Chapter 74
“Hey, baby. She crossed to him, smoothing back his hair. “Want to take a bath with Mommy?”
He nodded, chubby cheeks puffed out in that way that always melted her heart.
After getting Alex clean and settled, Irene finally got her own shower. She emerged to find her little tech genius completely absorbed in the day’s photos on his tablet.
“Mom, can we print these? His eyes were huge with hope. To put up around the house?
Irene glanced at the screen, catching sight of the group photo with Adam. “Mmm, maybe not that one, sweetie. We should probably ask Uncle Adam before we start plastering his face all over our walls
“That’s okay, Alex said quickly, voice going soft and persuasive. We can just print the others. And maybe make copies for Uncle Adam too?
Faced with those puppy dog eyes, Irene felt her resistance crumble. You little negotiator,” she smiled, ruffling his hair. “Alright, whatever makes you happy.”
Early morning found the triplets escorting their great–grandfather on his doctor–mandated walk while Irene laced up for her morning run. The kids made a beeline for Adam’s door, their voices carrying through the crisp morning air.
“Uncle Adam! Come walk with us!”
The door opened to reveal Thomas pushing Adam’s wheelchair – but today’s version of Adam had their jaws dropping. Gone was the casual attire, replaced by a tailored suit that probably cost more than most cars. The crisp lines and perfect fit highlighted every inch of his ridiculous good looks, turning him from merely handsome to absolutely devastating.
I’m sorry,” he said, genuine regret softening his features. “Important company meeting today. I can’t join your walk.”
The triplets exchanged quick glances before their faces settled into surprisingly mature expressions. “That’s okay, Uncle Adam,” Alex said seriously. “Work is important too.”
“We totally get it!” Lily nodded earnestly. “Grown–ups have responsibilities.”
“Go get em, Uncle Adam!” Lucas pumped his tiny fist in the air, enthusiasm undimmed. “Fighting!”
Their immediate understanding and support hit Adam right in the chest, warming something he usually kept frozen.
“Uncle Adam looks so dreamy today!” Lily clasped her hands to her cheeks, practically swooning.
Irene couldn’t help stealing glances herself. The man was unfairly gorgeous on a normal day – in that suit? He was practically illegal. Cut that sharply, with those perfect features and those eyes… Down girl, she scolded herself. He’s your patient, not a romance
novel hero.
In his car heading toward Haven Enterprise, Adam’s thoughts shifted from the peaceful morning scene to business reality. His jaw tightened as he reviewed the meeting agenda. Though his physical condition kept him from the office most days, his influence hadn’t wavered–be that didn’t stop the whispers. His uncle Victor, in particular, had never accepted being outranked by his younger nephew. That resentment was an open secret within Haven Enterprise.
Thomas caught his expression in the rearview mirror. “Everything okay, sir?
“Fine,” Adam replied shortly, mind already mapping moves and countermoves. Let them try their petty schemes he hadn’t built his
2/3
16:39 Thu, May 1
Chapter 74
empire by backing down from challenges.
Still, as they wound through Silver City’s morning traffic, a small part of him wished he was walking in the quiet morning air with three excited children instead. The image of their disappointed but understanding faces lingered, providing an unexpected Counterpoint to the corporate warfare ahead.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
