Chapter 321
Matthew slapped the ID card in Irene’s palm. Hot off the press. s eyes crinkled at the corners.
trene looped the lanyard around her neck without a glance at the photo. “That was quick. Thanks for speeding things up.
“I have my moments,” he replied with a half–smile. The team’s been eager to work with you.
Morning sun poured through the Medical Center’s windows as they walked inside. Irene took a deep breath, feeling a buzz of excitement she’d almost forgotten. After years of private practice and raising kids, diving back into research felt like coming home.
“Let’s do this,” she said, already moving forward. The badge against her chest brought back memories–late nights solving puzzles. breakthrough moments, the rush of pushing boundaries.
They walked through bright hallways as Matthew made introductions Staff perked up when they saw her, whispering as they passed.
“Irene changed how we approach nerve therapy,” Matthew told a wide–eyed researcher who couldn’t stand still. “We snatched her while no one was looking. Her methods are now standard in rehab centers.”
“Your paper was incredible!” The young woman clutched her tablet. quoted it in my dissertation! The way you found those nerve pathways was so smart!”
Irene’s smile warmed. “Hope your committee liked it. Things move fast in this field–looking forward to picking up where I left off.
As they turned a corner, Irene spotted a woman watching them–chin up, eyes cold as winter. Her gaze lingered on Matthew before sliding to Irene with clear disapproval. Warning bells rang in Irene’s head.
Matthew pushed the lab door open. “Everyone, meet Irene. She’ll be leading our nerve research going forward.*
“Hi,” Irene said, scanning the room of skeptical faces.
The mood chilled instantly. Instead of the hallway’s warmth, these researchers looked at her like she’d crashed their private party. They shifted closer together, a united front.
The woman from the hallway stepped forward, eyes darting between trene and Matthew. Everything about her screamed “back off.”
“Irene Sterling?” She said the name like she was tasting something sour. “Our new boss?”
Irene met her eyes directly, seeing the challenge for what it was.
“Your fame means nothing here,” the woman continued, sharp as a knife. “We’ve got plenty of big names.” She glanced at Matthew before locking eyes with Irene again. “When someone drops in like you did, we wonder what you’re really bringing besides
connections.
Irene raised an eyebrow. This wasn’t her first rodeo with jealousy.
“How far along is the research?” she asked, skipping the drama and focusing on work.
The woman’s smile showed teeth but no warmth. “That’s for people who need to know, and you don’t yet.” Her voice hardened. “Experience matters.here, not headlines. And let’s be clear–I won’t be taking orders from you.”
She spun and walked out, taking half the room, with her. Those left behind suddenly found the floor fascinating, unwilling to pick sides.
Irene watched them leave, mentally counting how many weeks this monsense would set them back.
1/3
Chapter 321
“Jennifer Roberts, Matthew sighed, running a hand through his hair Director’s daughter, Gets what she wants. He fidgeted with his pen. “She once thought we, but that was all in her head. This isn’t about your skills–it’s personal.*
Irene nodded. The pieces clicke into place.
The door barely closed behind Irene that evening before Joseph spoke up. “So? How’d it go?”
Irene flopped onto the couch, Cookie immediately jumping into her lap for pets. The cat purred, sensing she needed comfort. She gave everyone the quick version, ending with Jennifer’s dramatic exit
“Who does she think she is?” Brandon’s face turned red. “My sister’s brilliant. Let that princess earn her own way instead of riding daddy’s coattails! Want me to talk to her?”
Adam sat nearby, quiet but watching closely, a small crease forming between his eyebrows.
Alex pushed his glasses up. “New teams always push back against new leaders. He shrugged. “Mom just needs to show them what she can do, and they fall in line.”
“Yeah! Show ‘em who’s boss!” Lucas punched the air, nearly knocking over a lamp.
Lily took Irene’s hand. “You’ll win them over. Nobody stays cold to you for long.”
“If they keep giving you trouble, tell us,” Joseph said, his casual tone hiding concern. “That’s what family’s for.”
“Got it.” Irene squeezed Lily’s fingers, feeling warmer with every word of support.
James walked in with several chefs carrying steaming dishes. Irene blinked as a feast appeared on their table–definitely a surprise. The smell of good food filled the room, making everyone perk up.
Her eyes found Adam, who was directing where each dish should go, hot catching her questioning look.
“That should do it,” he said, nodding at the final plate–a chocolate dessert that had the kids bouncing.
“That’s way more than enough!” the triplets said together, eyes wide.
“Thanks!” Lucas grinned, eyeing what looked like duck. “No more hungry nights with you around!”
“Am I that bad?” Irene pressed a hand to her chest, pretending to be hurt. “Have I been starving you all?”
“No!” Lily grabbed her arm. “It’s just nice that he helps, so you don’t have to do everything yourself, especially now that you’re working.”
Though Adam stayed quiet, everyone but Brandon could see what this really was–support when she needed it most, without making a big deal about it.
“Eat up,” Brandon waved at the food, missing the point entirely. “His credit card won’t feel a thing!”
After dinner, Adam left first but made sure his staff handled cleanup, giving everyone a night off from dishes.
“We should keep him around,” Brandon patted his stomach. “Beats washing dishes any day.”
“Dream on,” Wesley muttered, giving his brother a fook.
Irene laughed, herding the kids upstairs for homework check.
2/3
Chapter 321
The clock had ticked well past dinner when Irene arrived at Adam’s place. He immediately put aside his work as she came in.
“Looking good,” she said, adjusting the equipment with practiced hands. Your nerves are responding better than expected. Been doing those exercises?”
Adam watched her work, his face softening. “Every day. How was round two with the ice queen?”
“Just office drama,” Irene shrugged, fingers never stopping. “Nothing new there.”
“If it’s not working out,” Adam said plainly, ‘start your own place. My money, your pick of researchers, whatever you need. One call is all it takes.”
Irene paused, both touched and amused by his fix–it approach–throw money at problems until they disappear.
“These things take time,” she smiled, resuming her work. “And you’ve got enough on your plate without my work problems.”
Adam’s eyes warmed. It’s an option. You deserve the best.”
“Thanks,” she meant it. “But I want to try handling this myself first. Professional pride.”
He nodded once, respecting her choice. “Offer’s open anytime.”
Session finished, Irene packed up and headed out. As the door closed behind her, Thomas rushed in, tension rolling off him.
“Boss,” he said, voice tight, “we’ve found Tommy Jackson’s family.”
