Sophia looked up, surprise flkering across her face. “Adam? We weren’t expecting you,” 

Adam locked eyes with Sophia. “You went to see Irene yesterday didn’t you?” 

Sophia’s teacup froze midway to her lips. “She told you?” 

“No,” Adam replied, his voice cold as winter. “But I know.” 

In his mind, Adam pictured the children–his children–and how much more crucial it was now to protect them and Irene. What had been important yesterday was absolutely vital today. 

“Stay away from Irene,” he said flatly. “Stop trying to chase her off 

Sophia set down her cup with a clatter. “For heaven’s sake( for Haven’s sake), Adam! She has three children in tow! How can someone like that possibly fit into the Haven family? You should be with someone like Samantha or Natalie–someone 

who- 

“Someone like Irene and her three kids isn’t ‘beneath‘ anyone,” Adam cut in, his voice sharp enough to slice paper. “This 

isn’t about who fits some bullshit social mold.” 

They’re my flesh and blood, he wanted to shout. Your grandchildren. But he bit back the words, knowing he needed Thomas’s 

new DNA test results before dropping that bomb. 

Sophia turned to her husband, exasperated. “Marcus, please knock some sense into him!” 

Marcus lowered his newspaper, his expression stern but measured. “Son, date whoever you want, but you and Ms. Sterling? That’s a non–starter. The Haven name stands for something in this city.” 

Adam’s fingers dug into his wheelchair armrests. “Whatever happens from now on, I’m standing by Irene. That’s not up for 

debate.” 

The faces of Alex, Lucas, and Lily flashed through his mind, steel reinforcing his spine. I’ve got more than just feelings at 

stake now. 

Without waiting for a response, Adam signaled Thomas to wheel him out. In the car, his phone chimed. A smile tugged at his lips as he read Irene’s theme park invitation. 

“Thomas, clear my weekend,” he said, his mood lifting instantly. “We’re hitting the theme park.” 

Thomas caught his eye in the rearview mirror. “The children will be thrilled, sir.” 

“Yeah,” Adam replied, unable to keep the warmth from his voice. “My kids will love it.” 

Back at the Haven mansion, Sophia paced like a caged tiger. 

What did we do to deserve this fixation Adam has with Irene Sterling?” she fumed. “Why can’t he see reason?” 

Marcus set aside his newspaper, his expression calculating. “He’s thinking with his heart, not his head. He doesn’t understand what this means for our position in society.” 

1/3 

Sophia stopped pacing, a new idea taking shape. “If we can’t reach Adam directly, maybe we need to work through the Sterling family. Have them folk sense into their daughter.” 

Marcus nodded slowly. “Make it happen. The sooner, the better 

“That evening, Adam called Irene’s house, his heart doing a strange little dance in his chest. 

“Adam,” Irene’s voice came through warm and clear. “How’d your day go?” 

After a few minutes of easy conversation, Adam asked, “Are the kids still up? I’d like to say goodnight.” 

Moments later, three excited voices tumbled through the speaker. “Uncle Adam! Hi!” 

“Heard we’re hitting the theme park this weekend,” he said, smiling so wide his cheeks hurt. “Ready for some serious fun?” 

Their enthusiastic responses overlapped into happy chaos, making Adam laugh. Just hearing their voices–his children’s voices–filled a hole in his chest he hadn’t known existed. 

When he was sure Irene wasn’t within earshot, he lowered his voice. “Our secret’s safe with me, but eventually we’ll need to tell your mom.” 

“We know, Dad,” they whispered back, the word “Dad” sending electricity down his spine. 

“I’m here for you now,” Adam promised. “And I’m not going anywhere.” 

After hanging up, Adam stared out at the night sky, stars scattered like diamonds on black velvet. His eyes burned as a promise formed in his heart. 

“I’ll make up for these five years,” he whispered to the universe. “Whatever it takes.” 

The next day, after lunch, Irene bustled around the house, helping the triplets get ready for their theme park adventure. The autumn air was crisp and pleasant, with just enough sunshine to make the day perfect for outdoor activities. 

“Arms up,” she instructed Alex as she helped him into a comfortable t–shirt. Next came Lucas with his favorite dinosaur hoodie, and finally Lily with her pink unicorn sweater. 

“Everyone got their water bottles?” Irene asked, checking their small backpacks. 

“Yes, Mom!” they chorused, practically vibrating with excitement. 

Lily tugged at Irene’s sleeve. “Mommy, we haven’t called Uncle Adam yet. What if he forgot?” 

“Don’t worry, sweetie,” Irene replied calmly, tucking a strand of hair behind her daughter’s ear. “I already texted Adam. He should reply soon.” 

As if on cue, her phone buzzed with a message: “Be there in 5.1 

True to his word, a sleek black luxury car pulled up in front of their villa minutes later. Thomas stepped out, dressed in casual clothes rather than his usual formal attire. 

“Dr. Sterling,” he greeted with a warm smile. “Adam is ready and waiting. Shall we head out?” 

2/3 

7 

Chapter 380 

The triplets rushed past Irene, practically tackling Thomas with hugs before scrambling into the car. Irene followed mare sedately, sliding into the front passenger seat while the children settled in the back with Adam. 

“Hey,” Adam said softly, his eyes finding hers. He looked different today–more relaxed in jeans and a casual button–downs that somehow made him look even more handsome than his usual tailored suits. 

“Hey yourself,” she replied, feeling a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with the upcoming roller coasters. 

Adam’s gaze lingered on her light jacket. “Aren’t you cold in that? The forecast said temperatures might drop later.” 

“I’ll be fine,” Irene assured him with a smile. “Once we start moving around the park, I’ll warm up quickly.” 

As Thomas drove, Adam kept glancing at Irene’s profile through the rearview mirror. The way sunlight caught in her hair, the curve of her smile as she laughed at something Lucas said it all made his chest tighten with a feeling he was becoming increasingly familiar with. 

At the theme park entrance, families and couples lined up at the ticket booths. Irene pulled out her phone, showing the pre–purchased tickets to the attendant. 

“Smart move booking ahead,” Adam commented. “The line’s insane today.” 

Chapter Comments 

LIKE