Chapter 83 

The smell of freshly cooked fish filled Adam’s dining room as his che carried in the final platter. He’d transformed their day’s catch into an impressive spread – golden pan–fried fillets, delicate steamed portions, crispy deep–fried pieces, and rich fish stew, all arranged on the elegantly set table. 

“Whoa!” Lucas’s eyes went wide. “It’s like fish heaven!” 

The triplets scrambled into their seats, practically bouncing with excitement. Joseph settled in with dignified calm, though his eyes lit up at the display. Thomas helped Adam position his wheelchair at the head of the table while Irene sat between Alex and Lily. 

“Dig in,” Adam said, his usual stern expression softening as he watched the kids. 

They didn’t need to be told twice. Within seconds, the triplets had loaded their plates and were enthusiastically sampling everything. 

“This braised fish is so good!” Lucas mumbled through bulging checks. 

Lily shook her head, pointing her fork at her portion. “No way! The steamed one’s way better. It’s super tender and you can actually taste the fish.” 

“You’re both wrong,” Alex declared, carefully removing a bone. “The crispy fried fish wins, hands down. The crunchy outside with the soft inside is just perfect.” 

Their debate continued throughout dinner, each defending their favorite with surprising passion. Joseph chuckled at their animated discussion, enjoying the lively atmosphere. 

Irene, usually careful with her food, found herself going back for seconds and then thirds. Something about tonight – the perfectly cooked fish, the warm company – had awakened her appetite. 

“Someone’s hungry,” Adam said quietly, catching her eye across the table. 

“It’s really good,” she admitted with a small smile. 

After dinner, they moved to the living room. Adam and Joseph settled into a game of chess, their concentration evident in the silence that fell between moves. The triplets sprawled on the plush carpet with their handheld games, occasionally erupting into competitive banter. 

Irene sank into a comfortable armchair, watching them all. The gentle click of chess pieces, her children’s giggles, the warm evening light through the windows – it created a rare moment of perfect contentment. 

She caught herself watching Adam more than she meant to. The way his brow furrowed as he considered his next move. How his fingers moved with surprising delicacy over the chess pieces. The quiet confidence that surrounded him even during something as simple as a board game. 

When Joseph finally captured Adam’s king with a triumphant “Checkmate!” the spell broke. 

“Treatment time,” Irene said, checking her watch. “Can’t slack off just because we had a nice dinner.” 

Adam nodded, excusing himself from the game. “Rematch tomorrow? he asked Joseph. 

“Count on it,” the older man agreed with a competitive spark. “And win again.” 

In the treatment room, Irene placed the electrodes on Adam’s legs, noting with satisfaction how the muscles felt firmer than befo Her movements were quick and confident as she adjusted the settings. 

1/3 

Chapter 83 

“Your legs are getting better, the said as she began the treatment. The muscles feel stronger, and they’re responding much better to the signals.` 

Adam watched her work, her fois complete as she monitored his reactions. The pain isn t as bad now, he offered. More like pressure than actual pain.” 

That’s a good sign, Irene nodded, her fingers gently pressing specific points along his leg. “The nerves are starting to normalize. 

They continued in comfortable silence, broken only by occasional technical observations. When Irene finally switched off the equipment, she seemed pleased. 

“You’re making steady progress,” she said, removing the electrodes. Don’t forget those stretches before bed tonight. 

“Yes, doctor, Adam replied with the hint of a smile. 

As they returned to the living room, Irene found the triplets yawning despite their attempts to hide it. “Time to head home,” she said, gathering their things. “These little monsters need sleep.” 

“But Mom, we’re not tired!” Lucas protested, immediately undermined by another massive yawn. 

“Right,” Irene laughed, ruffling his hair. “Come on, bedtime.” 

With warm goodbyes and promises to continue their fishing lessons soon, Irene, Joseph and the triplets made their way back to their villa, the children’s drowsy chatter fading as they crossed the lawn between properties. 

Dawn had barely broken when Irene slipped out of the house the next morning. She left a note for the kids explaining she’d be gone most of the day for surgery. The house was still quiet, even James not yet up as she quietly closed the front door. 

Katherine waited in her pink Lamborghini, engine humming softly. Morning, superstar,” she greeted as Irene slid in. “Ready for the big show?” 

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Irene replied, adjusting her sunglasses. “Thanks for the ride. Couldn’t do this without you.” 

“That’s what friends are for,” Katherine grinned, pulling away from the curb. “I’ll be your chauffeur and surgical assistant all in one fabulous package today.” 

As they drove through the quiet morning streets, Katherine glanced at Irene’s contemplative expression. “Penny for your thoughts?” 

Irene sighed, watching the familiar buildings slip by. “Just thinking about how strange life can be. Five years ago, I never imagined I’d be back here, let alone operating on a brother I barely know.” 

“Who doesn’t even know it’s you doing the surgery,” Katherine added. 

“That’s the way it needs to be,” Irene said firmly. “I’m just Dr. Joy to them. It’s simpler that way.” 

Katherine shook her head with a small smile. “Only you would call any of this ‘simple. Most people would be a nervous wreck 

operating on family.” 

“He’s not family, not really,” Irene replied quietly. “Just someone with the same blood.” 

“Well, blood or not, he’s getting the best surgeon on the continent,” Katherine declared, expertly navigating a turn. “Lucky guy.” 

Trene’s lips curved slightly. Katherine’s unwavering confidence in her abilities was like a steady lighthouse in the storm of her 

complicated life. It was one of the many reasons their friendship had endured through the years. 

2/3 

Chapter 83 

The drive to Silver City Privals Medical Center took less than twenty minutes in the early morning traffic. The staff was already waiting as Katherine pulled into the reserved spot. 

Dr. Joy, welcome, the hospital director said with obvious enthusiast Everything’s set up just like you asked. The OR is ready whenever you are.” 

Irene nodded, shifting fully into professional mode. I’ll need thirty minutes to check the final scans and prep. Then we can start. 

As they walked through the corridors, Katherine filled her in on overnight developments. “His vitals are stable. Pre–op meds went in exactly on schedule. All your specialized equipment’s been triple–checked.” 

Irene took it all in while mentally preparing for the complex procedure ahead. In the doctors‘ locker room, she changed into scrubs, her movements quick and efficient. By the time she emerged, Dr. Joy was fully in place–confident, authoritative, and ready to work. 

Chapter Comments 

LIKE 

POST COMMENT NOW