Chapter 299 

Irene hadn’t set foot in the hospital for days. Not since Matthew’s confession had turned their comfortable friendship into something awkward and complicated. Every time his name lit up her phone screen, her finger would hover over the answer button before ultimately hitting decline. 

It wasn’t just the awkwardness of facing him. The real problem was what happened after that dinner–how she’d walked into her home, seen Adam sitting there playing chess with Joseph, and felt everything tlick into place. Not Matthew’s heartfelt words but memories of that starlit night on the island kept replaying in her mind. 

The afternoon sun filled her kitchen as Irene measured healing mixtures into small containers. The familiar routine of preparing these treatments gave her mind something to focus on besides her complicated feelings. Her supplies had run low during her self- imposed exile at home, and now seemed like the perfect time to stock up. 

The gentle knock at the door didn’t surprise her. Without–looking up she knew exactly who it was. This sixth sense between them still caught her off hard sometimes. 

“Come in,” she called, not breaking her concentration. 

Adam wheeled himself into the living room, his eyes finding her surrounded by bottles and containers. 

“Mixing up your secret potions?” he asked, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. 

Irene nodded, momentarily distracted by how natural his presence felt in her home these days. She held up a bottle of amber liquid. “Does this look right to you? I’m second–guessing myself today.” 

Adam studied the liquid, noting its color and clarity. “A bit stronger than the last batch,” he observed, “but it looks more even.” 

As he handed it back, their fingers touched briefly. They both paused a spark passing between them that had nothing to do with medicine. Irene quickly pulled her hand away, suddenly busy with adjusting the bottle’s cap. 

“Why make these yourself?” Adam asked, setting the bottle down. “Haven’s medical team could supply the standard stuff.” 

Irene looked up to find warmth in his eyes that made her cheeks flush pink. 

“The standard stuff isn’t good enough,” she explained, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Everyone’s condition is different and needs personal adjustments.” She paused, organizing her supplies. “Plus, when it’s for family, I’d rather handle it myself.” 

Adam’s expression softened. “You never cut corners.” 

That simple compliment changed the air between them, making the room feel smaller somehow.. 

“Joseph says his pain’s better since your last treatment,” Adam continued, watching her careful movements. “Wesley too.” 

Irene nodded, grateful for the shift to safer territory. “Their conditions look similar but they’re totally different under the surface. Joseph needs stuff for swelling, while Wesley needs help with healing.” 

Adam listened, genuinely interested in her explanation. Thomas had reported that Matthew had been showing up at the children’s center way too often–clearly hoping to “accidentally run into Irene. The fact she was avoiding the hospital confirmed what he’d begun to hope: whatever Matthew had said that night had pushed her away, not drawn her closer. 

He found himself fascinated by her focus, the careful way her hands worked, the slight crease between her brows as she concentrated. Everything Irene did carried this same honest care–for her patients, her family, and somehow, for him too. 

The clatter of dishes being cleared from dinner faded as Adam and Joseph settled at the small table in the backyard for their regular 

1/3 

Chapter 299 

chess match. Irene brought oift treatment bottles and tea, setting them carefully beside the board. 

In the distance, the triplets chased each other across the lawn, their aughter floating through the evening air. 

Joseph rubbed some of the solution on his wrist, nodding appreciately. “Just right. Should work like a charm.” He then moved his knight, creating a sticky situation for Adam’s queen. 

Irene sat quietly beside them, watching the game while occasionally glancing toward her children playing across the yard. 

Adam studied the board, his fingers tapping lightly as he thought about his next move. Finally, he shifted his bishop, smoothly escaping the trap Joseph had set. 

“You sneaky fox!” Joseph exclaimed, his confident smile fading. He hadn’t expected Adam to find a way out. 

Adam’s lips curved slightly. “Just lucky.” 

As the game went on Adam’s clever moves gradually backed Joseph into a corner. The older man frowned as he searched for openings, but things looked increasingly grim for him. 

Irene had been quietly watching the whole time. Suddenly, she leaned forward. “Wait. There’s still a way out.” 

Both men turned to her with surprise. 

“Really?” Joseph asked, hope crossing his face. 

Irene pointed to Joseph’s remaining knight. “If you move here,” she traced the L–shaped path with her finger, “you can threaten his rook while protecting yourself.” 

Joseph’s eyes widened as he spotted the move—a subtle defensive play that could turn into an advantage. He followed her suggestion, moving the piece. Instantly, the pressure on his position eased. 

Adam refocused on the board, his expression growing serious. The game had suddenly flipped. 

“That’s my girl!” Joseph clapped his hands together. “Always seeing what others miss.” 

Irene smiled modestly. “Just happened to notice it.” 

With Irene’s insight guiding him, Joseph found his footing again. The game heated up, each move requiring deeper thinking, Adam found himself playing at full strength, but his advantage had vanished. 

After several more moves, Adam found himself trapped. No matter which way he turned, defeat seemed certain. The balance had completely reversed. 

“I give up,” he finally said, leaning back with a genuine smile. “You got me.” 

Joseph laughed heartily. “The Sterling family united can’t be beaten! 

Adam’s eyes found Irene’s, filled with clear admiration. “I had no idea you knew chess so well.” 

“Just got lucky,” she said, shaking her head. “If we started fresh, I wouldn’t stand a chance against you. 

Before Adam could respond, the triplets raced over, surrounding the table with boundless energy. 

“Who won?” Lucas demanded, practically bouncing. 

2/3 

Chapter 299 

“Did you beat Uncle Adam, Mom?” he asked eagerly. 

Irene smiled. Grandpa won. I first helped a little.” 

Alex studied the board intently, pushing his glasses up. “Smart move 

Lily suddenly perked up, remembering something important. “Oh! Mn, we were looking at the calendar. Your birthday’s coming up 

soon!” 

All three children immediately launched into excited chatter about ft ideas and celebration plans. Adam straightened almost imperceptibly, his attention sharpening at this news. 

Joseph, ever watchful, caught Adam’s reaction. “Young man,” he said quietly, “you seem distracted lately. Planning something big?” His gaze drifted meaningfully toward the calendar visible through the kitchen window. 

Adam just smiled mysteriously, but determination flashed clearly in his eyes. 

Irene looked between them, confusion crossing her face. “What plan? 

The triplets exchanged knowing glances with Joseph, their smiles turning secretive. Whatever they knew, they weren’t telling–at least not to her. 

Adam simply sipped his tea, his eyes briefly falling to the calendar date circled in red in his mind. A quiet determination settled over him as he glanced down at his legs. Some victories were worth far more than a simple chess game, and he had several days to prepare for what really mattered. 

Chapter Comments