Chapter 383 

Sophia’s face darkened like a storm cloud gathering. “Mrs. Sterling, your little speech is touching, really, but let’s face reality. You think love conquers all? Please.” She gave a dismissive wave. “Your daughter’s baggage will hang around my son’s neck forever. This relationship is a ticking time bomb of misery.‘ 

She leaned forward, her designer bracelet catching the light. “Haven Enterprises wasn’t built in a day. It needs strategic alliances, not some Hallmark movie romance. Once the honeymoon phase fizzles out–and trust me, it always does–your daughter will be yesterday’s news. Your support will just make the crash landing harder.” 

Rose didn’t flinch. Her newfound backbone remained firmly in place as she met Sophia’s gaze. 

‘Mrs. Haven,‘ she replied evenly, “I get your concerns. I do. Our generation was all about matching bank accounts before hearts. But these kids today?” She shook her head with a small smile. “They value something deeper. My daughter deserves that chance.” 

Sophia’s perfectly shaped eyebrows knotted together. “You!” 

Realizing she was wasting her breath, Sophia stood abruptly, smoothing her dress with practiced precision. 

“Well, this has been enlightening,” she said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Since we’re clearly speaking different languages here, I’ll cut to the chase–my son will never end up with your daughter. Not while I’m breathing.” 

With that parting shot, Sophia nodded to Marcus, who rose dutifully. They walked out in perfect sync, like a power couple from a magazine spread. 

As the front door clicked shut, Rose exhaled deeply, deflating slightly. 

“Well,‘ she murmured, absently straightening a cushion, “that went about as well as a root canal.” 

John took her hand, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin. “I’ve never seen you stand up to someone like that before. Especially not for Irene.” 

Rose’s eyes glistened. “Took me long enough, didn’t it?” She blinked rapidly. “Our girl finally finds someone worth fighting for, and she has to scale Mount Everest to be with him.” 

They exchanged a look of shared worry, the unspoken decision to check on their daughter passing between them. 

As dusk painted the sky in watercolor hues, Thomas pulled up to Irene’s driveway, the day at the park–livestreamer drama aside–having ended on a high 

note. 

“So,” Irene twisted in her seat to face her children, ‘verdict on today?” 

“Best! Day! Ever!” the trio chirped in unison. 

Lily tilted her head back, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Uncle Adam, how’d it feel having Mom go all mama bear for you? Pretty cool, huh?” 

Adam’s expression softened. ‘Pretty incredible, actually. Your mom is…” he paused, glancing at Irene, ‘she’s the strongest person I know. Watching how fiercely she protects what she loves–1 get why you three think she hung the moon and stars.” 

Something warm bloomed in Irene’s chest at his words. She ruffled her children’s hair, momentarily overwhelmed by the picture they made. 

She turned to Adam with a smile that reached her eyes. “Thanks for today. Get some rest, okay? Tomorrow’s another day.” 

“Tomorrow,” he echoed softly. 

As mother and children turned toward their front door, Adam wheeled himself back to his neighboring villa. 

The smell of home cooking greeted them as they stepped inside. The kids perked up instantly. 

“James made the good stuff!” they cheered, already mentally mapping a path to the kitchen. 

But their collective momentum screeched to a halt in the living room doorway. There, looking oddly formal against the casual backdrop of Irene’s home, sat Rose and John. 

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The older couple jumped to their feet. “Irene, Rose said, her voice tentative as a new skater on ice. 

Surprise flashed across Irene’s face before her features settled into a familiar mask of cool detachment. “Mr. and Mrs. Sterling,‘ she said, the formal address a deliberate wall between them. “This is unexpected.” 

John’s face flushed. “Is that how you address your parents now?” 

“John! Rose hissed, tugging his sleeve with enough force to wrinkle his expensive shirt. 

John cleared his throat, dialing back his tone. “Look, we didn’t come here to fight. We wanted to see you and the kids.” 

He gestured toward the coffee table, which looked like a luxury department store had exploded on it. “Just some things for the children. Snacks, vitamins, stuff kids like.” 

Irene’s laugh held no humor. “How thoughtful. But we’re all set on the basics of survival, thanks. You can take your guilt gifts with you on the way out.” 

She reached for her children’s hands. “The best thing you can do for me is maintain your usual distance.” 

“Irene…” Rose’s voice cracked, weathered by regret. “I know I’ve been… God, I’ve been terrible to you. I don’t expect forgiveness. But I need to tell you something important. Please, just hear me out?” 

Irene paused mid–step, caught off guard by the unfamiliar humility in her mother’s voice, 

Rose sank back onto the sofa, suddenly looking older. “Sophia Haven came to see us today.” 

Irene’s eyebrows shot up. “Adam’s mother?” 

Rose nodded, recounting the confrontation and how she’d finally found her voice in defending her daughter. With each word, Irene’s expression shifted, a kaleidoscope of surprise, confusion, and something unreadable. 

“I want you to know,” Rose finished, ‘we’re on your side this time. Whoever makes you happy–that’s who deserves you. My daughter shouldn’t settle for less 

than she deserves.” 

She offered a smile, shaky but genuine. 

Irene stood very still, processing this unexpected alliance. After a beat too long, she responded with careful neutrality. “I appreciate that. But I’ve managed my life without your input for years now. I’ll handle this too.” 

Disappointment flickered across Rose’s face, but she nodded in understanding. 

“We should go,” she said, rising. “It’s getting late. Don’t forget a jacket when you go out–the weather report said it’s dropping below fifty this weekend.” 

Before leaving, Rose straightened a stack of magazines on the coffee table and folded a small rainbow–striped scarf left on the armrest, the motherly gesture so automatic she didn’t seem aware of doing it. 

“Whatever you think of me as your mother,” she said quietly, “as a woman, I understand what you’re up against with the Havens. If you need anything- anything at all–I’m here now.” 

She nodded respectfully to Joseph. “Father, we’re going 

‘Safe travels,” he replied simply. 

As Rose and John left hand in hand, a strange silence settled over the room. 

Joseph studied his granddaughter. “Well? Your parents seem different. Thoughts?” 

“Not really, Irene replied, too quickly. 

Joseph raised an eyebrow. “You don’t see how much they’ve changed?” 

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Changed, sure, trene conceded, busying herself with straightening a throw pillow. But it’s a day late and a dollar short, isn’t it?* 

If every apology could erase the hurt that prompted it, she thought, the world would be a much simpler place. 

Her eyes caught on the neatly folded scarf. She paused, something complicated passing across her face. The gesture had struck a chord, but years of hart created a dissonance she couldn’t easily resolve. 

One thing was certain: she needed to tell Adam about Sophia’s interference. Despite the gathering storm clouds, Irene knew with bone–deep certainty that she and Adam had already made their choice—they would weather whatever came, together until the end. 

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