Chapter 369
The SUV wound up the hillside oad, filled with the excited chatter
three children who couldn’t sit still.
has robot assistants!” Lucas bounced in his seat, practically vibrating with excitement.
Alex rolled his eyes. “It’s a medical research center, not a sci–fi movie. Despite his practical tone, his fingers drummed eagerly against his knee.
“Maybe it has a special room just for kids, Lily suggested, twirling her hair. “With toys for patients who get scared.”
Irene caught Adam’s gaze in the rearview mirror. Something warm and unspoken passed between them, a private moment amid the chaos of children’s voices. Her heart did that funny little skip it had started doing whenever he looked at her that way.
“This research institute isn’t just your dream,” Adam said quietly. “It’s our shared future.”
The triplets had caught that, and their faces said they understood exactly what it meant.
As the rounded the final curve, a modern structure emerged from the trees. Glass and steel blended with the landscape, as if the forest had grown its own contemporary heart.
“Holy cow!” The triplets pressed against the windows, noses flattening. “That’s insane!”
Irene’s breath caught. The building was stunning–far beyond what she’d imagined. “It’s like someone dropped a piece of the future
right into the middle of nature.”
Adam watched her face with the satisfaction of someone who’d gotten exactly the reaction they’d hoped for. “Worth every penny to
see that look.”
Construction workers moved around the exterior, installing equipment that gleamed in the sunlight.
Adam stopped his wheelchair at the entrance, positioning himself with a flourish. “Welcome to Joy Medical Institute.”
“Joy?” Lucas scrunched his nose. “Why that name?”
Adam’s smile softened. “Because your mom brings exactly that to her patients.”
Irene felt her throat tighten. He got it–why she’d chosen that name during her years abroad. It wasn’t just a pseudonym; it was a promise she’d made to herself and her patients.
Thomas whistled under his breath. “Boss really went all out on this one.”
Adam squeezed Irene’s hand. “We’re just getting started.”
The main hall was breathtaking. Sunlight poured through skylights, dancing across the polished floors. A massive display screen showed rotating 3D medical images that looked like they belonged in a movie.
“This is where the magic happens,” Adam said, gesturing around them. “State–of–the–art rehabilitation center, best in the untry.”
Irene ran her fingers over the equipment, her doctor’s brain already calculating possibilities. Her pulse quickened like a teenager’s.
“Everything can be rearranged however you want,” Adam added. “Your vision, your call.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” she murmured, touched by how he’d prioritized her professional needs over his own convenience. The location wasn’t the most business–savvy choice–it had clearly been selected for its proximity to their homes.
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Chapter 369
While the triplets zoomed arafind the ground floor with Thomas Jogging behind them, Adam led frene upstairs to check out the
offices.
The first space was impressive But felt too corporate–all business, fi soul.
At the door to the second office, Adam paused, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “This one’s special.”
When the door swung open, Irene actually gasped. Beyond the windows lay a serene lake circled by a winding white marble path, sunlight dancing across the water.
“In the morning,” Adam said softly, “there’s this mist that hangs over the water. When the sun breaks through, it’s straight–up
magical.”
Irene stood silhouetted against the window, momentarily speechless.
“Figured your patients could use a view that gives them hope,” Adam said, watching her.
When she turned back, her eyes were suspiciously bright. “It’s perfect.”
Their fingers intertwined naturally, like they’d been doing it for years instead of weeks.
They spent the next hours planning the space together, their different expertise creating something neither could have designed alone,
“We need a comfortable area for families,” Irene insisted. “Recovery isn’t a solo journey.”
Adam nodded appreciatively. “This is exactly why you’re the perfect person to run this place.”
Their conversation flowed from research directions to equipment specifications, Irene’s eyes lighting up as she described new
treatment approaches.
The triplets burst in like a small tornado, interrupting their planning session.
“Can the kids‘ treatment room have toys?” Lily asked earnestly. “And maybe those cool stickers for being brave?”
Adam and Irene exchanged amused glances. “Absolutely,” they answered together.
The shifting shadows eventually alerted them to the late hour. The triplets had crashed in a rest area, with Thomas keeping watch.
Irene checked her watch, startled. “Wow, we’ve been at this all day.”
Adam took her hand. “Time flies when you’re building an empire.” His voice softened. “Treatment tonight?”
Irene nodded. As soon as we get back.”
The drive home was peaceful, with the triplets snoozing in the backseat and soft conversation filling the front.
As they pulled into Emerald Garden Estates, Adam mentioned dinner “I thought we could invite Joseph and your brothers to join us. Seems like a day worth celebrating.”
Thomas nodded, understanding the instruction to extend the invitation.
Irene led her sleepy children to knock on Joseph’s door, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the evening temperature. This is what family feels like, she thought, glancing back at Adam waiting by his doorway.
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Chapter 369
While the triplets zoomed around the ground floor with Thomas Jogging behind them, Adam led Irene upstairs to check out the offices.
The first space was impressive ut felt too corporate–all business, no soul.
At the door to the second office, Adam paused, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “This one’s special.”
When the door swung open, Irene actually gasped. Beyond the windows lay a serene lake circled by a winding white marble path, sunlight dancing across the water.
“In the morning,” Adam said softly, “there’s this mist that hangs over the water. When the sun breaks through, it’s straight–up magical.”
Irene stood silhouetted against the window, momentarily speechless.
“Figured your patients could use a view that gives them hope,” Adam said, watching her.
When she turned back, her eyes were suspiciously bright. “It’s perfect
Their fingers intertwined naturally, like they’d been doing it for years instead of weeks.
They spent the next hours planning the space together, their different expertise creating something neither could have designed alone,
“We need a comfortable area for families,” Irene insisted. “Recovery isn’t a solo journey.”
Adam nodded appreciatively. “This is exactly why you’re the perfect person to run this place.”
Their conversation flowed from research directions to equipment specifications, Irene’s eyes lighting up as she described new treatment approaches.
The triplets burst in like a small tornado, interrupting their planning session.
“Can the kids‘ treatment room have toys?” Lily asked earnestly. “And maybe those cool stickers for being brave?”
Adam and Irene exchanged amused glances. “Absolutely,” they answered together.
The shifting shadows eventually alerted them to the late hour. The triplets had crashed in a rest area, with Thomas keeping watch.
Irene checked her watch, startled. “Wow, we’ve been at this all day.”
Adam took her hand. “Time flies when you’re building an empire.” His voice softened. “Treatment tonight?”
Irene nodded. As soon as we get back.”
The drive home was peaceful, with the triplets snoozing in the backseat and soft conversation filling the front.
As they pulled into Emerald Garden Estates, Adam mentioned dinner “I thought we could invite Joseph and your brothers Seems like a day worth celebrating.”
Thomas nodded, understanding the instruction to extend the invitation.
join us.
Irene led her sleepy children to knock on Joseph’s door, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the evening temperature. This is what family feels like, she thought, glancing back at Adam waiting by his doorway.
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Chapter 369
The triplets perked up when 18seph opened the door. Great grandpa they shouted, suddenly wide awake. “The research center has the coolest 3D screens ever!
Joseph, Brandon, and Wesley for owed them to Adam’s home, where the children continued their enthusiastic report.
Brandon pretended to look hurt. “What about your favorite uncles? We don’t get any attention?”
Lucas grinned wickedly. “Uncle, this is Mom and Uncle Adam’s special moment. You can’t be a third wheel!”
Brandon’s eyebrow shot up, amused by their bluntness.
Joseph watched Adam and Irene’s interaction with knowing eyes. Wesley nudged Brandon, whispering. “Looks like our ice queen sister finally met her match in the wheelchair prince.”
After dinner, Irene touched Adam’s shoulder. Treatment time.”
In the treatment room, Adam sighed contentedly. “Today was perfect
Irene moved around him with practiced ease. “Any discomfort?”
Adam caught her hand. “With you here? Never.”
She shook her head, fighting a smile. “Be serious. This is medical treatment.”
“Speaking of which,” she continued, “we can simplify your regimen now. The therapeutic baths don’t need to be daily–long–term soaking isn’t ideal.”
Adam smirked. “Do I smell medicinal? Still want to get close?”
Irene leaned in, inhaling deliberately. “I like this scent on you.”
In one smooth motion, Adam caught her wrist, pulling her closer. “Then come here.”
Off–balance, she tumbled against him, their faces inches apart.
“Taking advantage of me?” she murmured, making no effort to move
“What’s wrong with taking advantage of my girlfriend?” he asked, voice low.
His hand gently cupped her cheek as he kissed her. The familiar sensation still sent her heart racing.
When they parted, Irene rested against his shoulder. “We still have treatment to finish.”
Adam–laughed softly. “By all means, my doctor.”
As she packed her medical kit later, Adam caught her hand. “Stay tonight.”
Irene smiled but shook her head. “The kids are waiting. Besides, we promised to take things slow.”
She bent to kiss him once more, “Tomorrow, my patient.”
