Chapter 41
“Dad!” Rose’s hand flew to her chest, her diamond bracelet catching the harsh hospital lights as Joseph’s eyes fluttered open. “Thank goodness you’re awake! We’ve been worried sick!”
John stepped forward, his expensive shoes clicking against the linoleum floor, face set in that familiar disapproving frown. “Really, Father, how many times do we have to say it? You should be resting quietly at home, not running around like this.”
Joseph’s gaze swept past them, searching until he found Irene. His weathered face softened immediately, the stern lines melting away. “My dear girl…”
“Look who I brought to see you,” Irene moved closer, her three children clustering around her like eager puppies. “The kids couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Great–grandfather!” The triplets rushed forward, their sweet voices filling the sterile hospital room with warmth. They crowded around the bed, careful not to disturb any of the medical equipment.
Alex reached out to pat Joseph’s hand gently, his small face scrunched with worry. “Does it hurt bad?”
“I can blow on it to make it better!” Lily bounced on her toes, dark curls flying around her face like a halo. “That’s what Mommy
does when we get owies!”
Joseph’s tired face lit up with pure joy, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “My precious angels!” He tried to sit up straighter, wincing slightly at the movement. “Let me look at you properly. Have you grown taller? Oh, my darling little ones…”
“Don’t move too much!” Lucas wagged his finger in an adorably serious imitation of an adult. “We’ll take care of everything. I’ll help with your exercises, Alex will watch your diet, and Lily can play music for you!”
The tender family moment shattered as Anna stepped forward, her designer heels tapping a sharp rhythm on the floor. Her eyes swam with carefully calculated tears, one perfectly manicured hand pressed dramatically to her chest. “Grandfather, I’m so sorry!” She wrung her hands, diamond rings flashing. “This is all my fault was too impulsive! I’ll stay away from the manor from now on. I know my place.”
Joseph’s expression turned to ice, his jaw tightening visibly. “Don’t bother apologizing. I’ve made my decision – I won’t be returning to Sterling Manor. Visit whenever you like, live there if you want. It makes no difference to me.”
The color drained from Anna’s perfectly made–up face, her practiced poise cracking for just a moment.
“Father!” John’s voice cracked like a whip. “What are you saying? Where else would you go? People will think we’ve thrown you out! They’ll say we’re terrible children!”
Irene shook her head slightly at her father’s words, a bitter smile touching her lips. Of course, she thought. That’s all he ever cares about what other people might think.
“Where else?” Joseph’s laugh held no humor, his knuckles white where they gripped the hospital blanket. “To my real granddaughter’s home, of course.”
“Oh, please!” Rose’s laugh was sharp and bitter as she adjusted her silk scarf with trembling fingers. “What kind of place could she possibly offer you? Though I suppose after getting those company shares, she might manage something decent. Maybe you’ll give her a house next?”
A knock at the door interrupted the brewing argument. Every head turned as a wheelchair rolled into view, its occupant commanding attention without saying a word. Adam Haven’s presence filled the room like a sudden drop in temperature, making everyone fall silent.
Thomas appeared behind him, wearing his most professional smile. Pardon the interruption. Is Miss Sterling available?”
1/2
Chapter 41
The effect was immediate. Every member of the Sterling family turned to look at Anna, their faces lighting up with barely concealed excitement. Even Anna herself straightened, a coy smile playing at her lips as she smoothed her designer dress.
Finally, she thought, her heart racing. Haven Enterprise this could change everything!
John and Rose exchanged delighted glances. The attention of Haven Enterprise could secure their company’s position for generations. This was exactly the kind of connection they needed.
Richard’s brow furrowed slightly as he watched the scene unfold. Something didn’t quite add up…
Nathan’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Anna and Adam Haven? That seemed… unlikely.
Through it all, Irene remained quietly seated by her grandfather’s bed, her slender fingers tracing idle patterns on the hospital bed rail. A slight smile curved her lips as she watched the drama unfold before her. After years of their condescension and arrogance,
she decided to let them enjoy their little fantasy.
Anna felt her heart skip a beat. Though she’d never actually met Adam Haven, his striking features and commanding presence were undeniable. Even confined to a wheelchair, his aura of power filled the room. The fact that he was CEO of Haven Enterprise more than made up for any physical limitations.
Perhaps he noticed me at some social event, she thought, preening slightly. And now he’s come looking for me personally.
The thought filled her with an intoxicating sense of superiority. She unconsciously straightened her spine, gracefully tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as her lips curved into a practiced smile. “Hello,” she practically purred, “how may I help you?”
The rest of the family rushed forward eagerly. After all, this was Adam Haven – a man whose smallest business decision could shake
Silver City’s economy to its core.
“Mr. Haven,” John stepped forward with an ingratiating smile, “I’m John Sterling. This is my daughter, Anna.” He gestured proudly before continuing, “My son Nathan, and Richard Vein from Vein family.”
The fact that Richard had once been engaged to Anna seemed to have been collectively forgotten. Even Richard himself remained tactfully silent. If Haven Enterprise was indeed interested in Anna, mentioning past engagements would hardly help his position.
Adam’s expression grew increasingly cold as he observed their obvious attempts at networking. He’d caught fragments of their earlier conversation in the hallway their treatment of Irene still fresh in his mind.
Thomas’s polite smile never wavered as he asked, “I’m sorry, but who might you be?”
Anna’s smug expression froze. “What… what do you mean?”
The rest of the Sterling family exchanged bewildered looks. Hadn’t they come looking for Miss Sterling? If not Anna, the who…?
“We’re here to see Irene Sterling, Thomas announced clearly, as if worried they might misunderstand.
