Genius Kids' Scheme: Claiming Daddy's Billionaire Empire Chapter 99: More Likely to Blow Up in Her Face

As Samantha glided up the steps in her cream designer suit, her heart hammered beneath her cool exterior. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, took a steadying breath, and rang the doorbell.

The butler opened the door, his professional mask slipping momentarily at the unexpected visitor.

"Miss Wright," he recovered, "we weren't expecting you this evening."

Samantha flashed her most practiced smile. "Hope I'm not crashing dinner or anything. Just wanted to drop something off personally." 

Before the butler could respond, Sophia appeared in the foyer, surprise quickly melting into delight.

"Samantha!" She moved forward, arms open. "What a lovely surprise."

"Sorry for showing up without calling first," Samantha said, her voice hitting that perfect note between casual and respectful. "Bad timing?"

"Not at all!" Sophia waved away her concern. "We're just about to eat. Marcus!" she called over her shoulder. "Look who stopped by."

Marcus emerged from his study, his expression shifting to polite recognition.

"Evening," he nodded.

Samantha dipped her head. "Sorry to barge in. Just wanted to deliver these myself." She pulled out two elegant cream envelopes. "My birthday celebration next weekend. Wouldn't feel right without you both there."

Sophia's eyes lit up. "How thoughtful! You must be thrilled about your big day."

"I am," Samantha admitted with a carefully calibrated smile. "Though it won't be complete without you two... and Adam, of course."

At her son's name, Sophia's expression warmed further. "You must stay for dinner! Have you eaten?"

Samantha hesitated, as if this wasn't her plan all along. "I don't want to impose..."

"Don't be silly!" Sophia insisted. "Go freshen up, and we'll set another place. We'd love the company."

"If you insist," Samantha surrendered with calculated reluctance. 

As the butler led her away, she allowed herself a tiny, victorious smile. First move: perfect.

The Haven dining room radiated old wealth—family pieces that told stories rather than just showing off price tags.

Samantha sat across from Sophia, animatedly recounting her latest charity work while cutting into her duck.

"—and then she actually tried to outbid me!" She laughed lightly. "As if I'd back down when it was for children's education."

Sophia chuckled, clearly charmed. "You make everything sound so lively. If you visited more often, my days wouldn't be half as dull."

Samantha spotted her opening. "How could anything be boring with Adam around? He doesn't stop by often?"

The air shifted subtly. Marcus and Sophia exchanged a quick glance loaded with meaning.

Sophia's smile dimmed. "Between his health situation and running the company, we're lucky if we see him once a month." Her fingers toyed with her napkin. "When he does make it for family dinner, we count it as a win."

Samantha nodded sympathetically, mentally rehearsing her next lines. "That's what makes those quiet moments together so important."

She paused, as if suddenly remembering something. "Actually, I drove by his place the other night." The word "night" hung in the air, weighted with implication. "I noticed a woman at his villa. She stayed pretty late."

The information landed with precision. Sophia's fork paused midway to her mouth. She glanced at Marcus, whose expression remained carefully blank.

"Must be work-related," Sophia suggested after a beat, her voice light but her eyes sharp.

Samantha's pulse quickened. *They don't know about her.* 

"I don't think so," she countered, keeping her tone casual. "She wasn't in business clothes—just casual stuff. And she lives right next door to him. Thomas mentioned they've gotten quite... friendly."

She let the last word dangle, charged with possibility.

Sophia set down her fork, her society smile firmly in place. "I see."

Something in that tone made Samantha look up. Behind Sophia's smile sat the sharp eyes of a woman who'd played the society game for decades. In that moment, Samantha realized her subtle move had been about as sneaky as a fire alarm.

"You know," Sophia began, her voice warm but her eyes knowing, "I understand what you're getting at. But I doubt it's anything serious. If Adam were actually interested in someone, we'd know. He's never brought anyone home."

She reached across the table to pat Samantha's hand. "No need to worry. Our families go way back, and between us—" she lowered her voice confidentially, "—if I had to pick someone for my son, it would always be you."

Heat rushed to Samantha's cheeks. The tables had turned so quickly she felt dizzy. "That's not why I—I didn't mean—"

"It's perfectly okay," Sophia assured her with a knowing smile. "When you care for someone like you do Adam, it's natural to feel a little threatened."

Backed into a corner, Samantha went for vulnerable honesty. Her shoulders dropped as she set down her fork.

"I just care about him so much," she admitted, voice small. "Ever since we met, I haven't been able to think about anyone else. But he's always been so... distant." She blinked rapidly, as if fighting tears.

Sophia's expression softened. "Oh, honey. These things take time. You're amazing—any man would be lucky to have you. Adam just needs space to realize it."

She leaned in conspiratorially. "Tell you what—I'll make sure Adam comes to your birthday. You two can spend some quality time together."

Samantha looked up, eyes widening with genuine hope. "Really? You think he'll actually show up?"

"Leave it to me," Sophia promised with a firm nod.

Relief and triumph flooded through Samantha. "Thank you!"

Inside, her thoughts hardened into possessive certainty: *Adam is mine. End of story.*

After dinner, Samantha said her goodbyes, practically floating down the front steps. The moment the door closed, Marcus turned to his wife.

"That girl's playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers," he said as they headed to the sitting room.

Sophia sank into her armchair. "Young love comes with schemes and strategies." Her lips curved. "I remember those days."

Marcus frowned. "I hope she knows those tactics won't work on Adam." He shook his head. "More likely to blow up in her face."

"Probably," Sophia agreed. "Our son has a nose for BS."

She tapped her fingers thoughtfully against the armrest. "Still, I am curious about this neighbor woman. Adam did rush out of family dinner last night saying someone was waiting..."

"Actually worried?" Marcus asked, studying her face.

"Not worried exactly." Sophia chose her words carefully. "Just... cautious. Adam's position attracts opportunists. Wouldn't hurt to know who she is."

Marcus didn't argue. When it came to their son, they usually found common ground.

"Just don't push," he advised. "Last thing we need is Adam pulling away because we're meddling."

Sophia nodded, already formulating her approach. Unlike Samantha's jealous reconnaissance, she had more sophisticated methods of looking out for her son.

As night settled over Silver City, Sophia found herself genuinely curious about the mystery woman who'd somehow broken through Adam's carefully constructed walls. Friend or potential problem—either way, Sophia Haven would soon find out.