Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 387

Chapter 387

Irene scrambled upright in bed when Adam’s name flashed on her screen. She ran her fingers through her tangled hair before accepting the video call

Adam appeared on screen, the office lights highlighting his exhausted face. His tie hung loosely around his neck, but his eyes brightened when he saw her,

‘Hey,‘ he said, his voice carrying that particular brand of tired that somehow sounded sexy, “Still up?”

“Still working? It’s practically tomorrow already.”

“The overseas acquisition is kicking my ass,” Adam explained, massaging his temple. “We’ve bought several companies recently, and merging them is like herding cats with spreadsheets. He stifled a yawn.

A small smile tugged at his lips when he caught her worried expression. “What’s this? Are you actually worried about me, Sterling?”

“Of course I’m worried! The words tumbled out before Irene could filter them. “What if you work yourself sick? Who’s going to drive me crazy then? Heat rushed to her cheeks the moment the words left her mouth.

She dropped her gaze to her fingers, surprised at how easily she’d let her guard down. When did I become the kind of woman who worries out loud? she wondered. The kind who shows her soft underbelly without thinking twice?

As she watched Adam, Sophia’s earlier comments slithered back into her mind. Her eyes flickered down to her hands–hands that had changed countless diapers and built a life from scratch. Were these the hands of someone who belonged with a man like Adam Haven?

The contrast between them suddenly felt stark. He commanded boardrooms while she commanded bedtime routines. Her thoughts drifted to women like Samantha Wright, who probably knew which fork to use at fancy dinners and never had mac and cheese stuck to her designer clothes.

“Irene? Earth to Irene? Did I lose you there?”

She blinked rapidly. “What? Sorry, I zoned out.”

Adam leaned closer to the camera, his eyes narrowing with concern. “You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world tonight. What’s going on?”

He studied her face with such intensity that Irene felt completely transparent.

A lump formed in her throat. This man notices everything, she thought. Even through a pixelated screen at midnight.

“Nothing major,” she said softly. “I just… miss having you around, that’s all. She bit her lip immediately after, her eyes darting away.

Adam’s face brightened instantly, though he playfully cupped his ear. “Sorry, what was that? Bad connection. One more time?”

Despite his attempt at nonchalance, his lips curled into a victorious smile.

‘Don’t push your luck, Haven,” Irene shot back, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. “Your hearing works just fine.”

‘Not nearly good enough, Adam replied, his voice dropping to a register that made her toes curl. “Say it again. Please? I need the ego boost.”

His gaze held her captive, making it impossible to refuse.

“I… miss you,‘ she repeated, stealing glances at him like a teenager with a crush.

‘I miss you too,” Adam responded, his expression softening. More than makes sense, honestly.”

In the brief silence that followed, Irene could almost hear the unspoken words hanging between them. The intensity in his eyes made her earlier insecurities seem suddenly smaller.

“Alright, I should probably let you get back to your corporate empire–building,” she said. “The longer we talk, the later you’ll be crawling home. Finish up and get some rest, okay?” Her fingers brushed against the screen in a gesture that felt both silly and necessary.

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Chapter 387

“Wait, don’t hang up yet, Adam said, setting his pen down. “Just stay a minute?

“I won’t hang up, the reassured him. “But I don’t want to be the reason you’re still at the office at breakfast time. Maybe I could post keep yus company? She settled back against her headboard,

Adam shook his head with a smile. That would be too hard on you.” He paused, then hit expression shifted to something playful. “Irene,

Seeing her deer–in–headlights look, Adam demonstrated. Like this–mua- He made an exaggerated kissing motion that somehow managed is he herb ridiculous and endearing.

Irene stared at him, her face burning hot, her heart doing gymnastics in her chest. After a moment’s hesitation, she leaned forward and prassed the invest kiss toward the screen. ‘Mua… she whispered, so quietly it might have been just a breath.

They shared a smile that said more than words could, both reluctant to end the call but knowing they must. Adam promised to text when he got home, and they finally said goodnight.

After hanging up, Irene hugged her phone to her chest and flopped back onto her bed, feeling like someone had popped the balloon of anxiety that fed heers expanding in her chest all evening.

Moonlight painted silver stripes across her ceiling as she stared upward, Adam’s tired but caring expression still fresh in her mind.

Her thoughts gradually crystallized in the quiet. She would no longer let Sophia’s words burrow under her skin. Whatever obstacles lay ahead, she was determined to face them head–on if Adam was willing to stand beside her.

As long as he wants this–wants us–I won’t back down, she promised herself, a smile playing on her lips as sleep finally claimed her, her phone still nestled beside her pillow.

The next morning, Sophia was midway through her grapefruit when her phone rang. Seeing the private medical center’s number, she practically lunged for it.

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