Chapter 402 

That sometimes we need an outsider’s perspective to see our own hearts clearly. Irene handed her a business card. ‘If you ever need anything–crything at all–call me.” 

Outside in the hallway, Irene leaned against the wall, breathing deeply. The girl’s words echoed: ‘People who clench their fists can’t catch anything 

After leaving the hospital, Irene headed to the city park where she’d spent countless afternoons with the triplets. She sat on the familiar bench, sunlight filtering through the leaves above her. 

This place held so many memories–Alex’s first wobbly steps, Lucas’s delighted squeals chasing butterflies, Lily’s intense concentration picking flowers. All those moments of joy and hardship she’d carried alone. Yet now, the crushing weight of loneliness seemed lighter somehow. 

Tears slid down her cheeks, but they weren’t the bitter kind she was used to. These felt like release–six years of bottled emotions finally finding an outlet. The fear, uncertainty, doubt–all pouring out like water from a broken dam. 

“I finally understand, she whispered to the quiet park. “I don’t have to be afraid anymore…” 

The young mother’s words returned to her: Fate bringing you back together–doesn’t that prove some connections just can’t be broken? 

Irene laughed softly through her tears. “What a romantic notion.” 

She tilted her face toward the blue sky, clarity washing over her: she loved Adam. Not the faceless stranger from her nightmares, but the real man who respected her, supported her, who loved her children as his own. This love wouldn’t diminish her independence–it would make her more whole. 

For six years, she’d worried that dependence would erase her identity. She hadn’t realized that true strength meant having the courage to choose love while still remaining yourself. 

Taking a deep breath, Irene wiped away her tears, her expression changing to something bright and determined. She pulled out her phone and booked a flight home without a second thought. 

Emily appeared with two steaming coffees, sitting down beside her. “Made up your mind, huh?” 

‘I have,” Irene accepted the coffee with a smile. “It’s time to go home. My family’s waiting for me, and I’m finally ready.” 

Emily squeezed her hand. “I can see it in your eyes. You found your answer.” 

“Not just an answer,” Irene said. “I found myself again.” 

She turned to Emily, new light dancing in her eyes. “By the way, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you. I’ve opened my own research center back home. It’s small but cutting–edge. Any chance you’d be interested in… coming to work with me?” 

Emily’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious?” 

Dead serious,” Irene nodded. “Nobody understands my treatment methods like you do, and-” she flashed a mischievous smile, “-the triplets‘ birthday is coming up soon. They’ve been asking about seeing their Aunt Emily.” 

Emily burst out laughing. “You know I’d never miss those little troublemakers‘ birthday. But this time, I might bring more than just presents… I’ll def consider your offer. A research center? Sounds like just the challenge I need.* 

The old friends talked for hours on that park bench/their shadows stretching long as the sun began to set. 

The next day, Irene boarded her flight home. Before stepping onto the plane, she took one last look at the city that had transformed her from a broken girl into a woman who knew her own strength. Gratitude washed over her. 

As the aircraft lifted into the clouds, Irene watched the shrinking landscape below, excitement building in her chest. This time, she wasn’t going home carrying wounds and confusion–she was returning with clarity and love. 

While her plane crossed the ocean, back in Silver City, a familiar figure appeared on the security cameras outside the Sterling mansion……… 

1/3 

Chapter 402 

Rose sat alone in the security room, eyes fixed on the monitors as she scrolled through footage from the past few days. The blue glow of the servant shadows across her face, highlighting the worry etched in the fine lines around her eyes. 

“You’ve been glued to those screens for hours,” John’s voice came from the doorway. “Give your eyes a break.” 

“I just need to know she’s okay, Rose whispered, her gaze still fixed on the monitors. All these years, I’ve been such a lousy mother.. 

Her finger suddenly froze over the playback button. On the screen, a familiar shadow appeared at their front gate, hovering uncertainly. The timestamp showed last night. 

“John!” Rose nearly knocked over het coffee. “Come look! That’s frene, isn’t it?‘ 

John shuffled closer, squinting at the fuzzy night–vision footage. The figure stood at their gate for ages, rocking back and forth on her heels, before finally turning away without ringing the bell. 

“Sure looks like her,” he nodded. ‘Wonder why she didn’t come in?” 

Rose’s hands shook as she fumbled for her phone. “She came home,‘ she murmured, almost to herself. “She actually came home. 

When Adam picked up, Rose could barely contain herself. “Adam? I think I spotted Irene on our security cameras… last night. She was right at our gate but then just… walked away…” 

The line went quiet for a moment before Adam’s voice came back, thick with feeling. “You’re sure it was her?” 

“Not a hundred percent, but my gut says yes. You think she might try again?” 

“Hang tight. We’re on our way.” 

Adam didn’t waste a second. “Thomas, car. Now. We’re heading to the Sterlings.” He turned to his parents, who’d been camping out since Irene’s disappearance. “Mom, Dad, mind holding down the fort with the kids while I—“. 

“No way!” Three little voices shot back in perfect sync. Alex stepped forward, chin jutting out stubbornly. “We’re coming too! Mom’s gonna want to see us!” 

Sophia surprised everyone by giving Alex a gentle squeeze. “The kids should go,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “If Irene’s back, these three will be the first ones she’ll want to see.” 

Adam couldn’t argue with that logic. “Fine, Thomas, that makes five of us.” 

Brandon was already halfway to the door, keys dangling from his fingers. “I’ll take my car.” 

The words had barely left his mouth when an engine roared outside, so loud it rattled the windows. A hot pink Lamborghini fishtailed into the driveway, and seconds later Katherine burst through the door, medical bag swinging from one hand. 

“Word on the street is Irene might be back?” She scanned the room, her gaze landing on Brandon like a heat–seeking missile. “You look like you could use a lift. I’m your girl.” 

Brandon snorted. “I’ve got my own wheels, thanks.” 

Katherine twirled her keys around one finger, her smile all challenge. “Hate to burst your bubble, big guy, but you’ve got doctor’s orders not to drive. Irene was crystal clear about that.” She patted her car keys. Plus, my baby out there leaves your sedan in the dust.” 

Something electric passed between them. To everyone’s shock, Brandon’s mouth twitched up at one corner. “Whatever. But I’m picking the music.”