Chapter 255
Marcus swirled his whiskey as Sophia paced back and forth. “Did you hear what Adam did? the asked, stopping mid–stride. 16 song Lewis to handle that Sterling gif’s case. Our top lawyer!
“I know.” Marcus took a sip, watching his wife’s reflection in the window.
“It’s all because of that doctor,” Sophia said, tapping her fingers against her thigh. ‘We need to split them up before this goes any
further.”
Marcus set his glass down. “Adam’s closing that M Country deal next week. He’ll be traveling. He gave her a meaningful look. “Perfect time to break their routine. We could send Natalie instead.
Sophia’s irritation melted into a calculating smile. “A week away from that woman. That might work.”
Meanwhile, across town, Adam ended his video call about the M Country partnership. The officials were pushy, but this deal would open huge markets. He had to go. His first thought was how this would affect his sessions with Irene.
That evening, he found her in the kitchen where Lucas was telling some wild story while Lily sneakily grabbed a fry from Alex’s plate.
“Hey,” she smiled at him. “Hungry?”
Need to talk,” he said, nodding toward her study,
Once alone, he got straight to the point. “I’m heading to M Country next week. The deal’s ready to sign.”
Her smile dropped. “For how long?”
“A week. Maybe longer.”
She chewed her lip, thinking. “Brandon and Wesley still need help every day. And you’re doing so well…”
“Don’t worry about me,” Adam said. “I know you have other people to look after.”
“It’s not that,” she shook her head. “Your recovery is at a key point. Skipping now could set you back.”
“Take your time. Just think about it,” he said, trying to hide his disappointment.
After he left, three little figures appeared in the doorway with suspiciously serious faces.
“Mom,” Lily said, jumping onto the couch. “You should go with Uncle Adam.”
Alex adjusted his glasses. “What if his legs get worse and you’re not there?”
“Katherine can help the uncles,” Lucas added. “She knows what she’s doing!”
Irene squinted at them. “Since when do you care so much about this?”
They traded looks that weren’t subtle at all.
“We just want Uncle Adam to get better,” Lily said with a smile that screamed ulterior motive.
Irene shook her head and grabbed her phone. “I’ll call Katherine.”
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Chapter 255
The next morning over breaktast, Irene put down her coffee mug dam tolled into the dining room. I’m coming with you to b Country
His face stayed neutral, but his eyes lit up. You sure?‘
“Katherine’s got things covered here,” she said.
Brandon’s fork hit his plate with a clang. “Wait, what? You’re leaving us for him? He looked betrayed. “We need you here?
Katherine leaned into the doorway from the living room. “Something wrong with how I treat patients?” she asked, eyebrow raised.
Brandon nearly choked on his pancake. “No! I didn’t meaf-
“Adam’s at a turning point, Irene said calmly. “I need to keep an eye on him myself.
“Then make Katherine go with him!” Brandon whined.
Before Irene could respond, the triplets shoved toast into Brandon’s mouth from all directions.
“Eat up, Uncle Brandon!” Lucas grinned.
“Food’s better when it’s hot,” Alex said wisely.
Chewing is good for you,” Lily added, patting his arm.
Brandon glared over his stuffed cheeks while Adam’s mouth twitched with amusement.
Later that afternoon, Irene was throwing clothes into her suitcase when Brandon knocked on her door.
“Got a minute?” he asked, shifting from foot to foot.
She nodded, folding a sweater. “Sure.”
He dropped onto her bed, fidgeting. “I know I was a pain at breakfast. But I’m worried. He lowered his voice. “You’ll be alone with Haven and his people. The only Sterling in the mix.”
Brandon dug in his pocket and pressed something into her hand–a small canister with a safety cap.
“Pepper spray?” Irene snorted. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Just keep it on you,” he insisted. “To protect yourself.”
She burst out laughing. “Brandon, I don’t–wait, can this even go through airport security?”
His face went blank in an ‘I didn’t think of that‘ moment. Then he lit up. “I’ll get my overseas buddies to have one waiting for you!”
Tll be fine,” she said, touched by his concern even if it was ridiculous.
The following morning, Irene arrived at Adam’s house with her luggage. She’d barely stepped into the foyer when she spotted Natalie Snow standing in the living room looking perfectly put–together.
“Dr. Sterling, Natalie nodded. “Didn’t expect to see you.”
J
What are you doing here?” Irene asked, setting her bag down.
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Chapter 255
Mrs. Haven asked me to go with Adam, Natalle explained, her smile tightening. Figured yourd his busy with other patients
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