Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 300

Moonlight spilled through the windows, washing over Adam's face as he held Irene's gaze. Her question about why he wanted to invest in a research institute still hung between them.

"Professionally? It's good for Haven and medicine," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "Personally? It's all for you."

The honesty in his voice made her heart skip. Even as he tried to sound practical, they both knew the truth—this incredible woman had changed everything for him.

Irene couldn't fight the smile that spread across her face. "Business reasons or personal ones... I'm just touched you'd even think of it." She reached for his hand, lacing their fingers together. "You've changed my life too, you know. Before you, I was just going through the motions."

Adam tugged her hand gently, pulling her down beside him. Their knees bumped, creating a bubble of warmth in the quiet room.

"Haven's already got its fingers in medical stuff overseas. Always been good business," he said, his voice dropping to that soft tone he saved just for her. He gave her hand a squeeze. "But after seeing all the crap Roberts pulled... Silver City needs a place that actually cares about patients. And you're the only one I'd trust to run it."

The warmth of his palm sent her pulse racing. "Starting a research place and putting me in charge... that's a big deal."

"What's bugging you?" he asked, watching her face with those eyes that seemed to see right through her.

She bit her lip. "I've got the doctor part down, but running a whole institute? And people will talk. They'll say I only got it because we're..." she trailed off, gesturing between them.

His thumb drew lazy circles on her hand. "Anyone who's seen you work knows you're the real deal. As for the gossips... let 'em talk. We know what's what."

"It would be your show," he added. "I wouldn't butt in. You'd call all the shots."

Irene looked at him with warmth in her eyes. "Whatever I decide about the institute, I want you to know how much having you in my life means to me. You've given me and the kids something we never thought we'd have again... a sense of family."

As they talked, Irene spotted something new on the wall—Wesley's drawing from their park day, now beautifully framed.

"You framed it?" she asked, standing for a better look.

Adam wheeled over beside her. "Kid's got talent. Deserved a proper frame." They stood side by side, taking in the captured moment—kids with kites, the family picnic, and tucked in the corner, the two of them holding the same kite string.

Her fingers drifted to the frame, her voice suddenly thick. "That was such a good day."

Adam looked up at her, moonlight catching her profile. "Every time I see this, I remember exactly how it felt... your hand on mine. Never thought I'd feel that kind of simple happiness again."

Their eyes locked, saying more than words ever could.

Changing the subject, Irene's face brightened. "Your legs are doing great. I think we can try having you walk a few steps now that you can stand for short periods."

Hope lit up his entire face. "For real? I can actually try walking?" His voice had that rare vulnerable quality she treasured.

She knelt down, her hands resting on his knees as she looked up at him. "We'll need to take it super slow. Rush it and we might mess up all the progress we've made."

He covered her hands with his own. "Whatever you say, doc. I trust you with this... with everything."

The pure faith in his voice warmed her from the inside out. "We'll figure out a plan. Baby steps, okay?"

"Thanks," he said softly. "Not just for fixing my legs... for everything else too." The look in his eyes made her breath catch.

"You're worth every minute," she whispered, her eyes telling him what words couldn't.

As she set up for his treatment, they fell into comfortable silence, just the soft buzz of her equipment between them.

Adam couldn't take his eyes off her as she worked, amazed at how she'd completely turned his world upside down.

Feeling his stare, she glanced up with a smile. "Penny for your thoughts?"

"Just thinking about life's weird twists," he said. "Never figured a wheelchair would lead me to the best thing that ever happened to me."

Her cheeks flushed pink as her fingers accidentally brushed his skin while adjusting her equipment. That tiny touch sent electricity through both of them.

She deliberately slowed down, soaking in every second with him. *So this is what falling in love feels like*, she thought. *When just seeing them smile makes everything better*.

After they finished, she packed up while he followed her to the door, clearly wishing she could stay longer.

"About that institute idea," he said, "no rush. But I want you to know... these past weeks, you've fixed a lot more than just my legs."

She paused, his words hitting her right in the heart, and turned back to him.

"And you've healed parts of me I thought would be broken forever," she admitted softly.

He took her hand and pulled her closer, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. "Night, Irene. Sweet dreams."

A warm glow spread through her. "Night. See you tomorrow," she said, her smile lingering as she left.

Back home, Irene closed the door and leaned against it, unable to wipe the ridiculous grin off her face. Her fingers traced where his lips had touched, feeling happier than she had in forever.

She wandered into the living room, lost in a daydream about Adam, absently playing with the little neuron necklace he'd given her.

The kids were sprawled in front of cartoons but instantly perked up at her dreamy expression.

Lucas tried to sound casual. "So... good time at Uncle Adam's?" His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Alex pushed up his glasses. "Is Uncle Adam getting better? Making progress?"

Lily abandoned the TV and wrapped herself around Irene's legs. "Can I help make Uncle Adam's legs better? Please?"

Irene ruffled Lily's hair. "He's doing great, sweetie. Maybe you can help soon." Almost to herself, she added, "He's... pretty amazing."

The kids traded knowing looks, fighting back giggles.

When Irene disappeared into the kitchen for tea, they huddled together, whispering excitedly.

"Did you see her face?" Lucas hissed. "Like someone gave her the best present ever!"

Alex nodded wisely. "Based on my calculations, there's a super high chance something big happened with them tonight."

Lily hugged herself happily. "What if Mom and Uncle Adam get married? He could really be our Daddy for real!"

They fell silent, each picturing it: no more whispers about not having a dad, Uncle Adam teaching Alex computer stuff, showing Lucas business tricks, playing piano with Lily...

"The best part," Alex said quietly, "is Mom wouldn't sit alone by the window looking sad anymore."

Lucas nodded. "Uncle Adam makes her really happy... like, actually happy. Not pretend happy."

Lily's eyes shone. "If they get married, can I throw flowers? Like in the movies?"

The triplets were so wrapped up in these happy dreams that they completely forgot about their favorite show. All they could think about was how close they might be to becoming a real family.