Genius Kids' Scheme Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Joseph sat in his new study at the Emerald Garden Estate, basking in the morning sunlight. The gentle warmth seemed to mirror his own contentment – finally, after all these years, he had his true granddaughter and great–grandchildren close by. But there was still

more to be done.

“James,” he called out, his voice carrying the weight of authority despite his recent injury. “From today onwards, you’ll be staying

here.”

The longtime family butler stood at attention, his professional demeanor masking any surprise he might have felt at the sudden reassignment. Before he could respond, Irene’s voice drifted in from the doorway.

“James, you’ve always taken such good care of Grandfather, and you know all his habits better than anyone.” She smiled warmly, gesturing at the three small whirlwinds currently chasing each other through the garden outside. “Plus, I could really use your help with those little troublemakers. Even Grandfather can barely handle them when they get going.”

James’s usually stoic expression softened slightly at the sight of the triplets. Those children had a way of melting even the most professional facades.

“Irene,” Joseph’s voice grew serious as he turned to face his granddaughter. “Now that the share transfer is complète, it’s time we made your return to the family official. You need to be registered in the family records – where you belong.”

Irene’s smile dimmed slightly as she shook her head. “Grandfather, there’s no need to rush. Your acceptance is all that matters to

1. me.

“How can I not rush?” Joseph’s fist came down on his armrest with surprising force. “You’re my granddaughter! Everyone needs to know about you. Those three children are Sterling blood too!”

Irene felt her throat tighten at the fierce pride in his voice. But she already knew how this would play out – John and Rose would never accept it. Their rejection of her had never been about blood or family; it was about their own pride and appearances.

The familiar halls of Sterling Manor felt colder than James remembered as he returned to collect some necessities. He hadn’t made

it three steps before Rose’s sharp voice cut through the air.

“Well, well, look who’s back.” Her perfectly manicured nails drummed against her crossed arms. “What could the old man possibly need from you? Isn’t he living it up in that precious granddaughter’s Emerald Garden villa?” The way she spat out ‘Emerald Garden‘ dripped with barely contained jealousy – after all her social climbing she’d never managed to secure a residence there herself.

James straightened his spine, years of professional training barely masking his distaste. “Mrs. Sterling, Mr. Sterling has expressed his wish to have Miss Irene officially return to the family. He wants her name registered in the family records.”

“Has he lost his mind?” Rose’s shriek could have shattered crystal.

John burst out of his study, face thunderous. “Irene’s actions were disgraceful enough! She single–handedly dragged the Sterling name through the mud! And those three bastard children? They’re an absolute disgrace! Father’s completely lost it!”

Rose’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You tell the old man we absolutely forbid this! The Sterling family has standards to maintain!”

Back at Emerald Garden Estate, James delivered the predictable response. Joseph’s shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment etching deeper lines in his weathered face.

“Grandfather, I understand how you feel.” Irene’s voice was gentle as she squeezed his hand. “But let’s not force the issue. I’ve made

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Chapter 53

my peace with it long ago.”

Joseph’s eyes filled with pain as he looked at her. “You’ve suffered so much, my dear. None of it was your fault, yet you bore all the consequences. Growing up in the suburbs without parents‘ love, raising three children alone through such hardship.” His voice cracked slightly. “I just want to see you have everything – find a good man, get married, have a real home.”

Irene recognized the worry behind his words. He knew his own health wasn’t getting any better, and the thought of leaving her alone weighed heavily on him.

The somber mood was broken by the arrival of Adam and Thomas, the latter practically bouncing with curiosity.

“Marriage?” Thomas’s eyes went wide. “Dr. Sterling is getting engaged? That’s so sudden! Who’s the lucky guy? How come I’ve never heard about this?”

Irene shot him a withering look. “There’s no such thing. Stop making things up.”

Thomas scratched his head in confusion, but before he could probe further, the triplets came barreling in.

“Great–grandfather just said he wants to find Mom someone to marry! Alex announced with all the gravity a five–year–old could

muster.

“But we have to like him first!” Lucas added firmly. “He has to be steady and reliable. After all, he’s going to be our Dad – we can’t

just pick anyone!”

And successful in his career,” Lily chimed in, before adding with a shy glance at Adam, “And handsome like Uncle Adam!”

Adam’s lips twitched with barely suppressed amusement at their earnest declarations.

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