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Genius Kids Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empre
Chapter 34: Just Another Business Deal
“Oh, the engagement? Anna’s lips curved into a perfect smile even her stomach churned with anxiety. “Everything’s settled with Richard, of course, Actually…” She hesitated, watching her family’s faces. “I was hoping you could all come with me to discuss wedding arrangements with the Veins. It would mean so much to me
These past few days had been pure torture – watching Richard show up at Sterling Manor with increasing frequency, his eyes constantly drifting to the door like a man waiting for someone else walk through it. Someone who wasn’t her.
“Sweetheart, of course we’ll come,” Nathan smiled warmly. Twenty years of believing she was his sister had created bonds that blood couldn’t match. “Just tell us when.”
Rose squeezed her hand. “God knows we could use some happy news around here. A wedding is exactly what this family needs right now.”
Anna felt her shoulders relax slightly. At least she still had their support. She’d need every advantage to keep her carefully constructed world from crumbling.
Richard barely glanced at the business reports scattered across his lap, his mind fixed on a different kind of acquisition altogether. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Irene – not the awkward suburban girl he’d rejected five years ago, but the sophisticated woman who’d returned. That cool confidence, that untouchable grace, the way she carried herself now like she’d been born to their world… Even her complete indifference only made her more intriguing.
And those looks of hers – she’d always been pretty, but now she was absolutely stunning. His pulse quickened at the thought. Beauty and billions… the perfect package. Even that scandal from five years ago only made her more appealing now – she’d need someone to help restore her reputation, after all. And those kids? Well, sacrifices had to be made in pursuit of greater gains.
The news had spread through Silver City’s business circles like wildfire – twenty percent of Sterling Group. The possibilities made his head spin as he imagined having both Irene and those billions under his control.
“Richard?” Frank Vein’s authoritative voice cut through his calculations. A senior partner in Vein Corporation and a titan of Silver City’s business world, Frank had built their family’s fortune through ruthless deal–making. “Any progress on setting a wedding date?
Richard’s mother, Debbie Vein, Silver City’s reigning queen of social politics, breezed in before he could answer. She carried her signature fruit arrangement – a subtle display of wealth that had become her trademark at charity events. “Honestly, darling, we’re not getting any younger here. Look at your cousin’s children – such a joy to have little ones around! There’s no reason to keep waiting.”
Richard straightened in his chair. “Actually, I’ve been thinking. Maybe we should hold off on the wedding for now.”
The silence hit like a bomb. Frank and Debbie exchanged looks that spoke volumes.
“Hold off?” Debbie’s voice went up an octave. “But everything’s arranged! The Sterlings are expecting-”
“Irene’s back in town,” Richard cut in smoothly. “And word is, Joseph’s planning to give her twenty percent of Sterling Group.”
The newspaper lowered slowly from Frank’s hands. “Twenty percent? You’re absolutely sure about this?”
Joseph’s shares,” Richard confirmed. “Worth billions, not counting his real estate holdings.”
Debbie’s face went pale. “But that’s impossible! The Sterling family would never allow…”
Joseph may be old,” Frank mused, “but his mind’s sharp as ever. If he’s made this decision…”
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Chapter 34: Just Another Business Deal
“We can’t seriously consider her!” Debbie’s perfect composure cracke. That scandal five years ago she’s damaged goods! And those children…” She shuddered delicately. “I want real grandchildren, not someone else’s leftover family!”
Frank’s voice cut through her protests like a blade. “Wake up, Debbie This isn’t about family – it’s about business! Sterling Group’s support has kept us going from day one. Joseph’s shares are the key to everything. John and his precious son might run things day- to–day, but nothing big happens without Joseph’s approval.”
“But her reputation-”
“Who cares about five–year–old gossip?” Frank leaned forward, eyes ginting. “Those shares are worth billions. Marriage, divorce – they’re just different kinds of mergers. Once we have the assets…”
“Anna brings two percent,” Richard said quietly. “Irene brings twenty Simple math.”
“But surely-
“Ancient history,” Frank waved away Debbie’s protests. “Richard, see if you can approach Irene. Test the waters. See if she might be… open to reconciliation.”
Richard’s smile widened. “Already on it.”
“And Anna?” Debbie’s voice had gone small.
Frank’s laugh was pure ice. “Business is business. Sometimes you have to break one deal to make a better one.”
While the Vein family schemed and plotted, Irene headed next door for Adam’s evening treatment. Men and their machinations held no interest for her – her mind was entirely occupied with her patient’s recovery. Every spare moment found her poring over medical texts and refining treatment plans.
She’d carefully mapped out several phases of therapy, with the first intensive course scheduled to last two weeks. It required daily sessions to stimulate nerve regeneration, combined with specialized medications and therapeutic baths – a comprehensive three-
pronged approach.
When treatment time arrived, Irene gathered her medical kit and made her way to the neighboring villa. Thomas had already helped Adam change into loose silk pajamas in preparation for the session.
Adam sat propped against the headboard, his collar slightly open at the neck, revealing his collarbone. His expression darkened slightly as Irene entered, clearly anticipating the upcoming treatment.
Thomas cleared his throat awkwardly. “Dr. Sterling,” he said with an apologetic smile, “would it be possible to just roll up the pant legs? The pajamas are quite loose surely that would work for the treatment? No need to… um…”
Irene was setting up her equipment when this request made her pause. She couldn’t help glancing up at Adam, noting his tense expression and tightly pressed lips. She had to fight back a smile.
Understanding male pride, she kept her amusement in check. “That would be fine,” she said professionally. “Though there’s really no need to be shy. I’m a doctor – I don’t see men or women, just patients. You can relax completely. To me, you’re no different than a side of beef in the butcher’s window.”
Genius Kids‘ Scheme: Claiming Daddy’s Billionaire Empre
