Chapter 390
The triplets stared at the floor, shoulders hunched as they faced Irene’s questioning gaze.
“These watches… Alex mumbled, barely audible.
‘They’re a surprise, Lucas quickly jumped in, his voice cracking slightly,
Lily turned to Adam, her gaze searching his face, silently pleading for him to step in.
Adam caught Irene’s eye and shifted in his wheelchair, smoothly stepping into the rescue, “Shoot, Irene, I completely forgot to mention those. They’s gifts had Thomas pick up for the kids.”
Thomas blinked in confusion. “Sir? I don’t recall-
(
Adam shot him a look that could’ve melted steel.
“Right! Those special children’s smart watches,” Thomas recovered seamlessly. ‘Mr. Haven thought they’d be perfect for the little ones.”
Adam reached for Irene’s hand. “They’ve been crushing it with their music lessons. Thought they deserved a reward. His smile was disarmingly genuine. “Remember how they drooled over these at the store?”
Irene squeezed his hand, her expression softening. ‘Next time, maybe run it by me first?”
“Noted,” Adam said with a wink.
Irene turned back to the children, who still looked like they were awaiting sentencing. “Why the deer–in–headlights faces, then?”
The triplets exchanged glances before Alex squared his tiny shoulders. “Because they cost more than your laptop, Mom.”
“We didn’t want you to be mad,” Lucas added, scuffing his shoe against the floor.
Lily’s bottom lip quivered. “We didn’t want you guys to fight about it.”
Something in Irene melted. She knelt down, meeting their eyes. “You three worry too much. Why would I be upset about Adam being generous?”
Adam chuckled. “Our little relationship counselors at work.”
Irene shot him a warm smile over her shoulder. “Too smart for their own good.”
Relief washed over the children’s faces, their smiles returning like sunshine after rain.
“If something’s bothering you, just talk to me,” Irene said, brushing Lily’s hair from her forehead. “No need for all this drama, okay?”
“Okay, Mom!” they chorused, launching themselves forward in a group hug that nearly knocked Irene backwards. “We love you guys!”
Adam slipped his arm around Irene’s waist, his other hand ruffling the kids‘ hair. “Back at you, munchkins.”
Irene leaned against him, completing the picture.
Alex thrust his wrist forward. “Check it out! It tracks heart rate and everything!”
Lucas and Lily piled on, talking over each other/about games and features.
“Let’s do dinner at home tonight, Irene suggested, turning to Adam. “Any requests?”
“Surprise me,” Adam said. “Need Thomas to grab anything?”
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Chapter 390
Fridge is stocked, Irene replied. “Ready to roll, kids?
As they headed out, Thomas discreetly faded into the background, leaving the family to their perfect moontent.
In Irene’s kitchen that evening, she moved with practiced ease while Adam arranged plates nearby. The triplets tackled fromný calling out questions.
Irene dipped a spoon into her bubbling pot and held it out. “Saft check?
Adam tasted and nodded. Perfect. Like the chef.”
The compliment brought a flush to her cheeks that had nothing to do with the kitchen heat.
Dinner buzzed with energy as the family shared their day.
Teacher said my playing’s totally next level this week!‘ Alex announced through a mouthful of pasta.
“Of course,” Adam said proudly. “You’re my son, after all. He froze mid–reach for his water glass, darting a nervous glance at Irene, but she was bury helping Lily cut her chicken.
Later, Adam wheeled himself into the triplets bedroom for story time, finding them bouncing on their beds, proudly displaying their watches.
“Daddy, look!” Alex showed off his screen. “I programmed all my reminders already!”
“This game teaches math, but it’s actually fun, Lucas demonstrated.
Lily held her wrist up to Adam’s face. “I made you and Mommy my background!”
Adam smiled at their enthusiasm. “Did Grandma and Grandpa stop by school today?”
“Yeah,” Alex nodded. “We were super sneaky about it.”
“Grandpa brought those fancy chocolates with the gold wrappers,” Lucas’s eyes widened. “Way better than the cafeteria stuff.
“Grandma says I look like a princess in dresses,” Lily twirled. “She’s taking me shopping next time.”
As they chatted, Adam noticed their expressions gradually shift. Alex’s brow furrowed.
“Daddy, I hate lying to Mom,” he confessed. “My stomach gets all twisty when she asks about after–school.”
Lucas nodded vigorously. “Me too. It feels wrong.”
“I love Grandma and Grandpa,” Lily stated firmly, “but I love Mommy most. No more fibbing.”
Adam studied their earnest faces, thinking about how his parents had transformed from rejecting these children to showering them with gifts.
“You’re right,‘ he said finally. “It’s time your mother knew everything.”
The triplets‘ eyes widened. “For real?” Alex asked. “You’ll tell her who we are?”
Adam nodded. “You can’t build a life on secrets. Your mother deserves the truth.” He smiled slightly. “Besides, your grandparents have come around.”
“What if she gets super mad?” Lily whispered.
Adam brushed his thumb across her cheek. “That’s my problem to handle. No matter what happens, I promise you’ll stay together.
They piled onto his lap, nearly tipping the wheelchair. Adam kissed each forehead. “Bedtime now. Tomorrow’s a fresh start.”
In Adam’s study later that night, Irene adjusted the neurostimulation equipment while soft jazz played in the background. The lamp cast a golden glow over
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Chapter 390
Pain level today? she asked, focating on the rafibration.
“Better every day,” Adam said, watching her work. I can feel the difference
Your consistency helps.” Irene replied, “Most patients slack on their exercises.
Adam’s next question came unexpectedly. “Do you think shout us? The fature, I mean?
Her hands paused. What kind of future?
“One without walls between us. You, me, the kids–everything in the open.
Irene met his gaze. “Sometimes I worry we’re moving too fast… but then I see you with them, and it just clicks.”
Adam took her hand. Whatever comes next, I need you to know that I love you and those three kids more than anything
Something in his tone made her heart skip. She squeezed back. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together?
As therapy ended, Adam followed her to the door. “Sleep well.
Irene pressed a kiss to his cheek. “You too.”
Adam watched her walk to her villa, his expression a battlefield of determination and worry.
In bed that night, Irene replayed their conversation. Something was definitely on Adam’s mind.
Her thoughts drifted to his strange question days ago: “The triplets–how exactly did that happen?”
Suddenly, she was back seven years ago–John Sterling slamming medical reports onto his desk. “Explain this!”
His ice–cold verdict: “Take your bastard and get out. You’re no daughter of mine.”
In that painful memory, a detail surfaced–Anna Claire watching from the second–floor landing, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
Why had Anna looked so pleased? What did she know?
Irene sat up abruptly, realization dawning. “Was Anna involved somehow? Did she know what happened that night?”
Her fingers gripped the sheets. “I need to find out the truth.”
Her jaw set with determination. “No matter how ugly it is, I have to know. For my children, for Adam–for all of us.”
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