The next two days fell into a confortable rhythm, with Irene and Adam working side by side to bring the Joy Medical Institute to life. Their partnership flowed with an ease that surprised even Thomas, who had never seen his boss collaborate so naturally with antone before. 

Seated in the back of the SUV, Irene passed a meticulously prepared list to Adam. Here’s the complete equipment inventory we’ll need. I’ve prioritized everything by necessity and included alternative options where possible.” 

Adam scanned the document, impressed by her thoroughness. “You’ve thought of everything. Some of these specialized items will be difficult to source quickly.” 

“I have connections with medical equipment suppliers in R Country, Irene offered, leaning closer to point at specific items. “They could expedite shipping and possibly offer better terms. It would save you considerable hassle.” 

Their fingers brushed as Adam took the list, à brief touch that sent subtle current between them. “You always think of angles I miss,” he said, his voice carrying a note of admiration. 

Irene caught his gaze and smiled. “Mind–reading is just one of my many talents.” 

“Mind–reading?” Adam raised an eyebrow. “I’d call it something else. 

“Heart reading, perhaps?” She matched his expression with a knowing look. 

They shared a smile that needed no words, a moment of connection that spoke volumes about their deepening relationship. 

Thomas glanced in the rearview mirror, watching their interaction with barely concealed amusement. “You know,” he began casually, “watching you two work together is like…” 

“Like what?” Irene prompted, her hand naturally finding its way to Adam’s knee. “Don’t leave us hanging, Thomas.” 

Thomas grinned. “Like you were made for each other. In business and… everything else.” 

Adam didn’t respond verbally, but his hand moved to cover Irene’s on his knee, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin. 

Irene raised an eyebrow at Thomas. “Have you been sneaking romance novels during your breaks? That was surprisingly poetic for someone who threatened to quit over scheduling conflicts last week, 

Thomas laughed but kept his eyes firmly on the road, his smile knowing. The silence that followed was comfortable, filled with the unspoken understanding between the three of them. 

Adam felt a profound contentment as he held Irene’s hand. Before her, my life was all sharp edges and cold purpose, he thought. Now there’s warmth where there was only ambition. 

Without thinking, he reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. The gesture was intimate, comfortable, as though they’d been together for years rather than weeks. 

Irene responded by leaning into his touch, a wordless acknowledgment of their connection. No grand declarations needed–just the quiet certainty of belonging. 

By evening, dark clouds had gathered over the mountains, casting long shadows across the research institute. Irene was deep in concentration, calibrating one of the neurostimulation devices while Adam handed her tools and recorded data points. 

A sudden flash illuminated the room, followed seconds later by a rumbling boom that seemed to shake the building’s foundation. Adam instinctively moved closer to Irene, his protective instinct kicking in despite the rational knowledge that they were perfectly 

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Chapter 370 

Safe Indoors 

Thomas appeared in the doorway, his expression concerned. “We’ve got a situation. The mountain road is washing out from the heavy rain. Local emergency services just Issued a flash flood warning for the area.” 

trene and Adam exchanged glances, an entire conversation passing between them without a word spoken. 

“How bad is it?” Adam asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer. 

“Bad enough that I wouldn’t recommend next few hours.” 

I drivin 

down tonight,” Thomas replied. “The forecast shows the storm intensifying over the 

Irene set down her tools and straightened up. “Well, 

guess we’re having an impromptu sleepover at the institute.” Her tone was 

light, but Adam caught the flicker of concern in her eyes–not for herself, but for her children. 

Adam reached for her hand. “Looks like we’ll 

knuckles. His eyes held a quiet anticipation 

“Just what I was thinking,” Irene replied with 

more time to fine tune these designs,” he said, his thumb brushing over her had nothing to do with work. 

a 

small smile, her fingers curling around his. 

Irene stepped away to call home, finding a quiet corner in the research lab. The video call connected quickly, revealing Lily’s eager face pressed close to the screen. 

“Mommy! When are you coming home? It’s movie night!” 

Irene’s heart squeezed at the disappointment she knew was coming. I’m sorry, sweetie. There’s a big storm, and the mountain road isn’t safe to drive on tonight. Uncle Adam and I have to stay at the research institute until morning.” 

“But who’s going to make the special popcorn?” Lily’s lower lip trembled slightly. 

Alex appeared in frame, jostling his sister aside. “Is it really dangerous? Are there flash floods like in that documentary we 

watched?” 

“Yes, exactly like that,” Irene confirmed. “The road could wash away 

we tried to drive down now.” 

Lucas popped up between his siblings. “So you and Adam are having a sleepover at the cool research place?” 

Irene felt her cheeks warm. “We’ll be working on the equipment, Lucas.” 

All three children exchanged knowing looks before Alex spoke again. “Don’t forget about Operation Team Awesome, Mom!” 

“Operation what now?” Irene asked, though she knew exactly what they were hinting at. 

“You know,” Lily stage–whispered, “getting Adam to be our dad!” 

“Alright, you little matchmakers,” Irene laughed, shaking her head. “Be good for James and Great–Grandpa, okay? I’ll see you in the 

morning.” 

As she ended the call, she sensed a presence behind her. Turning, she found Adam watching her with soft amusement in his ey 

The children miss you,” he said simply. 

Irene nodded, naturally stepping into his personal space. “They miss you too, actually. You’ve become quite the fixture in their 

lives.” 

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Chapter 370 

Adam reached for her hand, pfilling her gently closer. “I like them. They re extraordinary–just like their mother.” 

She leaned down to press her forehead against his, feeling the day’s tension melt away at his touch. “They adore you. Sometimes! think they might like you more than me.” 

Impossible, Adam murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. 

The rain intensified, drumming against the windows with growing urgency. Lightning flashed, illuminating their faces in brief, electric moments. Irene squeezed Adam’s hand, suddenly grateful for the storm that had given them this unexpected night together -just the two of them, surrounded by the promise of their shared vision, with no interruptions from the outside world. 

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