Chapter 6 The Genius Triplets' "Dad Training Program"
# Chapter 6: The Genius Triplets' "Dad Training Program"
Walter stood outside the Brooklyn brownstone, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. He checked his watch—precisely on time—and then glanced down at his attire. He had deliberated longer than he cared to admit over what to wear for this first official visit with the triplets. His usual power suits seemed too formal, but casual wear felt foreign after years of corporate armor. He had finally settled on dark jeans and a cashmere sweater—an outfit that his personal shopper assured him struck the right balance between approachable and dignified.
Two weeks had passed since the confrontation with his mother. The memory still burned fresh in his mind—Eleanor's initial denial, then cold fury when presented with Harrison's written confession and the bank key Walter had found exactly where the butler said it would be. The final blow had been Walter's revelation that he had already visited the safety deposit box and recovered the supposedly "stolen" jewelry.
"You went behind my back," Eleanor had said, her voice glacial.
"You went behind mine for five years," Walter had countered. "You kept me from my children."
"Children you never even knew existed!" Eleanor had snapped. "That woman deliberately kept them from you!"
"Because you gave her every reason to believe we couldn't be trusted."
The conversation had deteriorated from there, ending with Walter's declaration that he would be taking a step back from both personal and business relationships with his mother until she made genuine amends to Jade. Eleanor had called this "emotional blackmail." Walter had called it "consequences."
Now, standing before Jade's home on a sunny Saturday morning, Walter faced a different kind of challenge—connecting with three brilliant children who were, by turns, intensely curious about him and deeply protective of their mother.
He rang the doorbell, hearing the immediate thunder of footsteps inside. The door swung open to reveal Ethan, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with a complex mathematical equation and a grin that mirrored Walter's own at that age.
"You're exactly on time," Ethan observed. "Alexander owes me five dollars. He calculated a 68% probability that you'd be at least three minutes early."
Before Walter could respond, Alexander appeared behind his brother. "Technically, the statistical model accounted for his typical corporate behavior, not his potential parental interaction patterns," he clarified. "The data set needs updating."
Walter couldn't help but smile. "I'm usually early for business meetings," he admitted. "But this seemed like an occasion to be precise rather than preemptive."
Alexander nodded approvingly at this distinction while Ethan rolled his eyes.
"Are you going to make him stand on the porch all day?" Olivia's voice called from somewhere inside. "Mom says that's impolite."
The boys stepped back, allowing Walter to enter the home that still struck him as the antithesis of his own sterile childhood environment. Books were stacked on nearly every surface, alongside half-completed science projects and what appeared to be the components of a small drone. Classical music played softly from hidden speakers, and the scent of fresh baking permeated the air.
Jade emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "Walter," she greeted him with a nod. "The children have been up since dawn preparing for your visit."
Her tone remained reserved, but Walter noted it lacked the icy edge that had characterized their earlier interactions. Progress, however minimal.
"I appreciate the invitation," he said sincerely.
"It wasn't Mom's idea," Olivia announced, appearing from behind Jade. Today she wore her dark hair in a single braid, and her t-shirt proclaimed 'Girls Who Code Rule The World.' "It was ours. We created a comprehensive integration plan."
"A what?" Walter asked.
"Perhaps we should move to the living room," Jade suggested, a hint of amusement in her eyes despite her neutral expression.
The triplets led the way, their excitement barely contained as they positioned Walter in the armchair clearly designated as "his" spot. Jade took a seat on the sofa, maintaining a careful distance from the proceedings while remaining present.
Alexander cleared his throat and activated a tablet, which immediately projected a holographic display onto the empty wall—a professional-looking presentation titled "Paternal Integration Protocol: Phase One."
"We've developed a systematic approach to establishing an optimal father-children relationship," Alexander began, his tone eerily similar to Walter's executives during quarterly presentations. "Based on extensive research into childhood development, psychological attachment theory, and statistical analysis of successful blended family structures."
"We also watched a bunch of movies about kids with divorced parents," Ethan added helpfully. "Most of them are really unrealistic, by the way."
"We're not divorced," Jade pointed out. "We were never married."
"Technically correct," Alexander acknowledged. "But the relationship dynamics share significant similarities with post-divorce co-parenting scenarios."
Walter glanced at Jade, who shrugged slightly as if to say, 'This is what they're like.'
"Our protocol consists of three phases," Alexander continued, advancing the presentation to display a timeline. "Phase One: Basic Paternal Bonding Activities. Phase Two: Integrated Family Experiences. Phase Three: Sustainable Co-Parental Equilibrium."
"We're currently at Phase One," Olivia clarified, taking over the presentation with a seamless handoff that reminded Walter of his most polished executive team. "Today's agenda includes three key activities scientifically designed to establish baseline comfort and communication patterns."
Walter nodded, feeling both amused and touched by the children's methodical approach to getting to know him. "I'm at your disposal," he said. "What's first on the agenda?"
Ethan bounced up from his seat. "Gaming tournament! I set up the system in the den."
Walter blinked. "Gaming? As in video games?" The last video game he'd played had been in college, and even then only briefly.
"Don't worry," Ethan said with a confident grin. "We selected games with low barriers to entry but sufficient complexity to remain engaging. Plus, they're cooperative rather than competitive, so we'll be working as a team."
"Which builds trust and communication skills," Alexander added seriously.
Walter looked to Jade, who was watching with barely concealed amusement. "They've thought of everything," she commented.
An hour later, Walter found himself deeply engrossed in a complex puzzle-solving game that required all four of them to coordinate their characters' movements. To his surprise, he was enjoying himself immensely. Ethan was a patient teacher, Olivia was fiercely strategic, and Alexander provided analytical commentary on their performance metrics.
"Not bad for a beginner," Olivia conceded when they finally completed a particularly challenging level. "Your spatial reasoning skills are adequate."
"High praise from Olivia," Jade remarked from the doorway, where she had been quietly observing. "She usually tells my friends they have 'suboptimal cognitive processing speeds.'"
"That was only Mr. Davidson," Olivia defended. "And he couldn't even solve the water jug puzzle from Die Hard."
Walter laughed, a genuine sound that seemed to surprise everyone, including himself. "What's next on our agenda?" he asked.
"Lunch break," Alexander announced, consulting his tablet. "Followed by Activity Two: Robotics Lab."
Lunch was a casual affair in the kitchen—gourmet sandwiches that Jade had prepared, accompanied by fresh fruit and homemade cookies. Walter noted how the children seamlessly assisted with setting the table and pouring drinks, a well-rehearsed domestic choreography that spoke of years of comfortable routine.
"Do you cook, Mr. Craig?" Alexander asked as they ate.
"Walter," he corrected gently. "And no, not really. I have a chef who prepares meals at my apartment."
"You should learn," Olivia stated matter-of-factly. "Studies show that preparing food for others creates important bonding chemicals in the brain."
"I'll keep that in mind," Walter replied, oddly touched by her blunt concern for his neurochemical well-being.
After lunch, the children led him to a converted sunroom at the back of the house that served as their "laboratory." The space was filled with technology that would have been impressive in a university setting, let alone a private home. Computer stations lined one wall, a 3D printer hummed in the corner, and various robotic components were organized on shelving units.
"Mom lets us use her company's old equipment when they upgrade," Ethan explained proudly. "And we won some grants from science competitions."
"Activity Two requires your assistance with a technical problem," Alexander stated, leading Walter to a workbench where a small humanoid robot sat in a state of partial disassembly.
"This is Athena," Olivia said, patting the robot's head with unexpected affection. "She's my project, but her servo motors are malfunctioning, and I can't figure out why."
Walter examined the robot with genuine interest. "What seems to be the problem?"
"Her arm movements are jerky instead of smooth," Olivia explained. "I've replaced the motors twice, but it keeps happening."
Walter rolled up his sleeves and sat at the workbench. "Let me take a look."
For the next hour, Walter and Olivia worked side by side, troubleshooting the robot's mechanics. Walter was impressed by his daughter's technical knowledge and creative problem-solving approach. What she lacked in experience, she more than made up for in intuition and determination.
"Have you checked the power distribution?" Walter suggested after several tests. "Sometimes inconsistent voltage can cause servo issues that look like mechanical problems."
Olivia's eyes widened. "I didn't think of that!" She quickly attached a multimeter to various points on the robot's circuitry. "You're right! The regulator is fluctuating."
Together, they replaced the power regulator, and when Athena's arms moved with perfect smoothness, Olivia's face lit up with such joy that Walter felt an unexpected tightness in his chest.
"Thank you," she said simply, her usual defiance momentarily replaced by genuine gratitude.
"You did most of the work," Walter replied honestly. "You've built something remarkable here."
From across the room, where Alexander and Ethan were pretending not to watch while actually observing every interaction, came the sound of quiet note-taking on a tablet.
"I believe that concludes Activity Two successfully," Alexander murmured to his brother. "Shared problem-solving achievement unlocked."
After the robotics session, they moved to the backyard for Activity Three, which turned out to be a complex scavenger hunt the boys had designed, requiring Walter to solve riddles and puzzles hidden throughout the property. Each successful solution revealed a fact about the triplets—their favorite books, foods, achievements, and interests.
By late afternoon, Walter had learned that Alexander played three musical instruments, Ethan had memorized the first thousand digits of pi "just for fun," and Olivia had once corrected her computer science teacher's coding example so thoroughly that the woman had cried. He had also discovered that all three children shared his allergy to strawberries, his tendency to tap fingers when thinking deeply, and apparently his competitive nature.
As they sat on the back porch, resting after the scavenger hunt, Jade brought out cold drinks and joined them.
"How did Phase One go?" she asked the children.
"Initial metrics are promising," Alexander reported. "Subject demonstrated 82% engagement across all activities and achieved a satisfaction rating of approximately 7.8 out of 10."
"Subject?" Walter questioned with raised eyebrows.
"Dad," Ethan corrected with an easy smile that made Walter's heart skip a beat. It was the first time any of the children had called him that.
"We should calibrate for baseline data," Alexander continued seriously. "What would you rate today's experience on a scale of one to ten, Walter?"
Walter considered the question carefully, aware that all three children were watching him intently. "Honestly? A nine at least."
"Only a nine?" Olivia challenged.
"Well, perfection leaves no room for improvement," Walter explained. "And I'm looking forward to getting even better at being your... at being part of your lives."
This answer seemed to satisfy them, and Alexander made a note on his ever-present tablet.
As the afternoon light began to fade, Walter realized it was time to leave. The children walked him to the door, Alexander already discussing potential activities for his next visit.
"I was thinking we could analyze your company's latest quantum computing initiative," Alexander suggested. "I've read all the technical papers your team has published."
"I want to show you my game design project," Ethan added. "It's a simulation of economic systems in post-apocalyptic societies."
Olivia hung back slightly, less effusive than her brothers, but as Walter reached the door, she spoke up. "If you come again, I could show you my chemistry lab. It's in the basement because Mom says some of my compounds are 'concerning.'"
Walter smiled at her. "I'd like that very much, Olivia."
Jade appeared to escort him out, sending the children to wash up before dinner. As they stood on the porch, a moment of awkward silence stretched between them.
"Thank you," Walter finally said. "For today. For letting me be part of their lives."
Jade nodded. "They're extraordinary children. They deserve to know both their parents." She hesitated, then added, "They worked very hard on their 'protocol.' They've been reading everything they can find about you."
Walter's brow furrowed. "Everything?"
"Financial journals, tech publications, business profiles," Jade clarified. "They're quite proud of your accomplishments, even if they pretend to be objectively assessing you."
The knowledge that his children had been following his career, collecting information about him even before they met, touched Walter deeply. "I found something in Alexander's room," he admitted. "When I was looking for the bathroom. A scrapbook."
Jade's expression softened slightly. "The Craig file. They've been keeping it for years. Every article, every interview, every photograph of you they could find. They would never admit it, but they've been studying you their whole lives."
Walter swallowed hard against the emotion rising in his throat. "I've missed so much," he said quietly.
"Yes," Jade agreed, her voice gentle but honest. "But they're still young. There's time to build something meaningful, if that's what you truly want."
"It is," Walter said with absolute certainty. "More than anything."
Jade studied his face, as if searching for signs of insincerity. Whatever she saw must have satisfied her, because she nodded. "They'll be expecting you next Saturday, then. Phase One, Day Two."
As Walter walked to his car, he glanced back at the house. The triplets had reappeared at the window and were watching him leave. Alexander gave a formal nod, Ethan waved enthusiastically, and Olivia held up a small sign that read "7.8/10 - Acceptable Performance."
Walter laughed and waved back, feeling lighter than he had in years. As he drove away, his phone rang through the car's speaker system. His assistant's voice filled the vehicle.
"Mr. Craig, I have Mrs. Craig on the line. She says it's urgent regarding Annable Security Solutions."
Walter's good mood evaporated instantly. "Put her through," he said tersely.
"Walter," Eleanor's voice was cool and controlled as always. "I thought you should know that the board of Meridian Partners is voting Monday on a significant acquisition. The target company is a small cybersecurity firm in Brooklyn. I believe you're acquainted with its CEO."
Walter's hands tightened on the steering wheel. "What are you doing, Mother?"
"Business, Walter. Simply business. Meridian has been looking to expand its security division, and Ms. Annable's company has developed some impressive proprietary algorithms. It's a sound investment."
"With absolutely no personal motivation," Walter said sarcastically.
"The offer will be more than generous," Eleanor continued as if he hadn't spoken. "Though of course, if the acquisition goes through, company leadership would need to be... restructured. Meridian has its own security executives who would oversee integration."
The threat was clear: Jade would lose control of the company she had built from nothing while raising three children alone.
"Stay away from Jade and the children," Walter warned, his voice low and dangerous.
"The children are Craigs," Eleanor replied. "They belong in their proper place in society, not hidden away in Brooklyn with a woman who has filled their heads with who knows what ideas about our family."
"This discussion is over," Walter said firmly. "And if you pursue this acquisition, Mother, you'll find yourself facing opposition from quarters you don't expect."
He ended the call and immediately dialed his office. "Get me everything on Meridian Partners' upcoming acquisitions," he instructed his assistant. "And schedule a meeting with my legal team for tomorrow morning."
As he drove back to Manhattan, Walter's mind raced with strategies to counter his mother's move. Eleanor Craig had declared war, using corporate tactics to try to control Jade and, by extension, the triplets. But she had miscalculated badly if she thought Walter would stand by this time.
He had already lost five years with his children due to his mother's manipulation. He wouldn't lose a day more.
