I hope my sister will help me.” The word hung in the air between them an unexpected peace offering.
Trene paused mid–bite, something flickering behind her eyes. Not warmth exactly, but perhaps recognition. The sister label meant nothing to her she hadn’t grown up craving the Sterling name – but his acknowledgment of needing help, that was something she could respond to.
“I’ll try,” she said simply, neither accepting nor rejecting the new connection.
Brandon grinned from ear to ear. “See? Told you she’s amazing! Our sister could probably wake the dead if they annoyed her enough!”
Irene rolled her eyes and stood up. “And you’d still be talking their ears off in the afterlife.”
The triplets scrambled after her as she headed for the door, their sneakers squeaking against the floor.
“Where are we going?” Lucas asked, bouncing with each step, always the most energetic of the three.
“To check on Uncle Adam,” Lily answered knowingly, her romantic little heart already spinning fantasies.
Alex adjusted his glasses. “Mom needs to talk to him about medical supplies, he stated practically, though his shrewd eyes missed nothing.
“Sure, that’s why,” Lucas whispered with a giggle.
Adam’s place smelled like coffee and fresh laundry. Thomas moved quietly around them while the triplets scattered–Lily sprawling dramatically on the couch, Lucas checking out the chess pieces, and Alex studying the bookshelves with intense focus.
Irene went straight to the point, ignoring how Adam’s face brightened when he saw her from his wheelchair by the window.
“Where do you get your medical stuff? The quality’s really good.”
Adam wheeled closer, his fingers tapping once on the armrest a small habit he’d developed when pleased to see her. “Make a list. Thomas will take care of it,”
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Chapter 228
She thought for a moment, adding up everything she needed for treating everyone daily.
“Thanks,” she finally said. “I’ll write it up later.”
“You know,” Adam said, his voice softer, ‘you could just say thanks without making it sound like a business deal.
Irene tilted her head, studying him curiously. “You’ve been extra nice lately. Not that I’m complaining. Just… noticing.”
Adam sighed silently. This woman, brilliant as she was, could be remarkably dense about some things.
Thomas shot his boss a look of pure sympathy. The road to winning her heart would be long and difficult – nothing he could help
with.
The triplets watched the adults with varying reactions. Alex’s analytical gaze missed nothing, Lily pressed her hands to her cheeks in frustration, and Lucas rolled his eyes dramatically.
“Mom’s so clueless!” ly whispered.
“How can someone so smart be so blind?” Lucas added.
Alex adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. “Emotional intelligence doesn’t always match other abilities. We definitely need to step up our efforts.”
Adam appeared in the doorway around noon, keys in hand. “Got meetings all day and dinner tonight. Don’t wait up.”
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