Chapter 407
The three children promptly flopped back against their pillows, pulling covers up to their chins and arranging their faces into pictures of innocenc
“Nothing, Dad!” Alex called back. “Just talking about the birthday party!”
Adam stepped into the room, surveying the three angelic faces with mild suspicion, noting the conspiratorial glint in their eyes. “You three look like you’re planning something big. Should I be worried?”
“We’re planning our birthday wish,” Lily blurted, then covered her mouth when Alex shot her a warning look.
A birthday wish? Adam sat on the edge of their bed, smiling indulgently. “Must be something pretty special to have you all so secretive.”
“It’s the biggest wish ever, Lucas nodded seriously, “Much better than toys or video games.”
“It’s called Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire!” Lily announced proudly before Alex could stop her.
Adam blinked, his expression a mixture of amusement and confusion. “I’m sorry–claiming my what now?”
“It’s just a name,” Alex cut in quickly, giving Lily a pointed look. The details are top secret.”
“But it’s going to be amazing, Lucas assured him. “You’ll find out at the party.”
Adam looked between their three innocent faces, utterly bewildered but charmed. “Well, that sounds… interesting. Should I be concerned about my assets?” he joked.
“It’s not about money, Dad,” Alex said seriously. “It’s about family.”
Something caught in Adam’s chest as he looked at these three small faces, all watching him with a mixture of hope and calculation. “Family,” he repeated softly. “Well, that’s something I can definitely get behind.”
He leaned down to kiss each forehead in turn. “Sweet dreams, my little schemers. Whatever you’re planning, just remember I love you, okay?”
“We know,” they chorused, exchanging secret glances.
After Adam closed the door, the triplets exchanged one final, determined look. Their plan was set in motion, and they were certain this would be the best birthday wish ever made.
One week later, Irene’s home had been transformed. Colorful balloons and streamers adorned every corner, and a long table laden with gifts and treats dominated the living room. The triplets‘ sixth birthday celebration was about to begin, and anticipation hung in the air like the fragrance of the birthday cake waiting in the kitchen.
Emily burst through the front door first, wrapping Irene in a fierce hug before presenting three beautifully wrapped boxes with exotic patterns.
“These are for the birthday geniuses!” Emily announced excitedly. “But I’ve got an even bigger surprise–I’m staying in Silver City!”
“What? For real?” Irene’s eyes widened as she gripped her friend’s hands. “You’re not heading back to R Country?”
‘Nope! Your research center is too tempting to pass up, Emily’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Plus the project in R Country just wrapped up perfectly. Talk about perfect timing!”
“That’s amazing!” Irene exclaimed, hugging her friend again. “The kids will be over the moon–they’ve been asking when they’d see ‘Aunt Emily‘ again!”
Wesley, meeting Emily for the first time, visibly faltered as their eyes met. “Hey there,” he extended his hand, almost shy–an unusual state for him. “I’m Wesley, Irene’s brother,
“Emily Wilson,‘ she replied, accepting his handshake. “Irene’s colleague and friend from R Country.”
1/3
Chapter 407
Need a hand with your bags? Wesley offered, his gaze lingering just a fraction longer than necessary.
Irene noticed the subtle exchange, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
Joseph arrived with Rose and John, each carrying carefully selected gifts. Irene observed how her parents showed Joseph a new level of respect and warmt í clearly attempting to repair the relationship that had suffered due to their past treatment of Irene.
Today is something special,” Joseph remarked to Irene, his eyes twinkling. “These little ones have brought all of us together.”
Sophia and Marcus arrived next, bearing gift boxes so large that Thomas had to help carry them.
‘I hope you don’t mind us going a bit overboard,” Sophia said to Irene, her tone carrying a tentative friendliness. “But a sixth birthday only comes around
once.”
Irene shook her head with an understanding smile. “Thanks for your generosity.”
This peaceful atmosphere would have been unimaginable six months earlier, but for the children’s sake, everyone was making an effort to look forward rather than dwelling on past grievances.
Brandon and Katherine were the last to arrive, bursting through the door with windswept hair. Katherine wore sunglasses pushed back on her head, while Brandon’s tie sat slightly askew.
‘Sorry we’re late,” Brandon explained, casting a sideways glance at Katherine. “Someone insisted I needed to see her driving skills.
“That was a professional demonstration,” Katherine corrected with a toss of her hair. “And you have to admit, my driving technique is quite impressive.
A mysterious smile played on Brandon’s lips. “Barely passable.”
“Wow!” Lily exclaimed, eyeing the presents Katherine had brought. “What’s in there?”
A surprise, Katherine winked conspirationally. “You’ll have to open it to find out.”
The birthday party unfolded in a whirl of laughter and excitement. The triplets basked in the love and attention of their family, their faces glowing with pure happiness. Irene and Adam stood side by side, watching it all unfold with grateful hearts.
“You know,” Adam said quietly to Irene, “I never thought I’d have family moments like this. Birthdays were just another day on the calendar for me before.”
Irene’s fingers found his, intertwining gently. “Not anymore.”
Finally, it was time for the cake. A massive three–tiered creation decorated with a starry night theme and six sparkling candles was carried in, drawing gasps. of delight from everyone. They gathered in a circle, singing “Happy Birthday” with varying degrees of musical talent.
Adam carried the cake to the table, and the triplets‘ eyes immediately lit up at the flickering candle flames. They practically vibrated with excitement.
“Happy birthday, my little geniuses,” Irene leaned down to kiss each child’s forehead.
“Make a wish!” Adam encouraged, his eyes full of affection.
The triplets exchanged a secretive glance, then joined hands, closing their eyes in perfect synchronization–they had been preparing for this moment. In the expectant silence, the three small heads bent close together, and after a deep collective breath, they opened their eyes and blew out the candles in one unified effort.
“Yay!” Lily cheered, bouncing up and down.
“We did it!” Lucas announced proudly, as if completing a major mission.
The room filled with applause and laughter, but surprisingly, the triplets didn’t rush to get their cake. Instead, Alex’s expression suddenly turned unusually serious. He cleared his throat loudly, commanding everyone’s attention like a tiny executive.
“Everyone!” his voice rang out, stronger than usual, with an authority that couldn’t be ignored. ‘We have an important announcement to make!*
