Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 293

Chapter 293

BANG!

Matthew’s hand jerked, tea sloshing dangerously close to the rim of is cup. Without looking up, he set it down before raising his eyes to meet Irene’s.

No one else would dare burst into his office like that. Only her.

“Tea?” he asked, lips quitking upward as he nodded toward the empty chair.

Irene leaned against the doc frame. “Actually-

“On second thought,” Matthew cut in, “forget the tea. You hardly ever show up here, and I’ve got nothing pressing. Coffee somewhere that doesn’t smell like disinfectant?”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sure.”

Perfect timing, really. Wesley and Brandon could use some brother time without her hovering.

The café near the hospital hummed with quiet conversation. A barista called out orders while soft music played overhead. Matthew watched Irene over the rim of his cup, the afternoon light catching on her profile.

“So,” he said, stirring his coffee absently, “there’s this art exhibition this weekend. Any chance you’d bring the kids? Could be fun.

Irene’s gaze drifted. Island memories washed over her–Adam laughing as the triplets buried his wheelchair in sand, his eyes finding hers across firelit dinners. The warmth of his hand on hers under the stars, sending shivers up her arm that had nothing to do with the evening breeze. She felt torn, wanting to preserve those special moments yet uncertain about what they meant.

Her lips parted to decline.

“The triplets are into painting lately, right?” Matthew pressed, reading her hesitation. “Kids learn from seeing the real thing. Inspiration and all that.”

Irene sipped her coffee, weighing her options. Lily had been painting non–stop lately.

“Why not?” she finally said with a small shrug. “They might enjoy it.

Matthew’s eyes lit up, crinkling at the corners.

Later that evening, Irene hunched over a small table in her backyard, measuring ingredients with practiced hands triplets shrieked and giggled, their game of tag turning the garden into a battlefield of laughter.

Behind her, the

She didn’t notice Adam until his shadow fell across her workspace. He stood watching the kids chase each other, his face softening in a way it never did in boardrooms.

“What’s that?” he asked, nodding at the mixture.

Irene looked up briefly. “Special mix for Wesley. Helps his pain and sleeping trouble.” She tapped a small vial again. kept his problems a secret again.”

table. “He

Adam watched her hands move with quiet efficiency, measuring and mixing with the confidence of someone who’d done this a thousand times.

“You’ve got something…” he reached out, his finger brushing the tip of her nose. “Powder.”

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Chapter 293

The touch was quick, casual–but neither missed how his hand lingered a beat too long. Irene’s skin tingled where he’d touched her, a warmth spreading through er chest that made her momentarily forget about the mixture she was preparing.

From the doorway, Wesley caught the moment. He watched his sister work, noted how Adam’s eyes followed her ever move. Something tightened in his chest as he slipped back upstairs unnoticed.

After dinner, Irene knocked on Wesley’s door, container in hand.

“Apply before bed,” she said, passing it over. “And next time something feels off, tell me immediately. You have no idea how dangerous hiding symptonis can be.”

Wesley’s fingers closed around the container, surprisingly heavy for is size.

“Got it, sis. His eyes met hers. “No more secrets.”

As she turned to leave, he added quietly, “You and Adam make sense together, you know?”

Irene froze midstep, then continued out without responding.

During treatment that night, the soft beep of equipment filled the room as Irene adjusted settings on Adam’s machine.

“How bad is Wesley doing?” Adam asked, watching her hands work.

Irene sighed, blowing a strand of hair from her face. “He ignored all the warning signs. Typical Wesley–suffer in silence until everything falls apart.”

She pulled a small container from her pocket and placed it in his palm.

“Take this before bed,” she explained, tapping it with her finger. “You work too late. It’ll help you sleep better. Don’t wear yourself

out.”

Their fingers brushed during the exchange, neither pulling away too quickly.

“You’re always taking care of everyone,” Adam said, his voice rougher than usual. “Who takes care of you?”

The question hung between them, unanswered.

As Adam gathered his things to leave, three small shadows ambushed him, tugging him toward the kitchen with exaggerated stealth.

“Uncle Adam!” Lucas whispered, eyes darting around like a spy in a B–movie. “Top–secret info! Uncle Matthew asked Mom and us to some boring art thing this weekend!”

Adam said nothing, his gaze shifting to Alex the most level–headed of the three. The boy’s expression was completely serious, no hint of mischief or deception. Plus, they clearly had the exhibition tickets in hand.

Adam fell silent, suddenly at a loss for words. The children’s obvious preference for him was touching, but…

If Irene had already told the kids about these plans, she must have agreed to go. The thought left him feeling strangely deflated.

“Your mom already agreed to go with Matthew,” he pointed out quietly.

“But we don’t wanna go,” Lucas whined. And we were invited too, so it’s totally legit if you sub in!”

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