Chapter 47
While trene and Ethan were chatting, three small figures in dinosaur print pajamas appeared at the top of the grand staircase, rubbing their eyes drowsily.
Lily clutched her favorite plush T–Rex close to her chest. “Mommy? he called out in that adorably sleepy voice that made everything sound like a question.
Lucas’s wild bedhead stuck up in every direction as he peered down curiously. “Who’s that with Mom?”
Irene stood in the foyer, her expression softening as she watched her children. The sight of them never failed to melt away her professional facade. “Come down, sweeties. There’s someone special want you to meet.” Her voice carried that gentle warmth reserved only for her little ones, “This is your Uncle Ethan.”
The word ‘uncle‘ worked like magic. Suddenly, three pairs of eyes widened in perfect synchronization. “Uncle?” they chorused, sleep forgotten in their excitement.
“Hi, Uncle!” The triplets‘ voices overlapped in an enthusiastic greeting that echoed through the grand space.
Ethan stood frozen, his fingers fidgeting nervously at his sides. The sight of these three perfect little beings–his sister’s children- left him speechless. He wanted to hug them but wasn’t sure if he should, if he had the right to.
His hésitation didn’t last long. Lucas, ever the bold one, tilted his head and asked with childish directness, “Hey, why does Uncle
look so silly?”
Ethan’s ears turned bright red as he stammered, unable to form a coherent response. His embarrassed smile only made him look more endearing to the children.
“We got an uncle now!” The triplets launched themselves forward in a coordinated attack that would have made any military tactician proud. Ethan barely had time to crouch down before he found himself with an armful of excited children, their dinosaur pajamas soft against his chin.
There was something magnetic about the way the kids gravitated toward him, as if some cosmic force had decided this bond was meant to be. Watching them, Irene couldn’t help but notice how Ethan’s awkward teenage edges seemed to soften, his usual self- consciousness melting away like ice cream on a summer day.
From his wheelchair, Joseph studied the familiar luggage with narrowed eyes. He had just woken from his afternoon rest. “Who brought these?”
“Rose did,” Irene replied simply, continuing to arrange the items with practiced efficiency.
Josephs‘ disapproving snort cut through the air. “Your mother’s always been obsessed with appearances. Begged to live here for years, but the Sterlings weren’t good enough for this neighborhood. Now that you’re here, she’s probably using the luggage as an excuse to sniff around. Mark my words–that woman’s scheming something.”
Irene continued her task, her voice as cold as winter frost. “Let her try whatever she wants.”
As evening settled over the estate, Irene watched her children introduce Ethan to their world with barely concealed amusement. They’d dragged him through a tour of their playroom, showing off their favorite toys and books with infectious enthusiasm.
Check this out! This is where we do our experiments!” Alex proclaimed proudly, pointing to a corner filled with educational toys and a child–sized computer.
“Experiments?” Ethan echoed, clearly impressed.
“Yeah! Last week we made this awesome robot!” Lucas chimed in, though ‘robot‘ might have been a generous term for their creation
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of cardboard and blinking LED lights.
Lily tugged at Ethan’s sleeve. “Uncle, do you play piano? I can teach you if you like!
The pure joy in their interactions made the earlier tension with Rose seem distant. Yet as dinner time approached, reality demanded attention. Irene’s fingers tapped lightly against the dining table as she spoke to her brother. “You should probably head home after
dinner.”
“Yeah, sure!” Ethan’s eager response carried both understanding and gratitude. He knew better than to overstay his welcome on this
first visit.
At the front door, Irene pulled out a sleek black credit card. “Here. For school,” she said firmly, trying to press it into his hand.
Ethan stepped back immediately, his neck tensing. “No way, I can’t take your money!” His fists clenched at his sides, pride warring with gratitude. “Don’t worry, sis. I promise I’ll study hard and get into college here.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed nervously as he spoke, like a trapped butterfly trying to escape its glass prison. The determination in his eyes reminded Irene of their younger days that same stubborn glint he’d get before tackling impossible math problems.
“Don’t be so stubborn,” Irene’s tone brooked no argument. “You’re my brother. Let me help.”
Still, he refused, though his sweaty palms betrayed how much the gesture meant to him.
Dinner had passed quickly, filled with the children’s excited chatter and Ethan’s shy responses to their endless questions. Now, standing at the estate entrance, Ethan shuffled his feet, his voice barely above a whisper. “Hey, would it be okay if… you know… if I came to see the kids again sometime?”
The hesitation in his voice made him sound younger than his sixteen years. Six years of separation weighed heavily between them- the last time they’d seen each other, he’d been just a kid clinging to his big sister’s sleeve.
“Are you kidding? Of course you can!” Irene’s immediate response lit up his face. “The kids would love that. You’re their uncle, after
all.”
Ethan ducked his head, but not before Irene caught him swiping quickly at his eyes. Still such a crybaby, she thought fondly.
“Come on,” she said, walking him to the gate. After helping him hail a taxi, she watched until its taillights disappeared into the darkness before turning back toward the villa.
The click of her heels against the pavement was interrupted by the purr of an approaching luxury sedan. The window slid down with a soft whir, revealing Adam’s sharp features in the dim light. “Taking a late–night stroll, Dr. Sterling?”
“Seeing someone off,” she replied coolly, then her nose caught it – the unmistakable scent that made her jaw tighten. “You’ve been
drinking.”
Adam’s hesitation was brief but telling. “Just one glass.”
Ice crystallized in her veins. Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, her posture rigid with displeasure.
“Thomas,” he called to the driver.
The sedan crept alongside her, matching her pace. Adam’s usual confidence wavered as he studied her profile. “Are you… angry with
me?”
Irene stopped dead in her tracks. When she turned to face him, her eyes held the kind of fury that could turn summer to winter. “Mr. Haven, I believe our deal ends here. Find yourself another doctor.”
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With that, Irene stormed away
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