Before she could continue, Joseph’s voice boomed from the living room. “Adam! Get in here for chess! Let me crush you fair and square!” 

Adam rolled his eyes, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “Duty calls Rain check on this conversation?” 

He gave her hand a quick squeeze before heading toward Joseph’s challenge, throwing a wink over her shoulder that made her heart skip. 

Irene finished the dishes and brought tea to the living room, settling into the comfortable chaos of her home. The sight of Adam and Joseph hunched over the chessboard, the kids sprawled on the carpet, and Brandon scrolling through his phone filled her with a contentment she hadn’t felt in years. 

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Seeing Matthew’s name on the screen, she stepped out to the garden for privacy. 

“Hello?” she answered, the cool evening air prickling against her skin 

“Irene Matthew’s voice sounded casual, though she could detect the underlying tension. “I’ve got some good news. I’m setting up my own research institute and wanted to know if you’d be interested in coming on board as my partner?” 

Irene took a deep breath, looking back toward the warm glow of her home. “That’s great news, Matthew. Congratulations. 

She paused, choosing her words carefully. “I’m sorry, but you’ll need to find someone else.” 

“Why?” The disappointment in his voice was impossible to miss. 

“I’ve already accepted another position,” she said gently but firmly. 

Adam had offered her something perfect, and in her heart, she’d already accepted. Matthew was a good person, but she didn’t want 

to give him false hope. She knew from experience that prolonging the inevitable only made things messier. 

“Already?” Matthew sounded surprised. “Which institute managed to snap you up so quickly?” 

Irene hesitated before answering truthfully. “Haven’s institute. I’ve decided to accept Adam’s offer.” 

The phone went silent for a beat too long before Matthew managed a quiet “I see. Well, congratulations.” 

When Irene returned to the living room, Adam had just checkmated Joseph, who was grumbling good–naturedly about “beginner’s luck.” Adam looked up immediately, his eyes finding hers across the room. 

“Everything okay?” he asked, noting the slight tension around her eyes. 

Irene sat beside him on the couch. “That was Matthew. He’s starting his own research institute and wanted me to join him.” 

Adam’s expression remained neutral, but his eyes were intensely focused. “What did you tell him?” 

“I told him I already have plans,” she said, taking his hand in hers. That I’ll be joining Haven’s institute.” 

Something bright and warm flashed across Adam’s face, his fingers tightening around hers. He hadn’t doubted her, but hearing her confirm her choice filled him with quiet joy. It wasn’t about winning over Matthew–it was about Irene trusting him, choosing to build something together. 

Adam gently pulled her closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. The triplets immediately erupted in a chorus of exaggerated “Ooooohs” and giggles, making Irene laugh against his shoulder. 

1/2 

Chapter 365 

As the evening wound down, (seph yawned widely, signaling bedting for the household. The triplets reluctantly sad gought. each giving Adam a special hug before trudging upstairs. 

“Today was perfect,” Irene said pftly as she walked Adam to the dol 1 can’t remember the last time the house felt so fall of happiness.” 

Adam turned to face her, moonlight catching the planes of his face. It’s just the beginning, he promised, his voice full of quiet certainty. “First steps today, who knows what tomorrow brings.” 

Irene’s smile held a future full of possibilities as she watched him wheel back to his place next door, the warm pow of family and home wrapping around her like a blanket. 

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