ghed hen phone,
perfectly manicured nails.
all, dear, Sophia Flaven’s voice poured through like honey. “How are things progressing?”
Natalie et vulnerability creep into her voice. Tve failed you, Mrs. Haven. Dr. Sterling has everything under control. There’s simply no place for me here.” She paused for effect. Perhaps when we return, I should step aside.”
Nonsense, child, Sophia soothed. “You’ve done nothing wrong. These things take time. I’ll have a word with my son.”
Natalie murmured agreement, listening to more reassurances before hanging up.
She flopped onto the bed, dropping the wounded act. Seed planted. Now to watch it grow.
Just as the kids were showing off their latest drawings, Adam’s phone buzzed. His expression darkened as he glanced at the screen.
“Taking this outside,” he told trene, passing back the tablet.
The balcony door shut behind him. “Mother”
“What is wrong with you?” Sophia’s voice sliced through pleasantries, “I sent Natalie to help, and you’re freezing her out. Do you have any idea how that makes me look?
She barreled on without pause. Dragging that poor girl across the world to sit around twiddling her thumbs! It’s embarrassing!”
Adam’s jaw locked. Whatever Natalie told you, the reality is I want her gone. These women you keep throwing at me? Pointless.” His voice hardened. ‘I’m not interested. I wont marry them. End of discussion.”
I’m not playing here,” he continued, knuckles white around the phone. “You push, I pull away. Try understanding that.”
Sophia sighed like she was dealing with a particularly slow child. I enly want someone who can properly support you.”
‘Haven Enterprise isn’t successful enough?” His voice turned sharp. Our position in Silver City isn’t secure enough? What more do you need?”
He paused, watching lights blink on and off across the skyline. “I don’t need surface–level improvements. I already have the best doctor, and perhaps…” The words came carefully. More will develop there.”
The silence stretched before Sophia’s voice rose sharply. ‘Adam Haves! That woman with three children? Have you lost your mind?”
“My life. My choice. His voice dropped to ice. “Your thinking is outdated, Mother.”
fle ended the call, knowing full well this battle was just beginning. The gulf between them stretched wider every day, and neither was built for surrender.
He sat quietly, letting the night air cool his temper before returning inside.
A few minutes later, Adam wheeled back into the room looking like a storm cloud. One glance at his tight jaw told frene exactly how the call had gote,
“Your mother?” she asked, already knowing.
He nodded once, finger tap–tap–tapping against his armrest–the tiny tell she’d come to recognize.
1/2
Chapter 262
“Let me help you back,” she offered, moving behind his chair.
She pushed him toward the door, comfortable in their shared silence despite the lingering electricity from his call. Just as they reached the threshold, Adam caught her wrist, his touch light but unmistakable.
Irene froze. They locked eyes, and something shifted between them something neither was ready to name but couldn’t ignore. The air felt suddenly thin.
Seconds stretched before Adam released her, his voice dropping. “Thank you.”
Heat rushed to her face. “Don’t skip your bath, It’ll help you relax.”
He nodded, eyes still holding hers, seeing far too much.
“Goodnight, she managed, shutting the door a beat too quickly.
Irene leaned against it, feeling her pulse race in her wrist right where his fingers had been. She closed her eyes, savoring the lingering warmth of his touch, For a brief moment, she let herself imagine what it might be like if he reached for her hand again… and what she might do if he didn’t let go next time.
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