Chapter 274 

Sunset glow filled the Haven mension dining room. Adam sat across from his parents, spinning his water glass while nobody spoke. 

Sophia cut into her steak, I still can’t believe you let Natalie fly home alone. Do you know how that makes me look?” 

Adam took a sip of water, face unreadable. “She chose to leave.” 

“After you completely froze her out!” Sophia’s fork clinked against her plate. “I set this up specifically to help you, and you couldn’t even pretend to be interested.” 

“I was clear from day one,” Adam replied, voice cool. “You keep pushing women at me, I keep saying no. Not sure why you’re surprised when it blows up.” 

Sophia’s smile tightened. “You could at least try. Natalie comes from an excellent family-” 

“Not interested, Adam cut her off. “Can we drop it?” 

Sophis eyes flashed as she reached for her phone. “Actually, there’s something else we need to discuss.” She slid the device across the table. /Care to explain this?” 

Adam glanced down, his poker face intact though something darkened in his eyes. The photos showed Irene sitting with Matthew, who leaned forward holding her wrist, their heads close in what looked like an intimate moment. 

“Your precious doctor,” Sophia continued, not bothering to hide her satisfaction. “Flaunting around town with Matthew Hayes while supposedly treating you. One minute she’s glued to your side, the next she’s cozying up to another man.” 

Adam’s finger tapped against the table–a small tell that betrayed his inner turmoil. “A single photo doesn’t mean anything,” he said, voice controlled despite the twist of jealousy in his gut. 

“Innocent?” Sophia scoffed. “Look at them! In public, not even trying to hide it!” 

Marcus placed his hand over his wife’s. “That’s enough.” 

She pulled back, frustration etched across her face. “Fine. But don’t come crying when that woman breaks your heart.” 

Adam said nothing, but the images had lodged in his mind like splinters. 

Back at Adam’s place that evening, Irene set up the treatment equipment while he watched from his wheelchair, those photos still playing in his mind. 

“All set, Irene said, glancing up to find him staring. “Something wrong? You’ve been super quiet since I got here.” 

“Just work stuff,” Adam replied. 

Irene raised an eyebrow. “Must be some work that has you looking ready to murder someone.” 

A ghost of a smile touched his lips, then vanished. He watched her prepare the electrodes, her movements quick and confident. 

After the silence stretched too long, Adam spoke. “How was the hospital today?” 

“Crazy busy,” Irene replied, adjusting a sensor. “Little Bell’s doing great, though. Might send her home soon.” 

Adam nodded, eyes following her hands. “Where’d you grab lunch?” 

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Chapter 274 

Irene looked up, surprised by the casual question. “Actually, Mattheydtagged 

Adam’s eyes sharpened. “Matthew Hayes?:: 

“Yeah,” she said, not noticing his sudden interest. “We were looking 

to Silver Garden. He wanted my input on a case. 

some scans when he noticed these. She flicked her wrist, 

showing the fading bruises. “Completely lost it. Gave me this big lecture about taking care of my hands.” 

Adam’s shoulders relaxed, his face softening as everything made sense. 

‘Still hurt?” he asked, his voice gentler now. 

“Don’t even feel it,” Irene shrugged. “I can take care of myself, you know.” 

“Let me see,” Adam said suddenly. 

Irene hesitated, then held out her arm. Adam took her wrist gently, his warm fingers carefully checking the marks. 

“This hurt?” His thumb lightly touched the bruised skin, his eyes 

full of worry. 

“No,” Irene answered, suddenly aware of how close they were, how his hand felt against hers. Her heart kicked unexpectedly, sending warmth up her neck. 

When she tried to pull back, Adam’s fingers stayed loosely wrapped around her wrist. Their eyes met, something electric passing between them–a moment heavy with unspoken possibilities. 

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