Chapter 82
Irene paused at the edge of Adam’s garden, taking in the scene by the private lake. Her three children sat alongside Adam, fishing rods in hand, their faces scrunched in concentration as the setting sun bathed everything in golden light.
“There are actually fish in there?” she asked, amusement dancing in her voice.
Adam looked up, his eyes warming when they met hers. “Several kinds. Some for looking at, some for eating.”
“For eating?” Irene’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “I bet the fish ve opinions about that arrangement.”
Just then, Alex’s rod bent sharply. “I got one!” he shouted, eyes wide with excitement as he reeled in a thrashing fish.
“No way!” Lucas and Lily gasped together.
Alex couldn’t keep the pride off his face as he carefully removed the hook, shooting a quick glance at Adam for approval.
Lily stuck out her bottom lip, eyeing her motionless rod. “How’d you do that?” she groaned to Alex. “I’ve been sitting here forever and not even a nibble.”
Irene reached out to stroke Lily’s hair, but before she could offer any comfort, Lily abandoned her post and burrowed against her mother.
“Fishing is all about patience,” Adam explained to Lucas, who still clutched his rod with determination. “Alex has the right temperament for it. Stay quiet long enough, and the fish will come.
Lucas and Lily exchanged lightning–quick glances, a silent message passing between them: Daddy is testing us!
Both children straightened up instantly, determination replacing disappointment. They pulled away from Irene and Adam, returning) to their positions with newfound focus, faces set with purpose.
We have to catch fish too! Lucas thought, sneaking a glance at Alex who was clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight. We need to pass Daddy’s test so he’ll praise us just like Alex!
Irene felt her heart tighten at the naked longing for approval in their eyes as she settled on the bench beside Adam.
“The kids mentioned you’ll be tied up the next few days,” Adam remarked, turning toward her.
Irene nodded, keeping her expression neutral. “Got a surgery to perform.”
“Worried you’ll miss my treatment?” she teased. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it back in time.”
Adam’s brow creased slightly. “How long will the surgery take?”
“Five, maybe six hours, Irene replied, mentally mapping out Brandon’s procedure. The operation would be challenging but nothing
she couldn’t handle.
“If you’re exhausted afterward, don’t push yourself too hard,” Adam murmured, genuine concern in his voice.
Irene shook her head. I’ll be fine. I know my limits, and your treatment schedule can’t be interrupted. I can handle both.”
Adam opened his mouth to respond when his fishing rod suddenly jerked. With smooth, practiced movements, he reeled in a fish twice the size of Alex’s catch.
“Uncle Adam, that’s awesome! Lucas exclaimed, eyes shining with undisguised admiration.
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Chapter 82
Lucas couldn’t figure it out. I was smart–everyone always said so. Why couldn’t he catch a fish like Dad and Alex? The thought nagged at him as he stared at his stubbornly still fishing rod.
Lily noticed her brother’s dejection and scooted closer. “Lucas, look! haven’t caught anything either, she announced with strange pride in her failure.
trene and Adam exchanged amused glances, both fighting back laughter at Lily’s backward attempt at consolation. In that moment, they shared the silent understanding that passes between two adults witnessing the same endearing absurdity in a child’s logic.
Adam admired his catch before placing it in the bucket. “Why don’t you all join me for dinner tonight? We’ve caught more than enough for everyone. Joseph should come too.”
“Sounds perfect,” Irene agreed, suddenly aware of how comfortable she’d become in Adam’s company. The formal distance that had once stretched between them had vanished without her even noticin
Night had fallen over Silver City, the hospital’s windows glowing against the darkness. In Brandon’s private room, the Sterling family drama had finally wound down, leaving blessed quiet in its wake.
Rose’s concern had manifested as criticism–her default way of showing worry, which unfortunately left everyone with a headache. The irony wasn’t lost on Brandon; she clearly cared, yet her expression of that care made everyone miserable, herself included.
“Brandon, darling, we’re heading out,” Rose announced, bending to kiss his forehead despite his attempt to dodge. “John, anything you want to say to your son?” she prompted.
“Get some rest,” John offered stiffly, clearly uncomfortable in the hospital setting.
“I’ll wait in the hall,” Anna declared with perfect martyrdom, slipping gracefully through the door.
“I’ll make sure they get home okay,” Nathan volunteered. “Try to get some sleep, Brandon.”
The room gradually emptied until Nathan was the last family member remaining. He paused at the door, checking that the others were out of earshot. “See you tomorrow,” he promised, then added quietly, “Don’t let Mom get to you. She means well, but…”
“But she’s Rose,” Brandon finished with a wry smile, sharing a rare moment of understanding with his brother.
Now only Henry remained, keeping faithful watch beside Brandon’s bed. In the peaceful quiet, Brandon finally voiced the question that had circled his mind all day. “Did you notice it too?” he asked, keeping his voice low. “My sister Irene… doesn’t she seem similar to Dr. Joy somehow?”
The memory of Dr. Joy’s examination that morning resurfaced–how he’d snapped at her in frustration, how she’d fixed him with that cool, professional stare. Something in her manner, in the precise way she formed certain words, had struck a familiar chord that he couldn’t place until Irene had appeared in his doorway hours later.
Henry’s eyes widened. I thought I was imagining things!” he whispered, leaning forward excitedly. “The way they speak, their mannerisms…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “But they look so different.”
Brandon stared at the ceiling, thoughts churning. If his suspicions were correct, the implications were staggering. The sister his family had cast aside might be the only person who could save his career–his entire future.
What do we do?” Henry asked quietly.
Brandon remained silent, his expression unreadable in the dim hospital light. What indeed.
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Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empire
