Chapter 94
The Haven family mansion loomed against the darkening sky, its century–old facade still as imposing as the day it was built. Thomas eased the car to a stop in front of the grand entrance, where manicured hedges made their silent statement of old money
and power.
“Arriving at exactly six–thirty, sir, Thomas announced, checking his watch before exiting to retrieve Adam’s wheelchair.
Adam gazed up at his grandfather’s home through the tinted windows. The mansion represented everything the Haven name stood for–tradition, wealth, stability–yet tonight it felt more like a battlefeld than a family gathering spot.
Thomas opened the passenger door and positioned the wheelchair with practiced efficiency. “Ready when you are,
sir.
Adam transferred himself with the fluid motion he’d perfected over months of practice, his upper body strength compensating for his still–recovering legs. The suit Thomas had selected was impeccabe–charcoal gray, perfectly tailored to hide the slight atrophy in his legs while emphasizing his broad shoulders.
“I don’t expect this will end early,” Adam remarked. “But stay alert. I may need a quick exit.”
As they approached the entrance, the massive doors swung open. George Haven stood in the doorway, his imposing figure barely diminished by his seventy–plus years. Despite his age, he still stood straight as a rod, the only concession to time being the deep lines around his eyes and his silver hair.
“Finally showing up, are you?” George’s gruff voice carried the familiar notes of feigned annoyance that Adam recognized as
affection. “Been waiting half the afternoon for you.”
Adam allowed a small smile as Thomas wheeled him into the foyer. “Traffic was light, which means I’m actually early by Haven
standards.”
George’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he studied his grandson. “How’s that body of yours holding up? Your father mentioned something about a new doctor?”
“Old news. Everything’s the same.” Adam deliberately kept his answer vague. Until he could actually stand on his own–until Dr. Sterling’s treatments had delivered definitive results–Adam preferred to keep his family’s expectations firmly grounded.
George studied him for a moment but didn’t push. “Well then, come keep your grandfather company with a game of chess before the vultures descend.”
“Nice to hear you’re still referring to your own children that way.”
“Bah.” George waved a dismissive hand. “They’re worse every year. Taking after me, I suppose.”
For the next hour, grandfather and grandson engaged in a silent battle across sixty–four squares. Adam appreciated these moments -the quiet competition without the endless maneuvering that characterized most Haven interactions,
Their game was interrupted by voices in the foyer–the rest of the Haven clan arriving for the monthly dinner obligation. First came Adam’s parents, Marcus and Sophia, both looking polished and perfect. Next arrived Victor with his wife, their forced smiles doing little to hide the tension radiating from them.
The remaining siblings filtered in–Adam’s aunts Elena and her younger sister, followed by his two uncles with their spouses. Within minutes, the previously peaceful atmosphere hummed with the particular energy that only came from putting too many Havens in
one room.
‘Shall we move to the dining room?” George announced, effectively herding everyone toward the long table.
Adam positioned himself near his grandfather, knowing that proximity to George was the best defense against Victor’s inevitable
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prodding. He wasn’t disappointed.
“So, nephew, Victor began once the first course had been served, “Those overseas investment losses–I hear you’ve identified the source of the problem. But how does our CEO plan to recoup nearly hundred and seventy million in company funds?”
Adam cut into his steak with deliberate precision, not bothering to look up. “The investigation is ongoing. You’ll be notified of the results when appropriate.”
Victor’s jaw tightened. “That’s hardly reassuring. As a board member with significant stake in those investments, I think I deserve more than vague assurances.”
“Adam, this isn’t personal,” he continued, ignoring Marcus’s warning glance. “With your… condition… it’s understandable that some details might slip through the cracks. I’m simply offering my experience.”
Adam finally looked up, his gray eyes cool as steel. “Your concern is noted, Uncle. But the situation is under control. When the investigation concludes, you’ll be among the first informed.”
The calculated ambiguity in Adam’s response wasn’t lost on Victor. Uncertainty flashed across his face–had Adam discovered the document tampering? The redirected funds?
Elena, always quick to detect tension, jumped in. She turned to Adam with twinkling eyes. “So when were you going to tell us about Miss Wright? I heard she’s been spotted at your place recently.” Elena leaned forward, lowering her voice to a stage whisper. “Her mother’s practically planning the wedding already!”
Adam sighed, setting down his fork. “There’s nothing to plan. We’ve barely exchanged ten words at social events.”
“Oh come now,” Elena teased, clearly enjoying herself. “That’s not what I heard. Her mother told everyone at the charity luncheon that you two-
“Hardly know each other,” Adam finished coolly, his tone final. “Whatever impressions they’re creating… they’re entirely one–sided.”
The conversation pivoted to other family matters, but Adam remained largely silent, occasionally checking the clock with increasing impatience.
After dinner, the family moved to the drawing room for coffee. By nine o’clock, Adam had checked his watch for the third time. The treatment session with Dr. Sterling couldn’t be missed, especially after yesterday’s encouraging progress.
“Grandfather,” he announced, “It’s getting late. I should head back.”
George looked up in surprise. “At this hour? The guest rooms are always prepared. Stay the night–your old room is exactly as you
left it.”
“Thank you, but I can’t. Someone’s waiting for me.”
Thomas materialized as if summoned, ready to escort Adam out. The timing was too perfect to be coincidence–Adam had clearly arranged this exit strategy in advance.
Elena perked up at Adam’s words, eyes widening with delight. “Well, well! A late–night rendezvous? Do tell, nephew!”
Adam merely inclined his head in a noncommittal goodbye. Behind him, he could hear Elena’s speculative whispers, undoubtedly assuming he was meeting some secret paramour.
His parents exchanged puzzled glances. Marcus knew his son’s schedule better than most, and aside from Thomas, Adam’s. was practically empty. Who could possibly be waiting for him at this hour?
As the mansion door closed behind them, Adam exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing. The night air felt cool against
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his face after hours in the stiling family atmosphere.
“Home, sir?” Thomas asked, already knowing the answer.
“Yes,” Adam replied, his thoughts turning to the doctor who would be waiting with those skilled, healing hands. “And Thomas? Drive faster than usual. We’re later than I intended.”
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