Chapter 303
Irene swung the door open and her face lit up instantly.
*Ethan!”
The lanky teenager stood on her doorstep, shifting his weight nervously, a small gift bag dangling from his fingers.
“Get in here,” she said, already pulling him into a quick hug.
Ethan stepped inside, his growth spurt obvious as he now almost mached her height. “Happy birthday,” he said, thrusting the bag forward like it might disappear if he held it too long. “Nothing fancy just… you know. When I finish school and get a real job, I’ll do better.”
Irene’s chest tightened as she peeked inside. A small crystal bear caught the light, sending tiny rainbows dancing across her palm. Not expensive by any means, but she knew exactly what it represented–weeks of saved allowance, deliberate choices, teenage sacrifices.
“Are you kidding? It’s perfect.” She met his eyes. “Having you here is what matters.”
Before Ethan could respond, the triplets materialized around them, their radar for interesting developments never failing.
“Little Uncle!” Lucas practically tackled the teenager. “You made it!
“Perfect timing!” Lily bounced like she had springs in her shoes. “We’re cutting cake!”
Alex pushed his glasses up, giving Ethan a once–over. “You grew.”
Ethan laughed, visibly relaxing as the kids surrounded him, pulling him deeper into the house.
“Everyone, this is Ethan,” Irene said as they entered the living room. Ethan, my brothers.”
Brandon spun his wheelchair around. “The famous little brother! Welcome to the circus, kid.”
Joseph approached with extended hand. “Joseph Sterling. Heard plenty about you.”
“Sir.” Ethan’s handshake firm, back straight.
Adam watched from near the window, catching the way Irene softened completely around this boy–a connection that clearly went beyond blood or obligation.
“Cake’s waiting!” Brandon announced, already wheeling toward the dining table where candles flickered on a strawberry masterpiece.
After an embarrassingly enthusiastic birthday song that left Irene rolling her eyes, she picked up the knife and cut the first slice. Her gaze found Ethan.
This one’s yours,” she said, sliding him the biggest piece.
Ethan blinked. “But it’s your—”
“Take it,” she insisted with a smile that carried more meaning than the gesture itself.
Behind her casual expression, memories flooded back–midnight birthdays on cold back steps, stolen cookies with sprinkles, whispered celebrations while they huddled together, terrified of waking his parents. Those tiny rebellions had been everything during her darkest years.
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Chapter 303
Adam caught the knowing look on Joseph’s face. Tiene values emotion I bonds more than anything, the old man had once told him. Seeing this interaction, Adum hiderstood exactly what he meant.
Ethan took a bite, eyes widenin “Damn, that’s good.”
Right?” Lucas grinned. “Mom never lets us get the fancy stuff usual
The conversation flowed easily as cake made its rounds. Ethan loosened up, the initial awkwardness melting away as he was pulled into the family’s orbit. Soon he was on the floor with the triplets, exmining Brandon’s gift a model spaceship with working lights.
“No, you gotta make the noise when it flies,” Lucas was insisting, demonstrating with sound effects that made everyone laugh.
The doorbell’s ring sliced through their laughter.
“Popular lady today, Brandon remarked, licking frosting off his fork.
The security intercom buzzed. Irene hit the button, expecting maybe a delivery. “Yes?”
“Ms. Sterling, there’s a couple insisting they need to see you,” the guard’s voice crackled. “Let them in?”
Irene glanced at Joseph, who shrugged. She hesitated, finger hovering over the button.
“Sure, she finally answered, mentally preparing for another Sterling relative crashing her day.
But the faces that appeared were the last ones she expected.
Ethan must have recognized his parents‘ footsteps because his head snapped up from the model, his whole body tensing.
The front door banged open without a knock. Jenny stood there first, scanning the room until her eyes locked on her son.
“So this is where you disappeared to,” she hissed, jaw tight. Her gaze swiveled to Irene, hardening into something ugly. “What game are you playing, turning my son against his own family?”
Ethan stood slowly, shoulders rigid. “Mom. Dad. Why are you here?”
Mike stepped forward, face flushed. “What are WE doing here? What are YOU doing celebrating with HER?”
Jenny’s eyes caught the birthday decorations, her expression twisting “Birthday party? How convenient. Today is Anna’s birthday too -or did you forget that while you were busy playing big sister?”
The room temperature dropped in an instant. Katherine straightened eyes flashing. Brandon’s knuckles whitened against his
armrests.
“Watch yourself in my granddaughter’s home,” Joseph said quietly, every word carrying weight.
Jenny either didn’t hear or didn’t care. “The nerve,” she continued, jabbing a finger toward Irene. “Living it up while Anna sits in prison! Her birthday too, and here you are, stealing even more from her.”
“That’s enough,* Adam’s voice cut through, not loud but impossible to ignore.
Jenny faltered briefly before rallying. “This doesn’t involve you.” Her attention swung back to Ethan. “We’re leaving. Now. Your REAL sister needs support today.”
“Don’t talk to her like that!” Katherine stepped forward, fury radiating off her. “You backstabbing-”
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Chapter 303
“Who even are you?” Mike dismissed her with a wave. “Mind your business.”
The dismissal lit the fuse. Brandon hurled his water glass against the wall, the crash making everyone jump.
“Nobody speaks to our family that way,” he growled.
Ethan stood frozen, his young face a battlefield of emotions. “STOP he suddenly shouted, his voice cracking. “Just STOP!”
The outburst stunned the room–the usually quiet boy suddenly allow edges.
“Fine. I’m going,” he managed, jaw clenched so tight it looked painful. “Is that what you want? Then I’m out.”
He headed for the door, pausing just long enough to glance back at ene, his expression gutted. “Sorry,” he whispered. “Didn’t mean to wreck everything.”
Before anyone could move, he bolted.
“Ethan, wait-” Irene called, starting after him.
Adam caught Thomas’s eye, and his assistant slipped out without a word needed.
Jenny’s face twisted with righteous anger. “See what you’ve caused? If anything happens to my son—*
“I’ve never seen parents treat their own child like this,” Irene said, her voice deliberately controlled despite the emotion behind it. “Coming here to humiliate him in front of everyone.”
Jenny recoiled. “How dare you-”
“No, how dare YOU,” Irene cut in, something dangerous flashing behind her eyes. “Standing in my home on my birthday, bringing nothing but ugliness. Ethan came with kindness, you came to make a scene.”
The room went utterly still. Even the triplets froze, recognizing this rare glimpse of their mother’s steel core.
“If anything happens to him,” Irene continued, each word measured and calm, “anything at all–you’ll answer to me first.”
It wasn’t a threat. It was a certainty.
