Chapter 260 

The car 

pulled up to Global Go Club just after lunch. Irene stepped out, blinking in the bright sun as Thomas helped Adam into his 

wheelchair. 

“So this is where deals happen?” she asked, taking in the sprawling green grounds. 

A cheerful shout cut through the air before Adam could answer. 

“Adam! I thought you’d bailed on me!” 

A man with salt–and–pepper hair rushed toward them, his face lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning. 

“García,” Adam’s usual poker face softened. “Good to see you.” 

Garcia grabbed Adam’s hand in both of his, then greeted Thomas like an old friend. When he spotted Irene, his eyes widened. 

“Adam!” His accent made the name sound musical. “You didn’t mention bringing such lovely company!” 

Irene felt her cheeks warm. She opened her mouth to explain their professional relationship when Adam spoke first. 

“She is lovely, isn’t she?” His voice stayed neutral, but his non–denial hung in the air between them. 

Irene’s heart did a weird little stutter. Since when did Adam dish out compliments? 

Thomas and García headed to the green, falling into easy conversation. Irene found a bench and settled in to watch, ready to enjoy a rare afternoon without chaos. 

“Sterling! Join us,” García called, waving his club overhead. 

“I’m fine watching, thanks,” she called back. 

García wasn’t having it. “Nonsense! Adam used to be fantastic at this Let him teach you.” He winked at Adam with all the subtlety of a neon sign. 

Irene was about to refuse again when she caught Adam watching her. Something in his eyes–a quiet invitation–made her pause. 

“Want to try?” he asked softly. 

Every logical excuse fled her mind, and she heard herself say, “Why not?” 

A club appeared in her hands minutes later, feeling as natural as a surgical tool would to a baker. 

“Lower your hands,” Adam instructed. “Bend your knees a bit.” 

Irene fumbled awkwardly, feeling like a fish on roller skates. Adam watched her with barely hidden amusement. 

“Like this?” she asked, knowing full well she looked ridiculous. 

“Getting there.” He moved closer. “Keep your eye on the ball, not where you want it to go.” 

When his hand closed over hers to fix her grip, her skin tingled like it had been asleep and was just waking up. These little reactions to his touch were happening more and more lately, and she wasn’t sure what to make of them. 

1/3 

Chapter 269 

He first saing sent the hall #bling pethetically to the left. 

laughed, unse to finish 

Better than my first fry, Adam said, his voice warmer than usual. Tty again. 

with each attempt, Adem moved rinser–adjusting her elbow, correcting her stance. After several embarrassing swings, something clicked. The ball soared up and landed right where it should. 

“No way,‘ the breathed, genuinely shocked. 

Everyone clapped and cheered. Garcia whittled like he was at a ball game. 

“Told you,” Adam said, his face showing a pride that seemed out of proportion for such a small win. “Natural talent.” 

During Garcia’s turn, Irene noticed something the others missed–a brief moment where his eyes unfocused, confusion crossing his fare before he blinked it away. The doctor in her made a mental note 

The afternoon flew by faster than frene expected. By the time shadows stretched long across the grass, she was laughing at García’s wild stories and occasionally hitting the ball without embarrassing herself. 

‘Dinners on me tonight,” Garcia announced as they headed back to the cars. “No arguments.” 

“Lead the way, Adam agreed, his eyes finding Irene’s with a silent question. 

She nodded, surprised to realize she wasn’t ready for the day to end. 

At the restaurant, García held court between bites, his hands painting pictures in the air with each story. 

“Adam!” He raised his wine glass high. “To our partnership!” 

Adam lifted his water glass instead. “I’ll stick with this.” 

García’s eyebrows shot up. “Since when do you turn down good wine? 

“Doctor’s orders,” Adam replied, glancing at Irene. “No alcohol during treatment.” 

García’s laugh boomed through the restaurant. “Adam Haven taking orders? Who’d have thought!” He slapped the table. “Or is it just this particular doctor you listen to?” 

Irene nearly spit out her water. 

“She’s my doctor,” Adam explained, unfazed by the teasing. “Her treatment works better without alcohol in my system.” 

García grinned like he’d just figured out a puzzle. “Dr. Sterling! Now see why Adam behaves.” He leaned forward with a wink. “Pretty and smart–no wonder he’s so…” 

He trailed off suggestively. Adam’s mouth twitched in what might have been a smile. Irene gulped her water, wishing it could cool her burning face. 

Mid–story, García suddenly stopped. “Adam, I wanted to ask…” His face clouded with confusion before he smoothly switched topics. Irene watched him closely, noting how he occasionally rubbed his temple throughout dinner. 

Night had fallen by the time they returned to the hotel. The elevator doors had barely closed when Natalie appeared in the hallway, her smile tight as a drum. 

2/3 

Chapter 200 

“You’re back,” she said, eyes darting between them. ‘Long day?” 

“Just business, Irene replied. 

Must have been fascinating to keep you out so late.” Natalie’s sweet one had a sour edge to it. She turned to Adam, voice softening instantly. “Are you still doing treatment tonight? I’d be happy to handle it–give Dr. Sterling a break.” 

Adam’s face hardened like concrete setting. “That won’t be necessary 

“Are you sure? Dr. Sterling must be tired after such a long day, and 

“I prefer Irene’s treatment,” Adam cut her off, voice cool but final. “You mentioned yourself that you’re not as familiar with the technique. I’m not experimenting with my recovery.” 

Natalie’s smile vanished. “Are you saying I’m not as qualified?“, 

“I’m saying Irene knows my case better,” Adam held her gaze without blinking. 

Color flooded Natalie’s face in blotchy patches. “Fine,” she snapped. Enjoy your treatment with Dr. Sterling, then.” 

She spun around and slammed her door so hard the sound echoed down the empty hallway. 

Irene winced, “She’s mad at you because of me.” 

Adam shook his head. “Not your problem.” 

Inside their suite, Irene dropped into a chair and looked at him directly. “Natalie’s your mother’s choice, isn’t she?” 

“Yes.” Adam’s mouth tightened. “Sorry about the drama.” 

“I’m worried,” Irene admitted. “She’ll run straight to your mother, and somehow I’ll end up the bad guy. Again.” 

Something changed in Adam’s face–his eyes softened, his jaw relaxed. “I’ll handle it. They won’t cause trouble for you.” 

As Irene set up her equipment, she realized how completely she trusted his word. When Adam said he’d handle something, she believed him. That certainty had snuck up on her–built from all the times he’d proven himself trustworthy when it mattered. 

“Ready?” she asked, looking up to find his eyes already on her. 

Adam watched her prepare for his treatment, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. The trust she placed in him was matched only by the trust he had in her hands. In these quiet moments, he allowed himself to hope–not just that his legs would heal, but that whatever was growing between them would have the chance to bloom fully when he could finally stand beside her, not just sit before her. 

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