Chapter 251
“You were tired.” His voice was “eeper than usual.
“I guess.” She couldn’t look at him, busying herself with straightening her clothes. Her heart kept pounding like crazy,
Adam watched her, his expression softening. “It’s too late to go home Take the guest room.”
She grabbed the excuse. “Just tonight,” she agreed, maybe too eager
Morning sunlight slipped under the curtains, but Irene couldn’t get up. Her body felt heavy, her head fuzzy. Her throat hurt every time she breathed. She barely registered the sounds of movement in the house outside her door.
When someone knocked, she could hardly muster the energy to call ut. The door cracked open, and Adam wheeled in, concern immediately crossing his face when he saw her.
“You look terrible.”
“Charting as always.” Her voice sounded like sandpaper.
He came closer, touching her forehead. “Damn. You’re on fire.”
“I’m a doctor. I know how to handle a fever.” She pulled the covers over her head.
“Really? Because doctors are always the worst patients.” He pulled the blanket down, looking stubborn. “I’m calling Lawrence. No arguing.”
Before she could protest, commotion erupted in the hallway. The door flew open wider as her three kids rushed in with Brandon and Wesley right behind them.
“Mom!” they shouted together.
Lily jumped on the bed and put her hand on Irene’s forehead. “You’re burning up!” Her little face wrinkled with worry. “Is it because you helped Little Bell?”
“Just a cold, sweetie.” Irene tried to sound normal. “I’ll be better soon.”
Lucas handed her a crooked paper star. “Made this in class. It’s supposed to be lucky.”
“We came as soon as Uncle Adam called,” Alex said, pushing his glasses up. “He sounded really worried.”
Brandon stood by the door. “Haven called like it was an emergency. We got here as fast as we could.”
“He’s making too big a deal.” She tried to sit up but got dizzy. “It’s not serious…”
“Still, you need to rest,” Brandon said firmly. “We’ll check on you later.”
“Feel better, Mom, Alex squeezed her hand.
Lucas tucked his paper star under her pillow. “For extra luck.”
Lily gave her a gentle hug. “Don’t worry. We’ll take care of everything.”
Wesley nodded silently from the doorway, his version of showing concern.
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Chapter 251
“Thanks, guys.” Irene smiled despite feeling awful. Their nolsy concen wrapped around her like a warm blanket. As exhausted as she was, moments like these remißded her how lucky she was. Family clos had never felt so good.
They filed out of the room, clog the door softly behind them. Irene sank deeper into her pillows, the memory of their worried faces more comforting than any medicine.
In the living room, Brandon was updating Adam when the doorbell rang.
“That must be Lawrence, Brandon said, glancing toward the door..
“Finally.” Adam wheeled toward the entrance. I was starting to think he got lost.”
The triplets clustered around the coffee table, whispering among themselves about ways to help their mom feel better. Wesley stood by the window, scrolling through his phone but clearly paying attention to what was happening.
Adam opened the front door, his expression changing from composed to shocked to darkly furious in an instant.
It wasn’t Dr. Lawrence standing there. It was Natalie Snow.
“Mrs. Haven told me Dr. Lawrence wasn’t feeling well.” Natalie smiled perfectly, standing in the doorway with a medical bag in hand. “She asked me to help instead. Happy to do it.“,
The entire room froze. Brandon straightened up, immediately alert. The triplets went silent, sensing the sudden tension. Even Wesley looked up from his phone, eyebrows raised.
Adam’s hand tightened around the door handle. His voice came out low and dangerous.
“Natalie.”
Just one word–her name–but in it was a universe of warning, anger, and the unmistakable sound of battle lines being drawn.
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