Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 334

"We're working on it," Adam answered honestly. "These things don't fix overnight."

Alex sipped his juice. "But you will be okay, right? We'll be a real family?"

Adam looked seriously at three hopeful little faces. "I promise to do everything in my power."

As they busied themselves with table setting, Wesley and Joseph joined them. Brandon entered the kitchen awkwardly but accepted the coffee Adam handed him.

"Thanks," he muttered, the single word carrying multiple meanings.

"You're welcome," Adam replied, understanding the peace offering.

With everything ready and breakfast laid out bountifully, Adam realized Irene still hadn't come down.

"I'll get Mom," Alex volunteered, racing upstairs.

Less than a minute later, he returned, his expression making everyone freeze.

"Mom's not there," he said, panic edging his voice. "Bathroom's empty too."

Adam immediately set down the pan. "What?"

"Maybe she went for a walk?" Wesley suggested, not sounding convinced.

Everyone split up, searching throughout the house, but Irene was truly nowhere to be found. When they regrouped in the living room, Brandon noticed an envelope on the coffee table.

"What's this?" He picked it up, reading "To My Family" on the front.

Adam reached for it, heart hammering. He carefully opened the envelope, removed a note, and read aloud:

"Dear Family,

Please don't worry about me. I need some time alone, to find myself again. For six years, I've been three children's mother, a doctor, Joseph's granddaughter, but I've forgotten how to just be Irene.

Adam, the children will be safe with you. Please tell them Mommy loves them and will be back in a few days. I just need to walk the path I once traveled, to return to where everything began, before I can truly move forward.

I've spoken with Katherine, she'll handle your treatments for a few days. Brandon, your leg is healing nicely, stick with the recovery exercises I left, and you'll be driving again in a few weeks. No more showing off, okay? Wesley, your nerve response is excellent, and I really love that blue lake painting you did recently—it has a quiet strength, just like you.

Grandpa Joseph, take your medicine on time, don't make James worry. Your wisdom has always been my greatest support, thank you for teaching me what unconditional love means.

Alex, watch over your siblings, no late nights on the computer; Lucas, there's blueberry jam in the fridge, don't eat it all at once; Lily, there are no monsters under the bed anymore, but if you're scared, Daddy will protect you.

Adam, thank you for being there for the children last night. I checked your leg after your run in the rain, thankfully there's no new damage, but please stay in your wheelchair and don't take risks, okay? I'll continue your treatment when I return. I'm sorry I need this time alone, it's not about you, but something I must face by myself. My love, I promise I'll come back.

This isn't running away, but a journey I must complete.

Love you all, Irene"

The room fell silent except for three sniffling children.

"Where did she go?" Lucas asked through tears.

Joseph thought for a moment. "I think I know."

All eyes turned to him.

"The Sterling house," the old man said. "She's gone back to where it all began—where she was thrown out."

Adam immediately understood why Irene needed this journey. That place represented the most painful turning point in her life, and the root of their entangled fates.

"She needs to make peace with her past," Adam said quietly. "Like we started to do last night."

He looked at the triplets. "Mom hasn't left us, okay? She just needs some time to make peace with her feelings. She'll be back soon."

"You promise?" Lily asked between sniffles.

Adam pulled out his phone. "Let's ask her, shall we?"

He quickly typed: "We found your note. Kids are worried. Are you okay?"

Almost instantly, the reply appeared: "I'm fine. Need to do this. Take care of the kids. See you soon."

Adam showed the children the message. "See? Mom's okay. She just needs a little time."

Brandon glared at Adam. "You're just going to let her face those people alone?"

Adam met his gaze directly. "Hell no." He turned to Thomas. "Get the car ready. I'm going to the Sterling house."

"I'm coming too," Brandon said immediately.

Adam shook his head. "No, you and Wesley stay with the kids. They need you right now. Joseph, will you come?"

The old man nodded. "Of course. It is my home, after all."

Adam crouched down to eye level with the triplets. "I'll bring Mom back, okay? I promise."

Tears still glistened on their small faces, but the trust in their eyes gave Adam a sense of responsibility he'd never felt before. This wasn't just about his love for Irene anymore, but about the future of all five of them as a family.

As he headed for the door, Adam heard Alex call out: "Dad, wait."

The boy ran to him, handing him something—a small box from Irene's nightstand.

"Mom always says this is her most precious treasure," Alex said solemnly. "Maybe it'll help."

Adam opened the box to find photos of three swaddled infants, and beneath them, a well-worn letter—the one Joseph had sent her, from the only family member who'd supported her.

"Thanks, Alex," Adam carefully tucked the box into his pocket. "This is exactly what I need."

Before getting into the car, Adam looked back at the villa, seeing three small figures at the window, hands pressed against the glass. He raised his hand in a firm gesture of promise.

"Where to, sir?" Thomas asked from the driver's seat.

"The Sterling house," Adam said firmly. "Irene needs to face her past. And I need to show her that whatever happened before, whatever happens now or in the future, I'll stand beside her."

The car pulled away from the villa district, heading toward the Sterling mansion on the other side of the city. Adam knew another storm might be waiting, but he was ready. For Irene, for their children, for their future together, he would face any challenge.

Joseph gazed out the window thoughtfully. "Sometimes we must return to where the pain began to truly end it."

Adam nodded. "I understand. This time, she won't face that place alone."

Sunlight streamed through the car windows, casting a golden glow of hope on their journey. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.

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*A/N: I keep thinking about Irene needing this journey back to the Sterling house. We all have those places we need to revisit before we can move on, right? 

Those kids with their little "operation" to fix the family... those three are something else!