Chapter 403 

Wesley and Joseph appeared from the kitchen, Ethan trailing behind. “We’ll roll in the third car, Wesley suggested. Us three. 

Adam nodded. “Perfect. Ethan should be there for his sister.” 

Ethan’s expression was all teenage solemnity. “Wouldn’t miss it.” 

Sophia watched the commotion, then turned to Marcus with sudden resolve. ‘Let’s go too. 

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?” 

Sophia twisted her wedding band, something she only did when deeply moved. “Yes. If she’s really coming back, this is huge for our family. She paused, the look between them loaded with history. “Maybe it’s time Adam had your mother’s ring.” 

Katherine’s hot pink Lamborghini sliced through traffic like it was on rails, weaving between cars with millimeters to spare. Brandon’s knuckles went white as she cut off a delivery truck. 

“Holy- Do you have a death wish?” he asked, though the adrenaline spike wasn’t entirely unpleasant. 

Katherine laughed, the sound bright against the engine’s growl. “What’s the matter, tough guy? Scared of a little speed?” She downshifted with practiced ease, acceleration pressing them into their seats. “This is actually Sunday driving compared to the cliff roads back in R Country. 

Brandon caught himself watching her–sunlight dancing in her hair, the little smile playing at her lips, the easy confidence in her hands on the wheel. Something unfamiliar stirred in his chest. This wild, fearless woman was nothing like the focused, precise doctor who’d treated his leg–all stem instructions and clinical touch. He’d never imagined those same steady hands that calibrated medical instruments could handle a sports car like she was born for it. 

‘So besides playing chicken with death, what’s your deal?” he found himself asking. 

“Oh, you know,” Katherine’s eyes sparkled. “Black belt in karate, fluent in five languages, occasional skydiving, surgical assistant extraordinaire when needed. She glanced his way. “What about you? Besides the whole brooding bodyguard routine and big brother act?” 

Brandon shrugged one shoulder. ‘Just driving, mostly.” 

“That so?” Katherine looked thoroughly unconvinced. “Well, we all have our special talents. Though in driving, I’ve clearly got the edge.” 

“Jury’s still out on that one,” Brandon said, his mouth quirking upward. “When my leg’s back to a hundred percent, let’s see who’s really got the moves.” 

“You’re on,” Katherine laughed, accepting the challenge. “Loser buys dinner.” 

Their conversation flowed easier after that, punctuated by laughter and playful jabs. Brandon realized with a start how comfortable it felt, how the usual walls he maintained seemed pointless around someone so refreshingly direct. 

In Adam’s car, the triplets sat quiet as church mice in the back seat, eyes glued to the passing world outside. 

“If Mom’s really there,” Lucas broke the silence, voice small but hopeful, “I wanna tell her about getting gold stars all week.” 

‘I’m gonna show her my new piano piece,” Lily added, hugging her unicorn tight. 

‘I just wanna hug her forever and ever, Alex said simply, blinking back tears. 

Thomas caught Adam’s eye in the mirror. The usually unflappable businessman was staring out the window, his jaw working like he was chewing on his worries. “Hang in there, sir,” Thomas said softly. It’ll work out.” 

Adam managed a nod, his throat too tight for words. His hand drifted to his pocket, where he kept the small box Alex had given him—the one with baby photos of the triplets and Joseph’s letter to Irene. Her most precious treasure, she’d called it. 

Sophia and Marcus followed in their Mercedes, trailing the convoy. Inside, Sophia kept running her thumb over her wedding band, lost in thought. 

‘Sure about this?” Marcus asked gently. 

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Chapter 403 

“Yes, Sophia’s smile was soft but certain. “I’ve messed up royally, especially with Irene. But now I see what she brings to Adam’s life, these amazing kide. it’s everything I ever wanted for him.” 

Marcus covered her hand with his. “That ring’s been in the family for generations: Stands for forever love. I think those two will honor that tradition just fine.” 

The cars pulled into the long, curved driveway of the mansion within minutes of each other. Rose opened the massive front doors before anyone could ring the bell. 

‘No sign of her yet,‘ she said with an apologetic smile, “but something tells me she’ll show up.” 

Everyone drifted into the enormous living room, anticipation hanging thick in the air. Sophia noticed Rose slip away to the balcony alone. After a moments hesitation, she followed. 

“Last time we were face to face wasn’t exactly friendly,” Sophia said quietly, joining Rose at the railing. 

Rose’s lips curved slightly. “That’s putting it mildly. Never thought we’d be standing here like this.” 

The two women fell silent, eyes drawn to the winding road beyond the gates, each wrapped in her own thoughts. 

“My son really loves your daughter,” Sophia finally said, surprising herself with the admission. “Never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at her. 

Rose turned, really seeing Sophia perhaps for the first time. “My Irene too… she’s changed so much. Those children made her grow up in ways I never expected.” 

“We both screwed up,” Sophia admitted, the casual phrasing unusual for her. “When I came to see you before, all I cared about was appearances and the family name. I missed what really mattered.” 

Rose’s fingers tightened on the railing. “And I couldn’t even be a proper mother when my own daughter needed me most. I chose the easy path when she needed someone in her corner. Her voice caught slightly. “God, I hope it’s not too late.” 

“It’s not, Sophia said with unexpected gentleness. “Look at those kids…” She nodded toward the triplets, who were anxiously peering out windows and checking the driveway every few minutes, with Ethan trying his best to distract them. “They’re perfect little pieces of both our families. Imagine that–us sharing grandchildren.” 

Rose followed her gaze, her eyes misting over. “They really are something special. Irene would do anything for them.” 

“That’s exactly why I know she’ll come back, Sophia said with surprising conviction. “A mother who’d give everything for her kids doesn’t just walk away for good.” 

Rose nodded, something shifting between the former adversaries. In this moment, their shared hope for their children created an 

unexpected connection. 

“Whatever came before,” Rose said softly, “we both want them happy now. That’s what counts.” 

“Exactly,” Sophia agreed, her smile genuine for once. “And between us? Your daughter’s got more backbone than I gave her credit for. Starting to see what Adam finds so captivating.” 

As they returned to the living room, the old hostility had melted away. In its place was something new–a shared understanding that only mothers truly grasp. 

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