Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 145: Checkmate at Dinner

"So what did you and Mom actually do on your trip?" Lily asked, leaning toward Adam with bright, curious eyes. She propped her chin on her hands, waiting for his answer.

The dining room at Adam's house buzzed with energy as the triplets gathered around the table, hanging on Adam's every word.

Adam took his time answering, his face giving nothing away. "Work meetings during the day. Treatment sessions in the evening. Nothing exciting."

The triplets traded disappointed looks. Lucas slumped back in his chair, while Alex tapped his fingers on the table.

"That's... it?" Lucas asked. "No adventures or anything cool?"

"I did catch a fever one night," Adam added, reaching for his water. "Your mom helped me through it."

Lily's eyes widened. "Like in the movies? When the girl takes care of the sick guy, and they fall in love?"

Adam replied dryly. "Not exactly. More like a doctor treating her patient." Though as the words left his mouth, he couldn't help remembering how Irene's concerned face in the moonlight had been the first thing he saw when the fever broke, and how that image had stayed with him since.

From across the room, Irene watched her children's faces fall in perfect sync. She bit back a smile, catching her grandfather's eye. The slight crinkle around Joseph's eyes told her he was thinking the same thing.

"Dinner's just about ready," Thomas announced, breaking the awkward moment. "Chef's pulled out all the stops tonight."

"Thank goodness," Irene murmured, grateful for the save. "These three look like they could use some cheering up."

The meal turned out to be exactly what everyone needed. The chef had outdone himself with a spread that put fancy restaurants to shame. As plates of delicious food made their way around the table, the earlier disappointment seemed to melt away.

Irene thought, watching her children's faces brighten as they dug in. The warmth spreading through her chest had nothing to do with the excellent wine Joseph was savoring beside her. After the nightmare with Rose, seeing her kids happy again meant the world.

"Does your chef work here every day?" Lucas asked between bites, eyeing the kitchen door with newfound interest.

Thomas caught the look and couldn't help but laugh. "Don't worry, the staff would love to have you over for dinner anytime."

Lucas's cheeks flushed pink. "Thomas! Don't call me out like that!" he protested, his mouth twisting into an adorable pout.

Alex snickered, his mood visibly lighter. "No wonder Thomas is still single."

"Exactly!" Lily chimed in, waving her fork for emphasis. "Boys can't be that blunt. You'll never get a girlfriend that way."

Thomas looked toward Irene with a pleading expression. "A little help here? They're ganging up on me again!"

Irene raised an eyebrow and glanced at Adam, who caught her eye. A silent understanding passed between them, and Adam shook his head slightly, the ghost of a smile playing at his lips.

"Thomas," Irene said, unable to hold back her laughter, "they might have a point. Maybe it's time you found yourself a girlfriend."

"Thanks for the concern," Thomas replied with a forced smile, "but these three little monsters have scared me off dating for good." He took a sip of his soup, deciding that the delicious food made the teasing worth it.

Adam watched Irene, noting how she'd relaxed as the dinner went on. The fierce mama bear he'd glimpsed when she mentioned Rose hitting Alex had softened into something warmer as she watched her children laugh and tease.

"You're welcome here anytime," Adam told the triplets. "Fair's fair, since Thomas and I regularly raid your kitchen."

Irene nodded in agreement. "Drop by whenever you want. The chef won't mind making extra."

"Your vegetable salad the other day wasn't bad either," Adam added casually.

Irene's head snapped up, surprise flashing across her face. She hadn't expected him to notice, let alone comment on her cooking.

The triplets exchanged knowing looks, their eyes lighting up with renewed hope. With Adam's personal invitation, they now had the perfect excuse to push their "Mom and Dad" plan forward. Maybe there was hope after all!

At the Sterling residence, Nathan pushed food around his plate, appetite gone. The company crisis had deepened, with tension hanging over the table.

"I can't do this," Nathan muttered, pushing his chair back. "I need to get back to the office."

Just as he stood up, Richard appeared in the doorway, his timing perfect as always.

"Mr. Sterling, Mrs. Sterling, good evening," Richard greeted smoothly, nodding at Nathan.

The Sterlings exchanged puzzled glances, clearly wondering what brought him here at this hour.

John, his mood already dark, gestured halfheartedly toward the table. "Have you eaten yet? Grab a seat if you're hungry."

Richard took a seat, reading their troubled expressions. "Thanks, but I already grabbed dinner. Look, with our families' history, I'll just cut to the chase."

Nathan, who had been about to leave, slowly sank back into his chair.

"I know Sterling Group is in a tight spot right now," Richard continued, choosing his words carefully. "My parents and I talked it over, and we want to help you guys out." He paused, letting the offer sink in before adding, "But we'd need something in return—I want my engagement to Irene back on the table."

Nathan felt his stomach drop. *Irene again*.

"Wait, what?" Nathan asked. "You're seriously going to ditch Anna like that? After all this time? Aren't you worried about how she'll react?"

Deep down, Nathan also felt a pang of guilt toward Irene. Learning that Rose had struck Alex had forced him to face years of family injustice toward his sister. But the businessman in him still put the company's interests first.

John and Rose shared Nathan's concerns. They'd raised Anna as their daughter, and now Richard wanted to help them only to marry Irene instead.

"Anna and I already talked it through," Richard replied smoothly. "We're ending things on good terms."

Inside, Richard knew his timing was opportunistic, but he saw this as his only shot at winning back that engagement.

"You know Irene makes her own decisions now," Nathan replied coldly. "You should've thought about that when you dumped her. Too late for backsies."

Nathan's message was crystal clear—Richard had made his choice and now had to live with it. Irene clearly wanted nothing more to do with the Sterling family.

Richard's expression hardened. He put up with Irene's attitude only because of her shares and connections, but he wouldn't stand for being looked down on by the Sterlings. Here they were, company practically in ruins, making him feel like his family was cleaning up their mess.

"Got it," Richard said, his voice distant. "Guess I'll be going. Got other stuff to deal with."

"Don't let us keep you," Nathan replied, not bothering to hide his contempt.

After Richard left, Nathan looked at the untouched food on the table. No one had any appetite left. With a heavy sigh, he headed for the office.

Standing by the window, Nathan called Anna. His mind raced with worries—the company crisis, Richard's proposal, and the image of Irene's child being struck by his mother. The weight of it all pressed down on him like never before.