Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 161

Anna’s phone lit up with Natha’s name, sending a jolt through her she quickly masked her excitement, though no one was there to see it. After the hospital disaster with Rose and the triplets, she’d figured her ‘brother was done with her.

“Hello?” she answered, keeping her voice neutral despite the hope tering in her chest..

“Anna.” Nathan sounded tired. “Got time to see Mom today? She’s not doing great.”

She sat up straight, instantly alert. There was something in his tone was this about Richard’s sudden appearance at the Sterling

house?

“Of course,” she replied, concern dripping from every syllable. “Is something wrong? Or is it… something else?”

A beat of silence. “Richard stopped by last night. Said you two had talked.”

Got him. Anna bit her lip, mind racing to craft the perfect response something that would make her seem mature and selfless.

“I’m really sorry about everything,” she whispered, her voice breaking just enough. “I never should’ve tried to frame Irene. I was just… so jealous, and I wanted Richard to notice me more. It was stupid.”

She swallowed hard, as if fighting tears. “I’ve done a lot of thinking. I’m not chasing after him anymore. It’s over.”

The line went quiet, and Anna held her breath.

“No matter what happens, I’m still your brother,” Nathan finally said, his tone softening just enough to tell her she’d nailed it.

Anna allowed herself a tiny, victorious smile as she wiped away nonexistent tears.

“How’s the company doing?” she asked, smoothly changing subjects. Everything okay?”

Nathan sighed. “Not great. Haven pulled out of our collaboration. Were scrambling.”

“That’s awful!” Anna exclaimed, faking shock. “Irene crossed a line, didn’t she? I mean, Rose is still her mother. How could she be so disrespectful?”

Twenty minutes later, Nathan’s car pulled up outside her building. Anna slid in beside him, looking appropriately subdued.

The Sterling mansion felt eerily quiet. Rose sat flipping mindlessly through a magazine, her face drawn with stress. When she spotted Anna, her expression immediately softened.

“There’s my good girl,” she said, reaching for Anna’s hands. “At least you still care about your mother. Not like that ungrateful child who’s giving me heart palpitations!”

Anna squeezed back, leaning in close. “Don’t get yourself worked up. Your health matters more than anything.” She hesitated, then added softly, “What if I apologize to her for you? The family can’t fall apart over this.”

Rose’s eyes welled up. “My sweet daughter,” she murmured, pulling Anna close. “You’re the only one who truly thinks about this family.”

For the next hour, Rose clutched Anna’s hand, venting about Irene while praising Anna’s loyalty. Anna nodded sympathetically, playing her part to perfection.

Later that afternoon, Anna stood outside Emerald Garden’s imposing gates, envy and determination battling in her chest. This ritzy

neighborhood represented everything she’d been promised but never received. Now Irene–that nobody from nowhere–lived here

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Chapter 161.

while she was stuck in a modest apartment downtown.

“I’m looking for Irene Sterling, she told the security guard, flashing her practiced smile. “I’m Anna Claire. It’s urgent family business.

The guard made a quick call, his expression shifting from professional to uncomfortable. ‘I’m sorry, Ms. Claire, Ms. Sterling doesn’t wish to see you.”

Anna’s smile cracked. “Tell her it’s important. I need to speak with her now.”

Another call, another rejection. Heat rose to Anna’s face.

“You tell her if she doesn’t see me, I’m not leaving!” Anna shouted toward the intercom. ‘I’ll stand right here until she talks to me!”

The guard winced before relaying Irene’s response; “She says you’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but she won’t be seeing you. And I can’t let you inside.”

Anna’s face burned. Standing outside like a beggar while Irene lounged in luxury–it was humiliating. Still, she crossed her arms and planted her feet. She would not be dismissed.

Hours crawled by. The afternoon sun vanished behind heavy clouds, and the temperature plummeted. The first raindrops fell tentatively, then gained confidence until a steady shower pattered around her. Still, Anna stayed put, her clothes soaking through, her perfect makeup washing away in dark streaks.

Inside Adam’s house, Irene was setting up her treatment equipment when security called again.

“Ms. Sterling, sorry to bother you, but that Anna woman is still out there. She’s getting drenched but refuses to leave.”

Irene rubbed her temples, feeling a headache brewing. Without hesitation, she dialed Nathan.

“Get your sister from the Emerald Garden gate,” she snapped the moment he answered. “She’s standing in the rain pulling some drama queen stunt. If she gets sick, don’t blame me. And tell her Rose is the one who needs to apologize to my son, not her playing

messenger.

She hung up before he could respond, then took a deep breath. When she looked up, Adam was watching her from across the room.

“Thomas,” he said without breaking eye contact with Irene, “call property management. From now on, handle these situations directly–get security or police involved if needed. Don’t bother the residents.”

His authoritative tone left no room for argument. Irene felt a wave of relief wash over her. His no–nonsense approach to dealing with Anna was exactly what she needed—no drama, just efficient problem–solving.

As the rain intensified, Nathan’s car skidded to a halt outside the gates. Through the downpour, he spotted Anna’s soaked figure standing there with stubborn determination.

“Anna!” he called, sprinting toward her, suit be damned.

She turned at his voice, mascara running down her pale cheeks. As their eyes met, she swayed unsteadily. Before Nathan could reach her, Anna’s knees buckled, and she crumpled onto the wet pavement

“Anna!” he shouted athering her limp body in his arms. Her skin felt ice–cold through the soaked clothing. “Damn it!”

He carried her to his car, cranking the heat as he sped toward the hospital, one hand checking her pulse while he drove.

Within an hour, the hospital corridor filled with Sterlings. John paced nervously while Rose alternated between sobbing and cursing

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