Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 237

Adam hunched in the half-dark, the footage playing on loop for what felt like the millionth time. Same grainy video, same shadowy figure, same dead ends.

Thomas shuffled the last files together. "Should have something concrete on our mystery man by tomorrow," he said, eyeing Adam's death-grip on the mouse.

"About time," Adam muttered, not blinking.

Thomas cleared his throat. "You know, I've worked for you for years, and I've never..." He hesitated, then plunged ahead. "You actually stood up for her, boss. Like, physically stood."

Adam's finger stopped mid-click—bullseye.

"So what gives?" Thomas leaned against the desk. "Make it official with Dr. Sterling, and these creeps might think twice before coming at her again."

Adam finally tore his eyes from the screen, the razor-sharp CEO momentarily replaced by someone almost vulnerable.

"She's had it rough," he said, voice low. "Three kids, family that tossed her aside, years fighting alone in a foreign country." He turned to the window, his reflection betraying emotions he'd kill to hide in daylight. "I'm not adding to that pressure. If—when—she chooses this, I want it because she wants me, not because she needs safety or feels trapped."

His grip tightened until the wheelchair armrest creaked. "When I saw her in that disgusting room..." His jaw clenched so hard Thomas could practically hear teeth crack. "Not happening again. Ever."

Thomas fought to keep his face neutral. For a tactical genius, his boss was completely blind to how Dr. Sterling's eyes followed him around rooms.

"Maybe try sleeping tonight," Thomas said, slipping out before Adam could catch his barely-hidden smile.

Night had fallen across Silver City when Thomas left. The moon hung low over the skyline, casting long shadows across empty streets as cars occasionally rushed by, their headlights briefly illuminating the darkness before disappearing again.

Samantha Wright's study glowed with cold blue light. The room was an ice box—all sharp angles and clean surfaces where nothing living seemed welcome.

"Haven's team was faster than expected," the suited man said, standing stiffly. "They were searching and investigating at the same time."

Samantha's gaze cut right through him—this was the same guy who'd set up Irene's kidnapping just days ago.

"How much do they know?" Her fingers drummed an impatient beat.

"They've pulled hotel security videos and they're following the money." Sweat appeared on his forehead. "Thomas is our biggest problem—already spotted my height and walk. Give it a week before something leads them back to Silver City."

"Remind me again," she said, each word sharp, "why Haven got to play hero?"

"We had her at the place, exactly as planned, but Haven's team showed up like they knew where to go. They grabbed Sterling and our hired guys all at once."

*Smack!* "Useless!" Samantha's palm hit the desk. "One simple job—make her uncomfortable—and you blew it! Now Haven shadows her every move!"

She grabbed a photo of Adam, her face twisting with jealousy. Irene was a stain on her perfect life—impossible to remove without making a scene.

"Disappear for now." Her voice dropped dangerously. "Haven's people are looking for you, so make yourself scarce." A cold smile spread across her face. "I'll handle things myself. And I don't mess up."

If Adam traced this back to her... no, she couldn't even think about it.

The man left without another word, like he'd never been there at all.

The grandfather clock in the hallway struck midnight, its deep chimes echoing through the empty rooms of the Wright mansion. Samantha sat alone in her study, fingers tracing the edge of Adam's photo, mind racing with plans that would make sure Irene Sterling finally understood her place.

The next day at Adam's place, morning light streamed through the windows, turning the air into something warm and golden where tiny dust specks floated and sparkled.

Irene touched her arm where fading bruises still showed yellowish marks. She caught Adam watching, his eyes darkening before he quickly looked away.

At the table, three kids bent over paper with serious faces. Dr. Jonathan moved between them, giving quiet tips as paintbrushes moved and pencils scratched.

"Got a minute?" Jonathan came over to Irene, barely containing his excitement.

"Sure, what's up?" She put down her tea, breathing in the jasmine smell.

"There's this awesome youth art show coming to town," he said, rocking on his heels. "Your kids are super talented—way better than my other students. I already signed them up." His smile turned a bit sheepish.

Irene's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"It's perfect for them," he continued quickly. "All the big private schools send their best students. Great for making friends, building confidence—really helps kids grow."

Irene glanced at Adam across the room, something passing between them without words. That silent understanding made her heart skip in a way she wasn't ready to think about.

"That sounds great," she said. "Thanks for looking out for them."

"I'll be there too," Adam added, his tone casual but final.

Three heads popped up instantly.

"Uncle Adam's coming with us?" Lucas nearly tipped his chair in excitement.

Something changed in Adam's face—all the hard lines softening into someone completely different, someone most people never got to see.

"We're gonna do awesome!" Lucas punched the air, almost knocking over his drink.

Jonathan caught his arm mid-swing. "Easy there, buddy. Careful with your masterpiece."

"My picture's gonna be the most beautiful one!" Lily carefully picked up her drawing, walking over to Adam with big, hopeful eyes.

Alex stayed quieter than his brother and sister, but couldn't hide his smile. His eyes moved between Adam and his mom, seeing something the grown-ups were still pretending wasn't there.

"Did I hear something about an art show?" Brandon appeared in the doorway. "Uncle Brandon says you'll crush the competition! And winners get special prizes from me!"

"Really?" Lucas's mouth fell open.

"When have I ever let you down?" Brandon winked, though something flashed in his eyes as he watched Adam surrounded by the kids.

"We're gonna win everything!" Lily wrapped herself around Brandon's legs.

"Best uncle ever!" Even Alex joined in, dropping his usual cool-kid act.

The kids surrounded Brandon like he was giving out free candy, their happy voices all talking at once. Through all the noise, Irene found Adam watching her, his smile so real it made her chest feel warm.

In the middle of this unusual family they'd somehow created, something clicked for Irene—not like a lightning bolt but more like slowly waking up. Maybe the family her kids deserved wasn't something she had to keep looking for. Maybe it had been forming around them all along, one surprising piece at a time.

"Mom, look!" Lily tugged at Irene's sleeve, breaking her from her thoughts. "I drew you and Uncle Adam together!"

Irene looked down at the colorful crayon drawing. Two stick figures stood side by side—one with long hair and a big smile, the other in what appeared to be a wheelchair with spiky hair. Between them were three smaller figures, all holding hands in a row.

"That's all of us," Lily explained proudly, pointing to each figure. "One big happy family."

From across the room, Alex caught his mother's eye, his knowing gaze saying more than words ever could. Kids always saw what adults tried to hide, especially from themselves.