Chapter 70 Chapter 70
Iris's eyes widened. "Theodore investigated Tony?"
"Standard security protocol for anyone entering our family's orbit," Victor explained without apology. "Especially someone romantically involved with our sister." His gaze returned to Tony. "Your record is clean. Your intentions appear genuine. And your willingness to stand against your own family's interests on Iris's behalf speaks well of your character."
Tony absorbed this information with remarkable composure. "I appreciate the vote of confidence."
"It's not confidence," Victor corrected. "It's an acknowledgment of data. Confidence will come with time and continued observation." He turned to Iris, his expression softening almost imperceptibly. "I believe your adoptive father will want to speak with Tony privately at some point this weekend. Leo Maxwell may have been distracted by the circumstances of our meeting, but Theodore's briefing yesterday included assurances about Kennedy's character specifically to prevent any...incidents...during this visit."
Iris stared at her brother, processing this revelation. "Theodore told my dad that Tony was okay? Before they even met him?"
"Theodore provided relevant information to help the Maxwell family prepare for this weekend," Victor replied diplomatically. "Including context about your relationship and Tony's role in facilitating your reunion with us."
"So Dad didn't interrogate Tony because Theodore already vouched for him," Iris said slowly, the pieces clicking into place.
"Essentially, yes." Victor's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Though I suspect Leo Maxwell will want to form his own opinions eventually. He strikes me as a man who prefers firsthand assessment."
With that, Victor nodded to them both and continued down the hallway, presumably to check on his other charges.
Iris turned to Tony, her expression a mixture of exasperation and reluctant amusement. "My biological brother investigated you and then briefed my adoptive father to prevent him from scaring you off."
Tony's laugh echoed through the entrance hall. "I told you, nothing about this situation is normal."
"Theodore prepared a dossier," Iris repeated, shaking her head in disbelief. "I was joking when I said that, but he actually did it."
"To be fair, if I had a sister who'd been missing for twenty years and she suddenly appeared with a boyfriend from a family known for ruthless business tactics, I'd probably investigate him too."
Iris considered this, her analytical mind acknowledging the logic even as her emotions struggled to catch up. "I suppose. It's just... a lot. My families are coordinating behind my back to manage my love life."
"They're coordinating to protect you," Tony corrected gently. "There's a difference."
Before she could respond, the sound of laughter drifted up from somewhere below, Jakob's delighted shriek mixing with Bryce's enthusiastic explanations. From the studio, Iris could hear the murmur of Dianne's voice, likely explaining her artistic process to an enraptured Nikolaus. And from outside, the rhythmic bounce of a basketball suggested Buck and Finn had already begun their court assessment.
Her families were here, under one roof, beginning to weave themselves together in ways she hadn't anticipated. And somehow, despite the chaos and the complications and the complete upheaval of everything she'd thought she knew about herself, it felt like the beginning of something good.
"Come on," she said, tugging Tony's hand. "I want to see what Bryce is teaching my brother before something explodes."
Tony followed willingly, his fingers intertwined with hers. "You think there's actual explosion risk?"
"With Bryce and Jakob combined? Absolutely anything is possible. After all, this is the first time that they have been allowed to be in the same room without one set of my parents around to keep an eye on things."
Tony laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he squeezed Iris's hand. "You make an excellent point. Should we bring fire extinguishers?"
As they made their way toward the basement laboratory, Theodore emerged from his father's study, his expression carefully neutral though his eyes betrayed a hint of relief.
"The parents are getting along well," he informed them, falling into step beside Iris. "They're discussing practical arrangements for the holidays."
Iris raised an eyebrow. "Already planning Christmas? It's barely November."
"Father believes in thorough preparation," Theodore replied with the faintest suggestion of a smile. "And your adoptive parents seem equally pragmatic."
Inside Richard's study, the four parents sat in comfortable chairs, initial awkwardness giving way to the shared language of people who loved the same child. Leo leaned forward, elbows on his knees, as Richard poured coffee from a silver service that probably cost more than the Maxwells' monthly mortgage payment had been.
"We want Iris to feel free to divide her time however she feels right to her," Richard was saying, his businessman's directness softened by genuine consideration. "The last thing Dianne and I want is to create any sense of competition between our families."
Carol nodded, cradling her coffee cup in both hands. "That's our concern as well. Iris has always spent Christmas Eve and morning with us, then the afternoon with my sister's family. But everything's different now."
"Perhaps we could combine celebrations this year," Dianne suggested, her artist's mind already envisioning the logistics. "Your family could join us here for Christmas Eve, and we could all spend Christmas Day at your home. That way, Iris doesn't have to choose, and our families can begin building new traditions together."
Leo exchanged a glance with Carol, both of them touched by the generous spirit behind the suggestion. Despite the Lawsons' obvious wealth and the grandeur of their surroundings, there was nothing condescending in their approach. They genuinely wanted to blend the families rather than assert dominance or claim priority.
"That could work," Leo agreed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Though our house will seem pretty cramped after all this." He gestured toward the spacious study, its soaring bookshelves and antique furniture.
Richard shook his head firmly. "Size doesn't matter. Home is where family gathers. Your house has been Iris's home for nineteen years. I'm looking forward to experiencing the place where she grew up."
In the basement laboratory, Bryce and Jakob were hunched over a complex arrangement of beakers and crystalline structures, their faces illuminated by the blue glow of a specialised light. Nikolaus had joined them, his sketchpad open as he captured the scene with quick, skilled strokes of his pencil.