Chapter 335 

The Samantha Wright scandal t Silver City’s financial district like wrecking ball. Wright Pharmaceuticals‘ stock nosedived, dragging down every connected business with it. 

Victor paced his study, sweat beading on his forehead as he stared a the monitor showing Wright’s stock chart bottom in sight. His own accounts flashed alarming red numbers. 

“Goddamn Wright family!” He knocked a paperweight to the floor. Can’t weather one little scandal!” 

His phone buzzed constantly. He answered with trembling hands. 

“I need cash yesterday,” he barked. “Get both Silver City properties appraised now. The lake house too.” 

Before he could set the phone down, it rang again. The caller ID made his stomach clench. 

“Yes, I know the deadline!” he snapped. “I said I’ll handle it!” 

a cliff dive with no 

He swept everything off his desk in a rage, then found himself staring at the family portrait where Adam dominated from his 

wheelchair – every inch the leader Victor had never been. 

“All because of you,” he muttered. “And that woman.” 

His eyes landed on Irene’s photo on a medical journal, her smile mocking him. Without her, Adam’s legs would still be useless. 

Haven Enterprise would be sliding into his hands. 

“Those hands of hers…” he murmured, a thought crystallizing. “What if they weren’t so steady anymore?” 

He dialed a number he rarely used. “It’s me. I need something handled. A doctor problem…” 

Meanwhile, Thomas dropped a folder onto Adam’s desk. 

“Your uncle’s mortgaged Silver Heights,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “The agent called it ‘financial hemorrhaging.” 

Adam tapped his armrest. “And the offshore accounts?” 

“All here.” Thomas patted the file. “Bank transfers, fake investments, everything. He’s drowning at both ends.” 

Adam flipped through the pages, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. “Draft the papers to take back the overseas operations. We’ll present them next week.” He closed the file with a decisive snap. “Time to end his little empire.” 

The afternoon sun slanted through lab windows as Irene shivered suddenly while analyzing results, like someone had walked over 

her grave. 

“You okay?” Matthew appeared at her elbow, frowning. 

“Just cold,” she said, rubbing her arms. “This place is like a meat locker sometimes.” 

“Hold on.” Matthew jogged to the thermostat, returning moments later with a steaming mug. “Tea. You look w 

“My hero. She smiled, wrapping her fingers around the warmth. The strange uneasiness lingered, but she pushed it away. Just work stress. Nothing more. 

Across the room, Jennifer pretended to study a slide sample, her hawk–like gaze tracking every interaction, every small smile exchanged between the two. 

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Chapter 335 

Hours melted away until Iren glanced up at the clock–7:12 PM. 

“Crap!” She scrambled to gather her things. “The kids are going to think I’ve been kidnapped.* 

Her phone lit up with Adam’s name just as she was shoving papers into her bag. 

*Still chained to your desk?” His voice carried a warmth he reserved only for her. 

“Breaking free as we speak,” she said, tucking the phone between ear and shoulder. 

“Stay put. I’m ten minutes out.” 

“Adam, I can drive-” The line went dead. Irene stared at her phone, ps quirking upward despite herself. 

Outside, the evening air had cooled as Irene and Matthew walked toward the exit, a strange tension stretching between them. 

“So,” Matthew finally broke the silence, playing with his keys. “People are talking. About you and Adam. 

“People talk about everything,” Irene,kept her tone casual, but her grip tightened on her bag strap. A wave of heat crept up her neck that had nothing to do with the weather. 

She adjusted her scarf, using those precious seconds to compose herself. When she looked up, her face was neutral, but she couldn’t quite meet his eyes. 

Matthew visibly brightened, entirely missing her tells. “Great! I mean–not great that people gossip, but-” He took a breath. “Maybe I could drive you sometime? Seems silly for Adam to struggle with that wheelchair just to play chauffeur.” 

Irene tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve got my car. Today’s just… the kids and all that.” She glanced at her watch. “Thanks, though.” 

His hopes crashed like a kite without wind. His mouth opened, closed, opened again–finding no words. 

A black car pulled up to the curb, cutting off whatever he might have said. The driver stepped out, and then there was Adam, commandeering attention without even trying. 

“Hayes,” Adam nodded toward Matthew. “Thanks for keeping the doctor company.” His eyes flicked to Irene, softening instantly. “Need a ride home?” 

Matthew straightened, tugging at his collar. “Got my car, thanks.” He turned to Irene with puppy–dog eyes. “Tomorrow then?” 

“See you at the morning meeting,” she confirmed. 

The air crackled with unspoken male rivalry as Irene slipped into the car beside Adam. His wheelchair folded efficiently into the 

trunk. 

“Jesus,” she muttered once the door closed. “I half expected you two to start marking territory.” 

Adam’s mouth twitched. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

Traffic thinned as they left downtown behind. Adam broke the comfortable silence first.* 

“How’s the brain factory treating you?” 

Irene turned from the window, shoulders sagging slightly. “Less blood, more headaches. Sometimes I think my eyeballs might actually fall out from staring at charts all day.” 

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Chapter 335. 

“You could scale back.” 

“Says the man who works eighteen hom days. She rolled her eyes, & Country, 1 practirely find it the home with babysitters and friend… Iter voice softened. First stop fint 

Adam watched her profile, her face shifting in the passing lights. Vi gave them evrvive. Sudeda now they have you, plus a whole support team. Including me? He hated. They’re good Vids. I don’t mind 

“Good kids?” Irene laughed, the sound brightening the cars interior They think you bang the mne tices we if you coté degr all of us.” 

Adam’s eyebrows shot up. 

“Kidding!” She nudged his shoulder. “Mostly.” 

The car rolled to a stop at her house. Despite her protests, Adam insted on seeing her to the door. The porch light cast a ware glow over them, moths dancing in lazy circles above, 

Irene turned, suddenly hyperaware of their proximity. This man had stepped into her chaotic life and created: was nohe. For her, for the kids, for all of them. 

“You’re something else, Adam,” she said, voice barely above a whisper “Whoever marries you is going to hit the payt 

Adam’s entire demeanor shifted, his eyes intensifying. I’m not looking to- 

“God, ignore me!” Irene’s cheeks flamed. “Just babbling! I mean, who wouldn’t want you, right? Brains, looks, that whole bi thing you’ve got going on…” 

She was talking too fast, gesturing too much. Adam sat perfectly still, watching her with unreadable eyes. 

“Anyway!” She fumbled for her keys. “Goodnight!” 

“Irene.” Her name on his lips stopped her cold. “Goodnight.” 

She slipped inside, closing the door with a soft click. Through the frosted glass, she watched his silhouette remain motionless for several long beats. 

On the other side, Adam stared at the closed door, something fundamental rearranging itself in his mind. For a man who calculated twelve moves ahead in business, he’d somehow missed what was right in front of him. Until now. 

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