Chapter 324
Streetlights blinked on one by one as Irene and Matthew pushed through the Medical Center’s glass doors into the evening air. Inside, the hallways still buzzed with whispers about the day’s showdown. Out here, the cool breeze felt like freedom.
Matthew stuffed his hands in his pockets, looking genuinely sorry. That whole mess in there? Totally my fault. With your track record, you should’ve walked straight into this job, no questions asked.”
“Please, Irene waved him off, still riding the high of her win. “Office drama comes with the territory.” She hitched her bag higher on her shoulder. “Jennifer’s good at what she does. Can’t really blame her for the attitude. I just need her to play nice now that I’m running things.”
A car horn honked in the distance. Matthew’s face caught the harsh glow of the parking lot lights, making his concern look almost comical. Irene bit back a smile. This wasn’t her first workplace rodeo. She’d clawed her way up before, survived the politics, the sidelong glances, the whispers. Been knocked down plenty. Got back up every time.
“At least let me buy you dinner, Matthew tried, his voice hopeful. “My way of making it up to you.”
Irene checked her watch and mentally ran through her evening to–do list. “Thanks, but I’ve got mountains of research waiting at home. She kept her smile gentle but left no room for argument. “First day as boss tomorrow–gotta come prepared. Rain check?”
“Sure, yeah,” he nodded, accepting her answer without pushing. “Next time.”
Irene pulled into her driveway and frowned at her darkened house. Weird. Brandon had called earlier, practically blowing out her eardrums celebrating her win, with the kids hollering in the background.
She jiggled her key in the lock, pushing open the front door.
“Hello?” She felt for the light switch in the dark.
“SURPRISE!”
The room exploded with light and noise. Streamers rained down, tangling in her hair and draping over her shoulders like the world’s most colorful spiderweb. Brandon sat there with a smoking party popper, looking way too pleased with himself, while the kids bounced around like they’d mainlined sugar.
“Seriously?” Irene picked a streamer from her hair, lips twitching.
“Mom’s the champion!” Lucas whooped, pumping both fists.
“You totally destroyed that mean lady!” Lily spun în dizzy circles.
Alex pashed up his glasses, practically glowing. “The science community doesn’t stand a chance against you!
Brandon yanked another popper’s string. “BOOM! That’s how Sterlings celebrate!”
Irene couldn’t hold back her laugh as she brushed paper off her clothes. She gathered a handful and dumped it squarely in Brandon’s lap.
“Very touching,” she said, trying to look stern and failing. “How old are you again? Twelve?”
Brandon grinned like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “Come on! Your big moment deserves big noise!”
And big messes deserve big cleanup crews,” she shot back. “Get to it. All of this gone before anyone eats.”
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Chapter 324
Brandon’s face crumpled dramatically. “But my leg-
“Seems to work fine when you fe jumping around with party supplies she cut him off, turning to the kids. “You three–help your
uncle.
“Mom! All three faces fell at once like synchronized dominoes.
“Clean or starve. Your call.” She bit her lip to keep from smiling at their theatrical groans.
From their safe distance on the sofa, Joseph and Wesley traded knowing looks, smartly keeping their mouths shut. Joseph’s eyes danced watching the kids reluctantly pick up streamers.
“Smart move staying put,” Irene murmured as she passed them.
“Been around long enough to know when to duck,” Joseph chuckled. Some storms you just watch from a distance.”
In the kitchen, Irene had barely tied her apron when her phone buzzed. Adam’s message glowed on the screen:
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