Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 302

Laughter filled Irene's dining room as silverware clinked against plates. The special dinner she'd prepared to celebrate Adam taking his first steps had turned into a full-blown family party. Warm light bathed the scene as everyone gathered around the table, faces glowing with happiness.

"Since none of us can drink," Irene announced, bringing in a pitcher filled with colorful liquid, "I made special fruit punch instead."

She poured the vibrant drink into everyone's glasses, the fruity aroma filling the air. The triplets couldn't take their eyes off Adam, buzzing with excitement about his achievement.

Alex leaned forward, glasses sliding down his nose slightly, eyes bright with curiosity. "Uncle Adam, what did it feel like to walk again? Was it like learning to walk when you were little?"

Adam reached over, gently ruffling the boy's hair. "Much more magical than that," he said softly. "Like suddenly finding a part of myself I'd lost."

"When's your next training session?" Lily chimed in, practically bouncing in her seat. "I can help! I'm really good at helping!"

Adam's face softened as he looked at her eager expression. "You'll definitely be my little assistant. Couldn't do it without you."

Brandon watched the interaction from across the table, his gaze dropping to his own legs. Something wistful crossed his face as he absently rubbed his thigh.

"Wish I could walk again too," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. Then, perking up with sudden enthusiasm, "Maybe I could try some training tomorrow?"

Joseph's fork clattered against his plate. "Don't even think about it," he said sharply, fixing Brandon with a stern look. "Not until Irene says you're ready. You want to make things worse?"

Brandon opened his mouth to argue, but Joseph cut him off.

"And when your leg finally heals, no more racing. You'll work at Sterling Group like you're supposed to." The old man's voice left no room for debate.

Joseph's eyes softened slightly, revealing the concern behind his gruffness. "You need to take better care of yourself, Brandon. You're not getting any younger. It's time you found someone and settled down."

Brandon dramatically covered his ears. "Racing is my true love, Grandfather! You can't separate us!"

Everyone at the table shot him looks that ranged from amusement to exasperation.

Alex shook his head, his expression suddenly serious beyond his years. "Uncle, racing might be every boy's dream, but a race car can't be our aunt."

"Yeah!" Lily nodded vigorously. "Race cars don't make dinner or tell bedtime stories."

Lucas jumped in, "We need a real aunt—someone who cooks and cares about us."

Adam caught Irene's eye across the table, a soft laugh escaping him as their hands found each other under the tablecloth. The warm pressure of his fingers against hers sent a flutter through her chest.

Looking around at their mismatched family, Irene felt a warmth bloom inside her. From Joseph's grumpy wisdom to the kids' earnest observations, and Adam's steady presence beside her—it all felt right in a way she couldn't quite put into words.

After dinner, the triplets settled in front of the TV while Joseph claimed his favorite armchair with the evening paper. Adam followed Irene into the kitchen, grabbing a dish towel as she turned on the faucet.

They worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, moving around each other with natural ease—her washing, him drying, their shoulders occasionally brushing.

"I've been thinking about that research institute," Adam said softly, his voice barely carrying over the running water.

Irene looked up, a plate dripping in her hands. "Hmm? What institute?"

"The one I mentioned before. For you only." Adam took the plate from her, his fingers lingering against hers for a beat longer than necessary. "I want you to consider it, but no pressure. Take all the time you need."

Irene's hands stilled in the soapy water. "Actually, I already have an answer. I've just been waiting for the right moment to tell you."

Before she could continue, Joseph's voice boomed from the living room. "Adam! Get in here for chess! Let me crush you fair and square!"

Adam rolled his eyes, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Duty calls. Rain check on this conversation?"

He gave her hand a quick squeeze before heading toward Joseph's challenge, throwing a wink over her shoulder that made her heart skip.

Irene finished the dishes and brought tea to the living room, settling into the comfortable chaos of her home. The sight of Adam and Joseph hunched over the chessboard, the kids sprawled on the carpet, and Brandon scrolling through his phone filled her with a contentment she hadn't felt in years.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Seeing Matthew's name on the screen, she stepped out to the garden for privacy.

"Hello?" she answered, the cool evening air prickling against her skin.

"Irene," Matthew's voice sounded casual, though she could detect the underlying tension. "I've got some good news. I'm setting up my own research institute and wanted to know if you'd be interested in coming on board as my partner?"

Irene took a deep breath, looking back toward the warm glow of her home. "That's great news, Matthew. Congratulations."

She paused, choosing her words carefully. "I'm sorry, but you'll need to find someone else."

"Why?" The disappointment in his voice was impossible to miss.

"I've already accepted another position," she said gently but firmly.

Adam had offered her something perfect, and in her heart, she'd already accepted. Matthew was a good person, but she didn't want to give him false hope. She knew from experience that prolonging the inevitable only made things messier.

"Already?" Matthew sounded surprised. "Which institute managed to snap you up so quickly?"

Irene hesitated before answering truthfully. "Haven's institute. I've decided to accept Adam's offer."

The phone went silent for a beat too long before Matthew managed a quiet "I see. Well, congratulations."

When Irene returned to the living room, Adam had just checkmated Joseph, who was grumbling good-naturedly about "beginner's luck." Adam looked up immediately, his eyes finding hers across the room.

"Everything okay?" he asked, noting the slight tension around her eyes.

Irene sat beside him on the couch. "That was Matthew. He's starting his own research institute and wanted me to join him."

Adam's expression remained neutral, but his eyes were intensely focused. "What did you tell him?"

"I told him I already have plans," she said, taking his hand in hers. "That I'll be joining Haven's institute."

Something bright and warm flashed across Adam's face, his fingers tightening around hers. He hadn't doubted her, but hearing her confirm her choice filled him with quiet joy. It wasn't about winning over Matthew—it was about Irene trusting him, choosing to build something together.

Adam gently pulled her closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. The triplets immediately erupted in a chorus of exaggerated "Ooooohs" and giggles, making Irene laugh against his shoulder.

As the evening wound down, Joseph yawned widely, signaling bedtime for the household. The triplets reluctantly said goodnight, each giving Adam a special hug before trudging upstairs.

"Today was perfect," Irene said softly as she walked Adam to the door. "I can't remember the last time the house felt so full of happiness."

Adam turned to face her, moonlight catching the planes of his face. "It's just the beginning," he promised, his voice full of quiet certainty. "First steps today, who knows what tomorrow brings."

Irene's smile held a future full of possibilities as she watched him wheel back to his place next door, the warm glow of family and home wrapping around her like a blanket.