Chapter 272 

Morning sunlight crept through the hotel curtains as Irene drifted awake. She felt unusually warm and comfortable. Then it hit her 

Something was very wrong. 

She wasn’t on her side of the bed. Not even close. 

Her eyes flew open to find herself completely wrapped around Adam, her head tucked under his chin, legs tangled with his. Her heart raced as she realized what her sleeping self had done. 

She tried to inch away without disturbing him, only to look up and lock eyes with a very awake Adam. 

Irene froze. A quick glance at the empty space on the far side of the bed–where he’d been when she fell asleep–made everything horribly clear. She hadn’t just moved a little; she’d migrated entirely across the bed to latch onto him like he was some kind of human teddy bear. 

“I didn’t mean to,” she whispered, biting her lip. With her hair messy and defenses down, she looked nothing like the composed doctor she normally was. 

“I know,” Adam replied, his voice rough from sleep. 

Just as relief began to wash over her, he added, “You did it on purpose.” 

Heat flooded Irene’s face as she struggled to form words. “I didn’t–what?” 

“Dr. Sterling has quite the habit of taking advantage while sleeping, he continued, face serious despite the spark in his eyes. 

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. “You took all the advantages you could.” 

Irene’s ears burned hot. She ducked her head, nearly burying her face in the sheets. Oh god. What did I do? Adam can barely move on his own–he was completely at the mercy of whatever grabby, cuddly nonsense my sleeping self decided to inflict on him. 

Adam sat up, watching her panic with barely hidden amusement. “Thomas will be knocking any minute. Still planning to stay in bed?” 

The words had barely left his mouth before Irene shot out of bed like she’d touched a live wire. She vanished into the bathroom in a blur of embarrassment and flying blankets. 

Only when the door slammed did Adam finally let out a soft laugh. After hours of careful self–control while she unconsciously sought his warmth, the release felt incredible. His mood lifted instantly as he prepared to face the day. 

The awkwardness lingered through breakfast and packing, with Irene finding sudden interest in everything except making eye contact with Adam. By the time they reached the airport, she’d almost convinced herself to act normal. 

The departure lounge buzzed with activity as she sat beside Adam, still hyper–aware of his presence. A stranger approached, asking something in the local language. Irene’s body instantly went rigid, her breath catching. Though the man was simply asking for directions, her brain only registered danger. 

“Hey, Adam said quietly, noticing her reaction. “You good?” 

Irene exhaled slowly, realizing she’d overreacted. “Yeah. Just need some time.” 

Without comment, Adam shifted his wheelchair closer, creating a shield between her and the busy terminal. The simple gesture allowed her shoulders to relax. 

1/3 

As they waited for boarding, Adam’s gaze caught on a colorful toy store. “The kids would love that place.” 

Inside, Adam transformed. The serious businessman vanished, replaced by someone unexpectedly excited about stuffed animals and 

games. 

“That should do it,” Irene laughed as the pile grew. “What, are you trying to buy the whole store?” 

Adam held up two different action figures, comparing them with comical seriousness. “Not sure which one Alex would like better.” 

“Both, probably,” she said, watching him with growing amazement. When did he start caring so much about what my kids like? 

The flight home passed in comfortable quiet. Thomas settled several rows ahead, giving them privacy. Adam spent most of the trip on his tablet, occasionally sharing updates on García’s recovery. Irene dozed against the window, the events of the past days catching up with her. 

As the plane began its descent, Adam leaned over. “Thomas is following up on your kidnappers. Someone specifically targeted you.” 

His fingers tapped against his armrest–that small tell she’d come to recognize. Despite everything, Irene found herself touched by his concern, even if she’d never say it out loud. 

“We’ll find out who,” he added, voice low and determined. Something in his tone made her believe him. 

The familiar skyline of Silver City appeared through the window, and Irene felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Almost home. 

“Finally!” Brandon’s voice echoed through the house the moment their car pulled up. He practically yanked the door open before they reached it. “I thought you were never coming back!” 

The tension Irene had carried for days began to melt as she stepped inside. Even Brandon’s dramatics felt like comfort food for her soul. 

“You have no idea what I’ve been through,” he continued, trailing her like a puppy. “Katherine is a complete sadist! Where did you find her? She has the bedside manner of a hungry shark!” 

Irene set her bags down, a smile playing at her lips. Home. The familiar chaos, the lingering scent of the kids‘ snacks, even Brandon’s non–stop whining–all of it wrapped around her like a safety net. 

A thundering herd of footsteps announced the triplets as they charged down the stairs, nearly vibrating with excitement. 

“Mom! Uncle Adam!” they squealed in three–part harmony, crashing into Irene with enough force to almost knock her over 

Adam watched the reunion with genuine warmth in his eyes. “Brought you guys something.” 

Three pairs of eyes locked onto the bulging shopping bags beside his wheelchair like they contained buried treasure. 

“All that’s for us?” Lucas gasped, already circling Adam like a tiny shark. 

Lily didn’t waste a second before throwing her arms around Adam’s neck and planting a kiss on his cheek. Alex and Lucas dove into the bags with the focus of professional treasure hunters. 

Brandon hung back, his smile tightening. Of course. Buy their love with presents. Real original. 

Joseph entered with measured steps, taking in the scene with knowing eyes. His gaze flickered between Irene and Adam, noting how they unconsciously angled toward each other like plants seeking sunlight. 

“Trip went well, I take it?” he asked mildly. 

2/3 

Chapter 272 

Irene and Adam exchanged a loaded glance that spoke volumes. Joseph caught it but chose not to press 

for later considération. 

filing the observation away 

As the evening wound down an the kids finally crashed from their excitement, Irene found herself on the porch, breathing in the familiar scents of home. Adam joined her, his wheelchair making a soft hum on the wooden planks. 

“Feels good to be back,” she said, not looking at him. 

Adam nodded, his eyes on the darkening sky. “They missed you. All of them.” 

The simple statement carried more weight than it should. Irene found herself smiling despite the exhaustion tugging at her bones. 

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the events in M Country feeling both distant and too close. Eventually, Adam turned to leave. 

“About this morning he said, pausing at the doorway. “Sleep well tonight, Irene.” 

She caught the ghost of a smile as he disappeared inside, leaving her with burning cheeks and the distinct feeling that coming home had somehow changed everything.