Chapter 368
Camera flashes exploded like lightning outside the Roberts‘ mansion Yellow police tape crisscrossed the manicured lawn while official–looking people in suits carried boxes from the house. Jennifer and her mother stood frozen at the front door, their hastily packed suitcases clutched in white–knuckled grips.
Jennifer pulled her scarf higher, hiding half her face as she glared at the crowd of reporters. Her mother’s oversized sunglasses couldn’t hide the puffiness beneath her eyes.
“Stop taking pictures!” Jennifer hissed through clenched teeth. “Get off our property!”
A reporter pushed forward, microphone extended. “Miss Roberts, what’s your response to allegations that your father profited from suspicious patient deaths?”
Jennifer lunged forward, only to be yanked back by her mother’s iron grip on her arm.
“Ignore them,” Mrs. Roberts whispered. “Just keep walking.”
A man in a crisp suit blocked their path. “I apologize for the inconvenience, but this property is now part of an ongoing investigation. All assets are temporarily frozen. If you have any questions, please direct them to your attorney.”
In the car, Mrs. Roberts slumped against the leather seat, looking suddenly older. “I’ve spoken with the Hayes family. They’ve agreed to take us in temporarily.”
Jennifer let out a bitter laugh. “How ironic. Yesterday we were elite society. Today we’r
begging for charity.”
Her mother sighed, exhaustion weighing down her words. “Jenny, we don’t have the luxury of pride right now. The Hayes family is
our only option.”
Jennifer stared out the window, watching their privileged life disappear in the rearview mirror. This has to be Irene’s doing. Her or that boyfriend of hers. Her nails dug crescents into her palms. They’ll pay for this. Somehow.
The Hayes estate loomed ahead, its dignified presence mocking their fall from grace.
Inside the Hayes mansion, Jennifer and her mother stood awkwardly in the grand living room. Edward watched them from his armchair, his expression unreadable beneath his courteous smile.
“Unfortunate circumstances for a visit,” he said, gesturing toward the sofa. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
Mrs. Roberts collapsed onto the offered seat, tears threatening to spill over. “I can’t thank you enough for taking us in, Edward. With our assets frozen and the house… the house…”
“Mom,” Jennifer whispered, touching her mother’s trembling hand.
Mrs. Hayes leaned forward, her face softening. “What Martin did was terrible, if it’s true. But that’s not your fault. You need somewhere to stay, and we have plenty of room.”
Mrs. Roberts stared at her for a moment before breaking down completely. ‘You’re the only ones who’ve offered to help. else–friends we’ve known for decades–won’t even take my calls anymore.”
ryone
Thank you, Mrs. Hayes,” Jennifer said, forcing gratitude into her voice while mentally calculating. Matthew lives here. This might be my chance to get closer to him.
The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew everyone’s attention. Matthew appeared, one hand on the banister, his expression darkening when he spotted the visitors.
1/3
Chapter 368
“Matthew,” Mrs. Hayes said bitghtly, I’ve decided to let Mrs. Robert and Jennifer stay with us for a while.
Matthew’s jaw tightened, but before he could speak, his mother continued.
The Roberts home is under investigation, and their assets are frozen. We can’t just let them live on the streets.
Matthew’s eyes flicked briefly over the pair before returning to his mother. Fine by me if you want to take them in. But I’ll be moving out.”
“Matthew!” Mrs. Hayes‘ voice sharpened with irritation. This stubborn boy!
Edward studied his grandson with quiet understanding. It’s your decision. Young people need their space sometimes.
The butler appeared, gesturing toward the hallway. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your rooms.”
As Jennifer followed, she glanced back at Matthew, hurt and resentment burning in her eyes. He merely turned away, heading back upstairs without another word.
Across town, sunlight streamed through Irene’s kitchen windows as she prepared lunch. On the television, a reporter stood outside the Roberts mansion, detailing the latest developments. Alex reached for the remote and decisively changed the channel to
cartoons.
“Who cares about that stuff?” Lucas said, slouching in his chair. “Cartoons are way better.”
Irene smiled at her sons. “Not interested in the news?”
Alex pushed his glasses up. “The Roberts family doesn’t matter to us. They got what they deserved.”
“Yeah,” Lily nodded seriously. “They tried to hurt you, Mom, and now they’re in trouble instead.”
Irene raised her eyebrows, surprised by their perceptiveness. Before she could respond, the doorbell rang.
Adam waited at the threshold, a stack of blueprints tucked under his arm, his eyes bright with excitement.
“Sorry to interrupt lunch,” he said, holding up the papers, “but I’ve got good news. We’ve secured a location for Joy Medical Institute. Thought you might want to take a look?”
Irene took the plans, her eyes lighting up. “Already? That was fast.”
“Construction crews are starting initial renovations,” Adam explained. “I thought you might want to weigh in on the office layout and equipment specifications.”
The triplets burst from the dining room, swarming around Adam like excited puppies.
“Can we come too?” they asked in perfect unison. “Please, can we see it?”
Alex whispered to his siblings, “Dad’s building Mom a research center!”
“That’s way more romantic than movies!” Lucas replied, bouncing on his toes.
Lily covered her mouth, giggling with delight.
Adam looked down at their eager faces, his expression softening. “Of course you can come. It’s your mom’s place—you should definitely see it.”
2/3
Chapter 368
Irene grabbed her jacket from the hook. “Let’s head over after lunch. A drive would be nice.
Later, as they made their way down the driveway in the golden afternoon light, the triplets skipped ahead, chattering excitedly about what the research center might look like. Adam wheeled himself beside Irene, their hands occasionally brushing.
Seeing the kids this excited makes the whole project even more worthwhile, Adam said quietly.
Irene watched her children with a gentle smile. “They’re fascinated
everything you do.”
Adam reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Now we can all go see our research center as a family.”
Irene’s eyes glistened at the word “family.” She didn’t speak, but her fingers tightened around his, saying everything words couldn’t.
The sun cast long shadows as they walked toward their future–not just each step forward.
a
building or a career, but a shared life taking shape with
Chapter Comments >
LIKE
POST COM
