Login via

Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 304

Chapter 304

Mike’s face darkened as he pointed an accusing finger at Irene. Your family ruins everything they touch! Beside him, Jenny trembled, tears threatening to spill.

Joseph’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.

The Claires glanced around the room, finally registering what they were up againstBrandon’s murderous glare, Katherine’s clenched fists, Adam’s icecold stare. Even they weren’t stupid enough to push their luck.

This isn’t over, Jenny hissed, tugging Mike’s sleeve. The door slammed behind them with a bang that seemed to

echo forever.

For a beat, nobody moved. The festive decorations suddenly felt ridiculous, like a bad joke nobody laughed at.

Brandon shattered the silence, smacking his thigh hard. Unbelievable! Even from prison, Anna’s still screwing things up!He ran a hand through his hair, cheeks flushed with anger. She’s not a Sterling anymoreshe’s all Claire. That whole family’s rotten except for Ethan. Only good apple in that trash barrel.

Prison must be too comfy,he continued, gathering steam. Giving her parents all this free time to crash parties and ruin everything we spent days planning!

Miles away, Nathan sneezed out of nowhere, blinking in confusion as he rubbed his nose. Weird.

Irene watched her brother rage, torn between heartfelt agreement and bonedeep exhaustion. This spotlight birthdayher first real celebration in foreverwas spiraling into disaster, happiness evaporating faster than spilled champagne.

Screw em,she said suddenly, grabbing a knife and heading toward the cake. I’m not letting those two wreck our day.

She cut a perfect slice and handed it to Joseph. Here, Grandfather. Share my birthday luck. Let’s all hit a hundred,

yeah?

Joseph’s weathered face softened as he took the plate. Good, good, good,he repeated, tension melting away. That’s my girl.

The triplets, who’d been frozen like startled deer, crept back toward the table. Their eyes sought permission in that silent way kids do when adults have just had a blowout. Irene nodded, feeling her heart lift as their grins.

returned.

She grabbed her own piece and dropped onto the sofa, managing a smile that didn’t quite stick the landing. Her fingers drummed against her kneea little tell that Adam caught immediately.

He’d spent enough time watching her to recognize the signs: the slight tightness around her eyes, that almost invisible fingertapping. She was freaking out about Ethan but holding it together for everyone else.

Irene barely tasted her cake. Jenny’s insults meant nothingwater off a duck’s backbut Ethanwhere would he go? The kid barely knew Silver City. His crushed expression haunted her, the way his shoulders had curved inward

1/3

Chapter 304

like he was trying to disappear.

He’d been so damn proud of that little crystal bear.

Her only lifeline was knowing Thomas had slipped out after him. Adam had orchestrated that without her asking- just another example of how he’d started anticipating her needs before she voiced them.

The party chatter washed over her in waves as she nodded and smiled on autopilot, her thoughts still chasing a lanky teenager through unfamiliar streets.

Adam’s phone chimed, cutting through her spiral. He answered with his eyes already finding hers across the room.

Thomas,he said, his voice deliberately loud enough for her to hear.

Irene’s head snapped up, her cake forgotten. Adam held out the phone without her having to ask.

Irene, got him,Thomas’s slightly breathless voice reported. Kid’s safe but pretty upset. Says he can’t face you-

too embarrassed.

Relief hit her like a shot of whiskey, warm and immediate. Thank god,she breathed.

Nearly lost him twice,Thomas added, sounding almost impressed. Kid’s quick.

Irene considered for a moment, understanding Ethan better than he probably realized. Don’t bring him back tonight,she decided. Find him somewhere to crash. I’ll talk to him tomorrow when he’s had time to chill.

At sixteen, everything felt like the apocalypseespecially public humiliation. Forcing him back now would only pour salt on the wound. He needed space to lick his wounds, to scrape together some dignity before facing her

again.

She knew exactly what was eating him: he thought this disaster was his fault. That somehow, by showing up for her birthday, he’d caused his parentsbehavior.

Got it covered,Thomas assured her. He’ll be fine.

As Adam pocketed his phone, their eyes met. Thanks,she said simply.

Those six letters carried everything she couldn’t put into words: gratitude for sending Thomas, for always having her back, for somehow knowing what she needed before she did.

Meanwhile, Thomas turned to the sullen teenager beside him. Heard all that? Your sister’s worried sick. She wants you to take some breathing room, but I’m supposed to make sure you don’t sleep under a bridge.

Ethan stared at his shoes, guilt written across his face like graffiti. Shouldn’t have come. Just made everything

worse.

Nope,Thomas countered, surprisingly gentle. You made her day. Your parents trashed it. Big difference.

Ethan’s shoulders stayed hunched, but he nodded slightly. If you say so.

2/3

Verify captcha to read the content.Verify captcha to read the content

Reading History

No history.

Comments

The readers' comments on the novel: Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire