2/2
Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
Chapter 73
The bodyguards moved with ingpressive efficiency, carrying each child with extreme care. Irene followed them up to the bedroom, het heart melting at the sight of their peaceful faces. Red–cheeked from the day’s excitement, they looked like little angels, their peaceful expressions melting her heart.
Once they were safely tucked in, she sat on the edge of the bed, unable to resist running her fingers through Alex’s hair. Their faces held such contentment, small smiles playing at their lips even in sleep. Whatever dreams they were having, they must have been good ones.
She pressed a gentle kiss to each forehead before carefully adjusting their blankets one final time. The soft nightlight cast a gentle glow across their sleeping forms as she tiptoed out, closing the door with utmost care.
Downstairs, she found Joseph looking thoroughly worn out but happy. Without a word, she knelt beside his chair and began massaging his tired legs with practiced movements.
I’ll prepare your therapeutic bath soon,” she said softly. “You’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”
Joseph’s weathered face creased with a warm smile. “Don’t fuss so much. I had a wonderful time watching the little ones enjoy themselves. His eyes took on a thoughtful gleam. “They were especially lively today. Perhaps because Adam was there – you all looked just like a proper family of five.”
Irenex hands stilled for a moment. “They probably just invited him because they were bored,” she said lightly, resuming the massage. “You know how they get when they’re stuck at home too long.”
Joseph watched her carefully neutral expression, years of unspoken thoughts weighing heavy in his mind. The image of them all together – Irene and Adam, the three children between them – had stirred something in his heart. Especially during that photo session, seeing them arranged so naturally together, he couldn’t help but imagine…
But no. Perhaps he was letting his hopes run away with him. He so desperately wanted to see his granddaughter find happiness, someone strong and reliable to share her burdens. After everything that had happened back then…
He shook his head slightly, pushing away old regrets. “You’re probably right,” he said instead, patting her hand gently. “Don’t stay up too late with Adam’s treatment. You’ve had a long day too.”
“I’m fine,” Irene assured him, her movements never faltering. “Once I get you both settled, I’ll take a nice hot bath and turn in.”
As she continued working on Joseph’s tired muscles, her mind drifted back to the day’s events – the haunted house, the way Adam’s hand had felt around hers, how naturally the children had taken to him. For just a moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it might be like if…
She cut that thought off firmly. This was reality, not some romance novel. She had her hands full being both mother and father to three precocious children while managing her medical practice. There was no room for complications, no matter how warm Adam’s eyes got when he watched the kids, or how safe his presence made her feel.
Besides, she thought with a slight shake of her head, she had more immediate concerns like Brandon’s upcoming surgery and maintaining her cover as Dr. Joy. Romance was the last thing she needed to add to that mix.
Still, as she finished up Joseph’s massage and prepared for Adam’s treatment, she couldn’t quite shake the image of them all together, looking for all the world like a real family. Maybe her grandfather wasn’t entirely wrong about how natural it had felt.
but that was a dangerous path to go down, she reminded herself firmly. Better to focus on what was real – her children, her practice, her responsibilities. Everything else was just… wishful thinking.
1/2
Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
Chapter 74
“You’re still coming over?” Adah looked genuinely surprised when Irene walked in with her medical kit. “Thought you’d be dead on your feet after today.”
Irene shot him a look while setting up her equipment. ‘Hey, no weaseling out of treatment, mister. Your nerves don’t take vacations, and neither do 1. Her tone was light despite her obvious fatigue. But since you’ve been such a good sport today, I’ll make it quick.”
“Thomas. Adam’s lips twitched slightly at her teasing.
His ever–faithful assistant appeared instantly, helping Adam onto the treatment bed with practiced ease. Irene started placing the electrodes, her experienced hands moving automatically while she chatted.
“The kids totally crashed the moment we got home. I swear, I’ve never seen them burn through energy like that.‘ She paused, noticing patches of redness on his legs. Her smile dimmed slightly as she made a mental note- definitely something to watch.
When she started the physical therapy phase, she couldn’t help clicking her tongue. “Geez, your muscles are being stubborn tonight. Like trying to massage a brick wall.” She gradually increased pressure, working through the knots. “You’re not secretly doing CrossFit when I’m not looking, are you?”
Adam’s fingers curled into the sheets as she hit a particularly tense spot. Even after all this time, having someone this close still set him on edge. But there was something soothing about her presence, the way she filled the silence with easy chatter while maintaining absolute focus on her work.
Today’s session ran fifteen minutes over, but neither mentioned it. When Irene finally straightened up, she couldn’t quite suppress a
yawn.
“Okay, your bath’s all set threw in some extra good stuff tonight. Do me a favor and soak for a while longer? Those muscles need some serious TLC. She started packing up, movements slower than usual. “And don’t even think about skipping those meds.”
“When can I start walking?” The question hung in the air between them.
Irene met his eyes, her expression softening. “Baby steps, okay? We’ve got to nail this first phase before we even think about getting you vertical. I know it’s frustrating, but rushing won’t do you any favors. She gave his shoulder a gentle pat. “Trust me, I’m not just aiming to get you standing – I want you running circles around those corporate sharks of yours.”
Something in his face relaxed at that. “Thanks. For everything.”
“Oh stop, you’re going to make me blush,” she waved him off with a grin. “And hey, thank you for today. The kids… well, they’ve never really had a father figure around. When they click with someone, they tend to go all in. Hope they weren’t too much.”
The mention of the triplets brought a genuine smile to Adam’s face. They’re amazing kids. Honestly, I enjoy having them around.”
“Careful there, Irene laughed, gathering her things. “Keep saying stuff like that and they’ll never leave you alone.”
It was past nine when Irene finally stumbled through her front door. Joseph had already turned in, and the house was peacefully quiet. The moment she crossed the threshold, her professional mask slipped away, replaced by bone–deep exhaustion. She was relling her shoulders, trying to work out the kinks, when a small voice made her turn.
“Mommy?
Alex stood there in his pajamas, looking adorably rumpled from sleep
