Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
Chapter 52
Night had fallen over Sterling Manor when the news finally reached hem. The explosion of anger that followed could have shaken the mansion’s foundations.
“Can you believe this?” Rose’s voice shook with fury. “Twenty freaking percent! She got her hands on all of it! Just like that!
John was practically wearing a hole in the study floor as he paced. “Dad didn’t say a word for so long, I thought he was just bluffing. But no he actually went and gave it all to Irene! What, my sons aren’t good enough to be his grandkids anymore?”
“He’s lost it completely!” Rose threw her hands up in exasperation. She’s got him wrapped around her little finger. I knew letting him move in with her was a terrible idea. And look what’s happened
Nathan watched his parents‘ meltdown from his corner seat, maintaining his professional composure. “Look, what’s done is done,” he said evenly. “Besides, she’s living in Emerald Garden Estate maybe the shares aren’t even that big a deal to her.”
“Oh, come on!” Rose let out a harsh laugh. “If she, didn’t want them, she would’ve said no. You heard how she talked the other day – she’s been eyeing those shares from the start.” Her voice dripped with venom. “How much could she possibly make as a doctor in R Country? That place she’s living in… there’s got to be something fishy going on. And what’s the deal with Adam Haven? A guy in a wheelchair – who knows what’s going through his head? Maybe he’s got some weird thing for single moms.”
“I dug around,” John cut in, scowling. “Nothing special came up about her. My bet? She’s still mad about us kicking her out. This is her way of getting back at us – trying to take everything.”
“Whatever her game is,” Nathan spoke up, trying to be the voice of reason, “it’s already done. Mom, Dad, let’s not lose our heads over this. We need to see what she does next before we make any moves.”
What none of them knew was just how wrong they had it. The truth? Irene couldn’t have cared less about those shares. If her grandfather hadn’t been so insistent, she would’ve turned them down flat. And a position in the company? That was the last thing
on her mind.
Meanwhile, across town, someone else was having a very different reaction to the news. Anna sat in her apartment, nervously tapping her nails against her coffee cup. This share transfer had thrown a major wrench in her plans.
Reality was hitting hard. Richard’s loyalty? Yeah, right. What he really cared about was staying in John and Rose’s good books and more importantly, the company’s bottom line. And now, with Irene holding that much of the company…
Anna’s stomach tied itself in knots as she realized Richard hadn’t called once since that day at the hospital. I’ve got to lock this marriage down before he finds out about the shares, she thought desperately. Her eyes darted around the room as she racked her brain, until suddenly, it hit her.
The next morning, Anna’s voice was sweet as honey on the phone. “Hey, got a minute?”
“Busy working. Can’t talk,” Richard replied curtly.
Perfect – exactly what she’d expected. She hung up and headed straight for his office. Element of surprise? That was exactly what she needed right now
“Miss, you can’t–just-” The commotion outside his office did nothing to slow her down as she strode right in, head high.
His assistant hurried in after her, flustered. “I’m so sorry, sir – I told her you were busy, but-”
1/2
Say
Chapter 52
“It’s fine,” Richard cut her off.“You can go.”
As the door clicked shut, he fixed Anna with a cold stare. “What’s with the surprise visit?”
Anna kept her smile perfectly in place, holding up a shopping bag. Can’t a girl miss her man? I was in the neighborhood, thought you might need a pick–me–up while you work. She started unpacking pastries and coffee onto his table.
Richard’s expression stayed guarded, but he got up from his desk. Whatever he was thinking, he wasn’t ready to make enemies just
yet.
Anna seized her chance, stepping close to feed him a bite. “Feels like forever since we saw each other at the hospital. I’ve really missed you. Mom and Dad were just talking about you yesterday.”
That got his attention. “Oh yeal? What’d they say?”
Anna played it cool, even though her heart was racing. “You know, our engagement’s been out, there for ages now. When should we get our parents together to talk details?”
His forehead wrinkled at the mention of marriage. “Work’s crazy right now. Got all these projects starting up. Basically living at the office.”
Anna heard the dodge in his voice loud and clear. Without missing a beat, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing close. “Sorry if I’m being pushy,” she whispered. “I just can’t wait to be yours, that’s all.”
Before he could answer, she kissed him hard, her fingers trailing down his chest. Richard tensed for a moment, then a low groan escaped his throat. His hands gripped her waist, pulling her closer.
“We shouldn’t…” he muttered, but his body betrayed his words. His breathing grew ragged as her lips traced his jaw, down his neck. The last threads of his self–control snapped when she whispered his name against his skin.
They stumbled toward the couch, hands fumbling with clothes. Anna responded to his every touch with perfect intuition, knowing exactly how to drive him wild. Her soft sighs and eager responses made him forget everything – work, responsibilities, even his recent doubts about their relationship. All that existed was this moment, this passion.
As she felt Richard completely lose himself in the momen
