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Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire 

Chapter 59 

Alex was sprawled on his bed, laptop propped on his knees as his fingers danced across the keyboard. The blue glow of complex system diagrams reflected in his focused eyes. “Now this is cool,‘ he uttered, scanning through layers of technical documentation. “The whole neighborhood’s on one basic security grid, but each villa has its own setup…” 

“Alex!” Irene’s voice carried up the stairs, loaded with motherly concern. “Eyes need a break from that screen, young man!” 

“Got it, Mom!” he called back on autopilot, never breaking his coding rhythm. Lucas and Lily exchanged knowing looks from their posts as doorway guards, taking their sentry duty very seriously. 

“Man, this place is next level,” Lucas whispered, peering over his brother’s shoulder at the complicated diagrams. “Everything runs on smart systems–lights, AC, you name it. But look–our place is hooked into both the neighborhood grid and Uncle Adam’s 

system.” 

“Exactly.” Alex’s fingers flew faster, his face scrunched in concentration. “That’s why we can’t just kill the power the old–fashioned way–it’d set off alarms everywhere. But if I can just cut our villa loose from the main grid…” His voice trailed off as he dove deeper into the code. 

Lily twirled a strand of hair around her finger, bouncing slightly with nervous energy. “Maybe we should try something less complicated?” 

“Just give me a little more time,” Alex muttered, already lost in his digital world. “Maybe just the power system…” he mused. 

Next door, Adam’s eyes never left his screen, where streams of data painted a fascinating picture. “Take a look at this,” he called out to Thomas. “Someone’s trying to isolate Dr. Sterling’s villa from the neighborhood security network. Not targeting our systems directly–just attempting to separate the connected networks. Clean work too, barely leaving footprints.” 

The color drained from Thomas’s face faster than water down a drain Years of working for Haven Enterprise’s CEO had taught him that security breaches usually meant someone was up to no good. “Should we check on Dr. Sterling? Alert security?” 

“Not necessary.” A ghost of a smile played at the corner of Adam’s mouth as he tracked the elegant but ultimately amateur attempt. “They’re not trying to breach anything–just isolate that villa’s systems. Decent strategy, even if their technique needs work. Managed to disappear before I could trace them, though.” 

The casual way Adam discussed potential security threats made Thomas’s stomach do backflips. “But sir, if someone’s targeting Dr. Sterling’s villa-” 

“Then they picked the wrong neighborhood to mess with,” Adam cut him off, attention already back on his monitors “Keep an eye on the peripheral systems. I want to know the moment anyone sniffs around our network again.” 

The afternoon sun painted golden stripes across Alex’s bedspread as he worked, surfacing only when forced to join the family for dinner. The moment his plate was clean, he was back at it, determination written all over his small face. 

Downstairs, Irene stood at the bottom of the stairs, mom–radar pinging like crazy. She’d barely put one foot on the first step when she found herself ambushed by two very determined five–year–olds. 

“Mom, wait!” Lucas latched onto one arm while Lily claimed the other. “Alex is right in the middle of super important research! You can’t interrupt a genius at work!” 

“Yeah!” Lily nodded so hard her curls bounced wildly. “He promised it’s just for today. You can ground him from the computer for a 

whole week after!” 

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Chapter 59 

Irene glanced between their angelic faces, torn between suspicion and amusement. These little masterminds were getting craftier by the day. “You three are always cooking up something, she sighed, letting herself be steered away from the stairs. Fine, but just this 

once! 

The moment she turned her back, Lucas and Lily bumped fists with the stealth of tiny ninjas. Mission accomplished! 

In the garden, Irene sat across from Joseph at the chess table. Her grandfather moved his knight with careful precision, a peaceful expression on his weathered face. 

“Don’t let Alex worry you too much,” he said, noting her distracted glances toward the house. “That boy’s got a better head on his shoulders than most grown folks I know.” 

Irene nodded, forcing herself to focus on their game. “You’re right. Of the three, he’s actually my steady one.” She slid her bishop across the board, earning an appreciative nod from the old man. 

As darkness crept in, Joseph’s movements grew heavier, fatigue evident in the slight tremor of his hands. Think that’s enough excitement for one day,” he announced, rising carefully from his chair. “This old timer needs his beauty sleep 

James appeared at his side like a well–trained shadow, ready to assist Irene gathered the chess pieces, watching them disappear into the house before heading upstairs herself, bath supplies in hand. 

The warm water had just started running when everything went pitch black. 

Irene froze, hand still on the faucet. “What in the world…” She fumbled for her phone, using its light to navigate toward the door. 

“Alex? Lucas? Lily?” 

“We’re fine, Mom!” three voices sang out from different corners of the house. 

Through the windows, Haven’s villa blazed like a lighthouse, making their own darkness feel even more complete. 

“Mommy!” Lily’s voice wavered with a hint of fear. “It’s so dark!” 

“Mom,” Alex called out, sounding suspiciously composed for someone whose computer just died mid–project, “this isn’t just a regular blackout. The whole smart home system’s down. We should probably ask Uncle Adam for help–his place still has power, and he 

knows all about this tech stuff.” 

Irene reached for her phone, illuminating the darkened hallway. With the house pitch black and Lily’s soft whimpers echoing from downstairs, they didn’t have many options. 

“Alright,” she said, “let’s see if Uncle Adam can help with this.” 

In the darkness, three pairs of eyes exchanged knowing looks. Alex made a mental note to study Haven’s security systems more carefully next time – Uncle Adam’s counter–measures had been seriously impressive. 

Mom and Dad really need our help with this whole romance thing, the triplets thought as they prepared to head next door. At least a power outage was as good an excuse as any to get their parents together.