"For heaven's sake, are you planning to camp out here forever?" Irene sighed, finding Thomas perched on the steps outside her new apartment yet again. After their abrupt exit from the Grand Hotel, she'd hoped for at least a few days of peace while they got settled. No such luck.
"Dr. Sterling," Thomas adjusted his tie - a nervous habit he couldn't quite shake - and met her gaze with unwavering determination. "Until you agree to treat Mr. Haven, I'm afraid you'll have to get used to seeing me around. His condition requires your specific expertise."
The triplets had gathered in the doorway, watching this exchange with barely concealed interest. They'd been tracking Thomas's persistent attempts to win their mother over like it was their favorite reality show.
"Mom," Alex piped up, his expression unusually earnest, "maybe we should look at this from a different angle. If Mr. Haven made you angry, why not get back at him by charging a small fortune? Make him pay through the nose!"
"Yeah!" Lucas chimed in, practically bouncing on his toes. "Hit him where it hurts - right in the wallet!"
"Mom," Lily's voice was softer as she slipped her small hand into Irene's, "don't forget about Great-grandfather. He's going to need somewhere nice to stay when he comes to live with us, and someone to help take care of him. You can't handle everything by yourself forever."
Thomas observed this family dynamic with growing fascination, especially how Irene's expression softened at the mention of her grandfather. He cleared his throat carefully.
"If you'll pardon my curiosity, Dr. Sterling," he ventured, "given your exceptional medical reputation, the fee from treating Mr. Haven alone would be substantial - millions, actually. I'm somewhat puzzled why you'd choose such... modest accommodations."
Before Irene could respond, Lucas stepped forward, hands planted firmly on his hips like a miniature CEO about to give a press conference. With a world-weary sigh that seemed ridiculously out of place coming from a five-year-old, he explained, "My mom doesn't believe in treating rich people. She mostly helps regular folks who can't afford fancy doctors. Half the time she barely breaks even, and sometimes she even pays for their medicine herself."
Irene couldn't help but smile at her son's passionate defense of her principles, even as she wondered when her children had become so perceptive about her practice.
Thomas recognized his opening. "What if Mr. Haven could offer something more valuable than just money?" He paused meaningfully. "He's prepared to provide you with a fully furnished villa in Emerald Garden Estate, transferred directly into your name."
The triplets' eyes lit up instantly - this was exactly what they'd been hoping for! Living next to Mr. Haven would give them the perfect opportunity to get closer to him. Besides, Emerald Garden Estate was Silver City's most exclusive neighborhood, home only to the wealthiest and most powerful residents. Even the Sterling family hadn't managed to secure a property there.
"The villa is right next door to Mr. Haven's residence," Thomas continued, pressing his advantage. "It would be perfect for your family, especially with your grandfather coming to stay. The location would make treatment sessions incredibly convenient."
Irene's clinical mind kicked in despite her reservations. The proximity would indeed be ideal for the kind of intensive physical therapy someone with Mr. Haven's condition would require. Still...
"There's no such thing as a free lunch," she said carefully. "What exactly are the terms?"
"Just one condition," Thomas replied promptly. "Take the case and stay with it until the end."
Looking at her children's hopeful faces, Irene felt her resolve weakening. They did need a larger place, especially with her grandfather's declining health...
"Mom," Lily tugged at her mother's sleeve, her dark eyes wide and pleading, "please say yes? For Great-grandfather?"
Irene ran a hand through her hair, a habit she'd developed during long surgeries when facing difficult decisions. After a long moment, she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin - the same pose she took before entering an operating room.
"If - and I mean *if* - I agree to this, I have conditions of my own."
Thomas straightened his already perfect tie, trying desperately to contain his excitement. His hands actually trembled slightly as he pulled out his phone, ready to take notes. "Of course! Name them!"
Irene held up one finger, her voice taking on the crisp, authoritative tone she used with medical residents. "First, absolute medical autonomy. No one interferes with my treatment decisions, period."
Thomas nodded so quickly he nearly gave himself whiplash. "Absolutely understood."
She raised a second finger, pacing now like she did during consultations. "Second, no one disturbs me or tries to pressure me about the treatment timeline."
"That's perfectly reasonable." Thomas was practically bouncing on his toes, reminding her eerily of Lucas when he was excited about something.
Irene stopped pacing and fixed him with her surgeon's stare - the one that could freeze even the most arrogant specialist in their tracks. "I work on my own schedule, make my own decisions, and expect complete professional respect."
Thomas placed his hand over his heart, his expression so earnest it was almost comical. "You have my word," he assured her, then quickly added under that unwavering stare, "I'll put all of these conditions in writing, of course."
Irene took a deep breath, looking from her excited children to Thomas's hopeful face. "Fine. I'll do it. But make sure your boss understands - I'm doing this for my family, not for him."
"Thank you, Dr. Sterling!" Thomas quickly nodded. "We accept all your conditions. However, since you're taking the case, we do expect you to stay with it until Mr. Haven fully recovers."
A confident smile curved Irene's lips, her eyes gleaming with professional assurance. "You don't need to worry about that. I always see my patients through to the end."
\---
Later that evening, in his luxurious home office, Adam's eyebrows drew together as Thomas delivered the news.
"Next door?" His voice had that dangerous quiet that made corporate rivals nervous. "You arranged for them to live in the villa *next door*?"
"It makes perfect sense, sir," Thomas explained quickly. "Having them nearby will make it convenient to monitor your treatment progress. Plus," he added with a slight smile, "they won't be able to run away so easily."
"Fine." Adam's tone was clipped. "Let them settle in."
"I'll start making the arrangements right away, sir," Thomas responded, hurrying from the room.