Chapter 357 

Matthew trudged into Hayes Esate after dinner at Irene’s, dead tired from the day’s drama. His mind was still buzzing with everything that had happened when he spotted Dr. Roberts and Jennifer lurking in the entrance hall. Edward sat nearby, watching quietly. 

“Matthew,” Edward called, waving him over. “Come join us for a minute. 

Matthew’s jaw tightened, but he dragged himself over, dropping into the chair with zero enthusiasm. 

“Let’s cut to the chase,” Roberts said, leaning forward. “I want you to come back. Jennifer’s ready to apologize to Irene, and we’d welcome her back too.” 

Matthew snorted. “Seriously? You think a quick ‘sorry‘ fixes this mess?” 

He shook his head in disbelief. “You have no clue who Irene is, do you? She’s turned down top institutes all over the world. The only reason she came to your center was because I asked her to.” His voice hardened. “And look how that turned out.” 

“Come on, Matthew,” Roberts tried again. “For old times‘ sake? Your grandfather and I go way back- 

“Friendship with my grandfather doesn’t give you a free pass,” Matthew cut in, already standing up. “It’s over.” 

He headed for the stairs without another word. 

“Matt, wait!” Jennifer chased after him, grabbing his arm. Her eyes were shiny with tears as she blurted out, “I like you! Have for ages. I just… I didn’t want you always hanging around her.” 

Matthew stared at her, momentarily stunned before yanking his arm free. 

“So liking me makes it okay to trash someone else’s work?” he said quietly. “I don’t like you, Jennifer. Not even a little bit. Just stay away from me.” 

Jennifer crumpled onto the stairs as if she’d been slapped. Matthew didn’t bother looking back. 

Back at Irene’s house, the afternoon sun poured through the windows as she sat curled up in her favorite chair, staring at nothing in particular. The garden outside was changing colors, just like her life lately. 

Three little heads peeked around the doorway before the kids tiptoed in with exaggerated stealth. 

“She’s doing the thinking thing again,” Lucas whisper–shouted. 

“Time for Plan Happy Mom,” Alex said, pushing up his glasses like a mini–professor. 

Lily didn’t bother with the sneaking and just climbed straight into Irene’s lap. “Are you sad ‘cause you quit your job?” 

Irene snapped back to reality and hugged Lily close. “Just daydreaming, honey.” 

The boys piled onto the chair too, creating a happy tangle of arms and legs. 

“Since you’re home more,” Lucas started. 

“We should do something super fun this weekend!” Alex jumped in. 

Lily bounced on Irene’s lap. “Like a picnic! With sandwiches!” 

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Chapter 357 

Brandon rolled in, catching the last bit. “Now that’s what I call smar thinking! Weather’s perfect right now. Not roasting hot, not freezing cold.” 

The front door clicked open and Adam walked in, dropping some work stuff on the table. The kids immediately switched targets. 

Uncle Adam!” Luca’s yelled. “Don’t we need a family picnic this weekend?” 

Adam crossed over and gave Irene’s shoulder a squeeze that somehow said more than words could. “Absolutely. I’ll get Thomas to pack us something good.” 

“Score!” The kids high–fived like they’d just pulled off a bank heist. 

Irene looked up at Adam, covering his hand with hers. Something about the kids‘ excitement was contagious, pushing away the clouds that had been hanging around. 

“Picnic it is, then,” she said, already feeling better. 

Saturday morning turned the park into a postcard scene. Yellow ginkgo leaves floated down with each breeze, making the place feel caught between seasons. 

“Right here!” Lily shouted, pointing at a patch of grass under a tree. 

While the kids ran ahead, Thomas and Wesley spread blankets and unpacked food. Joseph eased into his chair, watching Adam and Irene set out lunch together. 

“You two are in sync,” Joseph commented, eyes twinkling. 

Adam caught Irene’s gaze. “Guess we are.” 

They moved around each other without thinking–opening containers, arranging everything with natural coordination. 

Wesley sat sketching quietly, a small smile on his face. 

“What’s so funny?” Brandon asked. “Sitting here drawing when you could be having fun!” 

Without looking up, Wesley kept working. “This is when inspiration hits. Skipping this would be the waste.” 

The kids came running back, pointing skyward. 

“Kites!” Alex yelled, glasses crooked from running. 

Colorful kites dotted the blue sky above the field. 

Lucas tugged at Adam’s sleeve. “Can we try?” 

Thomas soon returned with three kites, but the kids‘ excitement quickly turned to frustration as their attempts failed. 

“This is harder than it looks,” Alex muttered, staring at his grounded kite. 

“Are we doing it wrong?” Lily asked. 

2 

“I watched a video on this,” Adam said. “It’s about the running start and how you pull the string.” 

After more failed attempts, Irene grabbed Lily’s kite. “Let me try.” 

2/4 

Chapter 357 

Her attempt didn’t fare better, Adam rolled closer and took her hand his fingers wrapping around hers on the string 

“Like this,” he guided, their hands moving together. “Feel the wind.” 

With Adam’s help, the kite suddenly caught air and soared upward. 

“You got it!” Lily cheered. 

Soon all three kites danced in the sky as the kids ran across the field Adam’s fingers laced through Irene’s as they watched. 

“Pretty special kids,” he said softly. 

“They are,” she agreed, not pulling away. 

“Food’s ready!” Thomas called, and everyone headed back to the blanket. 

As they settled around the spread, Wesley tore a page from his sketchbook. “All done.” 

Everyone crowded in for a look. The drawing caught everything perfectly–the trees, scattered leaves, and the kids with their kites flying high. Tucked in the corner, easy to miss if you weren’t looking, was Adam and Irene with their hands joined over the kite string. 

“Not bad at all,” Joseph said with a nod. “You really nailed it.” 

Brandon pushed closer and instantly frowned. “Hold up–where am I? Everyone’s here except me!” 

Wesley didn’t even look bothered. “Oh. Forgot.” 

“Forgot? Your actual brother?” Brandon looked personally offended. “You better fix that this afternoon!” 

While they went back and forth, Adam quietly asked, “Mind if I keep this?” His eyes were fixed on that little corner scene. 

Wesley handed it over with a smile. 

Adam took the drawing carefully, his eyes finding Irene’s across the blanket. Something passed between them without a single word needed. 

The wind picked up, sending more golden leaves dancing around them. Sitting there with everyone, watching the kids laugh and Adam carefully tucking the drawing away, Irene felt herself truly relax for the first time in days. Whatever came next, they’d face it together. 

After everyone finished eating, they lingered in the park enjoying the afternoon. The kids had gone back to playing with their kites when Irene’s phone suddenly rang. 

She handed her teacup to Brandon and dug through her bag for her phone. 

Unknown number? 

Irene stared at the screen for a couple of seconds before answering, “Hello? Who’s this?”