Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 70: Dress to Kill

"You're still coming over?" Adam looked genuinely surprised when Irene walked in with her medical kit. "Thought you'd be dead on your feet after today."

Irene shot him a look while setting up her equipment. "Hey, no weaseling out of treatment, mister. Your nerves don't take vacations, and neither do I." Her tone was light despite her obvious fatigue. "But since you've been such a good sport today, I'll make it quick."

"Thomas." Adam's lips twitched slightly at her teasing.

His ever-faithful assistant appeared instantly, helping Adam onto the treatment bed with practiced ease. Irene started placing the electrodes, her experienced hands moving automatically while she chatted.

"The kids totally crashed the moment we got home. I swear, I've never seen them burn through energy like that." She paused, noticing patches of redness on his legs. Her smile dimmed slightly as she made a mental note - definitely something to watch.

When she started the physical therapy phase, she couldn't help clicking her tongue. "Geez, your muscles are being stubborn tonight. Like trying to massage a brick wall." She gradually increased pressure, working through the knots. "You're not secretly doing CrossFit when I'm not looking, are you?"

Adam's fingers curled into the sheets as she hit a particularly tense spot. Even after all this time, having someone this close still set him on edge. But there was something soothing about her presence, the way she filled the silence with easy chatter while maintaining absolute focus on her work.

Today's session ran fifteen minutes over, but neither mentioned it. When Irene finally straightened up, she couldn't quite suppress a yawn.

"Okay, your bath's all set - threw in some extra good stuff tonight. Do me a favor and soak for a while longer? Those muscles need some serious TLC." She started packing up, movements slower than usual. "And don't even think about skipping those meds."

"When can I start walking?" The question hung in the air between them.

Irene met his eyes, her expression softening. "Baby steps, okay? We've got to nail this first phase before we even think about getting you vertical. I know it's frustrating, but rushing won't do you any favors." She gave his shoulder a gentle pat. "Trust me, I'm not just aiming to get you standing - I want you running circles around those corporate sharks of yours."

Something in his face relaxed at that. "Thanks. For everything."

"Oh stop, you're going to make me blush," she waved him off with a grin. "And hey, thank *you* for today. The kids... well, they've never really had a father figure around. When they click with someone, they tend to go all in. Hope they weren't too much."

The mention of the triplets brought a genuine smile to Adam's face. "They're amazing kids. Honestly, I enjoy having them around."

"Careful there," Irene laughed, gathering her things. "Keep saying stuff like that and they'll never leave you alone."

\---

It was past nine when Irene finally stumbled through her front door. Joseph had already turned in, and the house was peacefully quiet. The moment she crossed the threshold, her professional mask slipped away, replaced by bone-deep exhaustion. She was rolling her shoulders, trying to work out the kinks, when a small voice made her turn.

"Mommy?"

Alex stood there in his pajamas, looking adorably rumpled from sleep.

"Hey, baby." She crossed to him, smoothing back his hair. "Want to take a bath with Mommy?"

He nodded, chubby cheeks puffed out in that way that always melted her heart.

After getting Alex clean and settled, Irene finally got her own shower. She emerged to find her little tech genius completely absorbed in the day's photos on his tablet.

"Mom, can we print these?" His eyes were huge with hope. "To put up around the house?"

Irene glanced at the screen, catching sight of the group photo with Adam. "Mmm, maybe not that one, sweetie. We should probably ask Uncle Adam before we start plastering his face all over our walls."

"That's okay," Alex said quickly, voice going soft and persuasive. "We can just print the others. And maybe make copies for Uncle Adam too?"

Faced with those puppy dog eyes, Irene felt her resistance crumble. "You little negotiator," she smiled, ruffling his hair. "Alright, whatever makes you happy."

\---

Early morning found the triplets escorting their great-grandfather on his doctor-mandated walk while Irene laced up for her morning run. The kids made a beeline for Adam's door, their voices carrying through the crisp morning air.

"Uncle Adam! Come walk with us!"

The door opened to reveal Thomas pushing Adam's wheelchair - but today's version of Adam had their jaws dropping. Gone was the casual attire, replaced by a tailored suit that probably cost more than most cars. The crisp lines and perfect fit highlighted every inch of his ridiculous good looks, turning him from merely handsome to absolutely devastating.

"I'm sorry," he said, genuine regret softening his features. "Important company meeting today. I can't join your walk."

The triplets exchanged quick glances before their faces settled into surprisingly mature expressions. "That's okay, Uncle Adam," Alex said seriously. "Work is important too."

"We totally get it!" Lily nodded earnestly. "Grown-ups have responsibilities."

"Go get 'em, Uncle Adam!" Lucas pumped his tiny fist in the air, enthusiasm undimmed. "Fighting!"

Their immediate understanding and support hit Adam right in the chest, warming something he usually kept frozen.

"Uncle Adam looks so dreamy today!" Lily clasped her hands to her cheeks, practically swooning.

Irene couldn't help stealing glances herself. The man was unfairly gorgeous on a normal day - in that suit? He was practically illegal. Cut that sharply, with those perfect features and those eyes... *Down girl*, she scolded herself. *He's your patient, not a romance novel hero*.

\---

In his car heading toward Haven Enterprise, Adam's thoughts shifted from the peaceful morning scene to business reality. His jaw tightened as he reviewed the meeting agenda. Though his physical condition kept him from the office most days, his influence hadn't wavered - but that didn't stop the whispers. His uncle Victor, in particular, had never accepted being outranked by his younger nephew. That resentment was an open secret within Haven Enterprise.

Thomas caught his expression in the rearview mirror. "Everything okay, sir?"

"Fine," Adam replied shortly, mind already mapping moves and countermoves. Let them try their petty schemes - he hadn't built his empire by backing down from challenges.

Still, as they wound through Silver City's morning traffic, a small part of him wished he was walking in the quiet morning air with three excited children instead. The image of their disappointed but understanding faces lingered, providing an unexpected counterpoint to the corporate warfare ahead.