Chapter 77
Bad news just keeps coming, str. Thomas bit his lip as he reviewed the investigation results. “The tech team found proof- someone’s been playing dirty. Every single warning about those overseas investments? Completely blocked before they could reach you. We’re talking systematic sabotage here.”
Adam’s expression turned glacial. What did Timothy find?”
“My brother just sent over the real numbers. Thomas glanced at his tablet, grateful as always for his twin’s reliable intel from overseas. While he handled things as Adam’s personal assistant at home, Timothy managed their overseas operations with the same dedication. “It’s a total mess, sir. Victor’s private businesses are crashing left and right. He’s been desperately shuffling money around, trying to plug the holes. Multiple projects have completely tanked. He paused, double–checking the staggering figures. “He’s even fire–selling his personal assets. Current losses? Around a hundred million.”
“So that’s his endgame. Adam’s voice could have frozen fire. “Tank the company’s investments, make me look incompetent, all to hide his own financial train wreck.”
“Exactly. By the time the board caught wind of the losses, it would look like you’d completely lost control. Like you couldn’t handle the job anymore.” Thomas shook his head in disgust. “But he got sloppy. Timothy caught his people trying to backdate documents.”
“Tell Legal to get everything ready. Let him think he’s got the upper hand for now.” Adam was already mapping out his counter- strategy when voices drifted in from the entrance.
After Thomas left to handle the preparations, the day’s exhaustion finally caught up with Adam. Despite usually fighting afternoon rest, he found his eyes growing heavy.
When he woke again, evening had settled in. He guided his wheelchair to the elevator and made his way to the living room, only to find an unexpected homecoming.
His parents sat on the sofa – his father, Marcus Haven, like looking into a mirror of his own future, radiating that same authority that had defined Haven Enterprise for decades. Beside him sat his mother Sophia, eternally elegant, caught mid–conversation.
“Mom, Dad.” Adam’s eyebrow lifted in greeting.
“Adam!” Sophia’s whole face lit up, her voice warm as summer sunshine.
“When did you get back?” He moved closer. His parents had been away on vacation for weeks.
“Just got back today,” Marcus replied, his expression immediately turning serious. “And walked straight into this company situation. What’s the board saying?”
“It’s under investigation,” Adam replied smoothly. “Everything’s under control.”
Marcus’s eyes sharpened. “Victor-
Adam gave a slight head shake – not now. His father caught the message instantly, decades of corporate instincts kicking in.
“Alright, Marcus nodded, approval warming his tone. “You’ve earned my trust over the years. Handle it as you see fit.”
Meanwhile, Sophia was studying her son with laser focus, her mama pear instincts on full alert. “Sweetheart, you’re pushing yourself too hard. Let your her handle some of this now that he’s back. Your health comes first.” She tilted her head, surprise softening her features. Though… you actually do look better. Your color’s coming back!”
She whirled on her husband like an avenging angel. “And this is all your fault! Dumping so much responsibility on him at such a young age. What were you thinking?”
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Chapter 77
I was preparing him for Marcus started defensively.
Preparing him? Please! You just wanted to retire early!” The fond exasperation in her voice spoke of a decades–old dance between
them.
Tve been getting treatment, Adam cut in quietly. “It’s helping quite a bit.
Sophia reached out to smooth his hair, the same gesture she’d used since he was tiny. Her touch lingered as memories washed over her – her fearless little boy who’d never backed down from a challenge, who’d always protected everyone else first. Even now, he was trying to spare her worry, just like he’d done since scraped knees and playground tumbles.
Her heart squeezed watching him. Every mother dreamed of their child’s happiness, yet her brilliant, unstoppable son had to face this battle. Why him? It just wasn’t fair.
“You don’t have to be strong for us all the time,‘ she said softly, fighting to keep her voice steady. “We just want to see you happy
again.”
“Speaking of happiness… Her tone shifted in that way that had Adam’s internal alarms blaring. “You really should start thinking about your personal life. Finding someone who’ll take care of you properly. You know exactly what I mean.”
“Mom, I get what you’re trying to do,” Adam said carefully, “but I’ve got my own plans. About this engagement business – I need you to stop pushing. Right now, with my condition, I’d just be holding someone back.”
Sophia started to protest, but Adam pressed on, his voice firm. “Even if she’s willing, we all know what she’s really after. That’s not the kind of marriage I want. If it’s just about having someone take care of me, Thomas already does a great job. And honestly? A doctor would be even more qualified and professional.”
“Marriage isn’t something to gamble with,” he added, steel in his voice. “I won’t spend my life with someone I don’t love – and even if we did get married, who can guarantee forever? I refuse to wake up every day next to someone I feel nothing for.”
Marcus and Sophia exchanged loaded glances at their son’s iron declaration.
Marcus subtly shook his head at his wife – drop it. He knew their son too well. Once Adam drew a line, nothing could make him budge. Pushing now would only lead to a fight.
Sophia reluctantly backed down, though worry still clouded her eyes.
They stayed for dinner, and over the meal, Sophia suddenly perked up. “Oh, Adam, wasn’t that villa next door yours? I noticed someone living there when we arrived.”
“Sold it,” Adam replied simply, offering nothing more.
Sophia didn’t push. Her son had always charted his own course, making shrewd decisions since childhood. If he’d sold the property, he must have bad his reasons.
After dinner, his parents took their leave with promises to visit again soon.
Alone in his study, Adam found his thoughts wandering from company politics to their dinner conversation. His mother’s matchmaking usually just annoyed him, but today felt different. When he’d mentioned a doctor being more qualified, a specific face had flashed through his mind calm, professional, with eyes that seemed to see right through his walls.
He caught himself and shook the thought away. Getting distracted by your doctor? Real smooth, he chided himself. Still, he couldn’t help remembering how naturally she handled those kids, how her touch during treatments carried both medical precision and genuine care…
A knock at the door derailed his increasingly dangerous train of thought. Speaking of the doctor it was time for his evening
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Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
Chapter 78
