Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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Anna watched Richard from the corner of her eye, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her palm. The way he kept staring at Irene made her stomach churn. She knew that look she’d seen it on his face five years ago when Irene first came to claim her place in the Sterling family. Back then, it had been fleeting, quickly replaced by disgust when Irene’s suburban background became apparent.

But now? Now his gaze lingered, following every graceful movement as Irene tended to her grandfather. Even the presence of thres children didn’t seem to deter his interest. If anything, watching Irene with her triplets only seemed to fascinate him more.

This can’t be happening, Anna thought, barely suppressing a shudder Not again. Not after everything I’ve done to secure my position.

She glided closer to Richard, letting her shoulder brush against his arm in a move practiced countless times. “Richard,” she whispered, her voice dripping with carefully crafted concern, “do you think Grandfather will be alright?” As she spoke, she discreetly pinched his side – hard enough to make him flinch.

Richard winced at the pinch, turning to Anna with barely concealed annoyance. But noticing her tear–stained face, his expression quickly shifted to one of calculated concern. Now wasn’t the time to confront her, especially with Irene present.

“Why the tears?” he asked with perfectly practiced sympathy, though his eyes kept drifting toward Irene. “Don’t worry too much. Mr. Sterling is strong – I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

–

The words came out smooth but hollow, his attention clearly elsewhere as he watched Irene adjust Joseph’s pillows with practiced ease. The transformation in her was remarkable. Gone was the awkward girl from the suburbs; in her place stood a woman who carried herself with the kind of confidence money couldn’t buy.

“Mom?” Lily’s sweet voice cut through the tension. “Great–grandfather’s blanket is slipping.”

Irene immediately adjusted the covers, her movements gentle but sure. The triplets clustered around her like tiny guardians, their matching eyes watching the room with surprising intensity for five–year–olds.

Anna watched this display with growing fury, her teeth clenched behind her perfect smile. That bitch! she thought venomously. She left years ago the Sterlings didn’t even want her then. Why come back now?

–

Her eyes narrowed as she watched Richard’s obvious interest. And looking like this… she’s just here to seduce men and cause trouble.

The rage churning in her stomach was almost unbearable, but Anna was nothing if not a skilled actress. She arranged her features into a perfect mask of sorrow, her voice trembling with carefully crafted emotion.

“I can see that Grandfather truly doesn’t care for me,” she said softly eyes downcast. “Perhaps I should stay away from now on.” She turned to Irene, the picture of graceful surrender. “Now that you’re back from abroad, why don’t you move back to Sterling Manor? I’ll make sure to keep my It would be easier on Grandfather than having him travel back and forth. Don’t worry about seeing me distance. You can rest assured of that.”

–

“My darling,” Rose suddenly announced, pulling Anna into a protective embrace. “You mustn’t blame yourself. None of this would have happened if certain people hadn’t tried to manipulate poor Father.”

“Besides,” Rose’s voice turned sharp as a blade, “the Sterling family has no place for such an unfilial daughter! Let me make one thing perfectly clear, Irene – you have absolutely no right to touch those shares. Your grandfather spent his entire life b company. How dare you try to claim what isn’t yours? You will return every single share today, no matter what!”

The demand hung in the air, harsh and uncompromising.

ing this

Irene let out a soft, cold laugh. Though she looked almost fragile sitting by the hospital bed, her spine remained straight as steel, a quiet defiance radiating from her slender frame. “And if I refuse?”

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Chapter 40

“Then you won’t be leaving this room today! Rose’s threat came out sharp and deadly serious, her stance making it clear she meant

every word.

The atmosphere in the hospital toom grew thick with tension, the conflict ready to explode at any moment.

“All these years, your brother and I have kept this company running together,” John’s voice hardened with barely contained anger. ‘You’ve contributed nothing. Nothing!”

Nathan seized this moment to step in, his CEO persona in full effect “Think about it rationally, Irene. We can offer you a very generous settlement enough to give you and your children a comfortable life. Wouldn’t that be better than getting tangled up in corporate politics?”

The perfect double act – John’s anger followed by Nathan’s seemingly reasonable proposal. But their eyes told a different story cold, calculating, brooking no real refusal.

“You want my answer?” Irene finally looked up, her eyes hard as diamonds. “No. The shares are mine – Grandfather’s gift to his true granddaughter. If you have a problem with that, take it up with him

“Mom,” Alex’s voice rang out clear and firm, making everyone tur

he believes in you.”

Don’t let them bully you. Great–grandfather chose you because

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