The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 176

"A fractured rib?" Melanie froze, her heart aching for her son. "And you said it was a superficial wound! I knew you were just being stubborn."

Vivica lowered her head, her voice filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry. Mr. Baird was injured because of me."

Sheridan and Melanie, who had been focused on their son’s injury, looked at Vivica's guilt-ridden face and softened. They couldn't bring themselves to say anything harsh.

"You're seriously hurt, so stop being so tough and sit down," Melanie chided her son, guiding him toward a nearby sofa.

"Vivica, your back hasn't healed either. You should sit as well," she added, showing no sign of blaming her for what had happened.

The two injured parties exchanged a glance and, not wanting to worry the older couple further, silently made their way to the sofa and sat down side by side.

Sheridan watched them, one with a brace on his chest and the other with a support around her waist. They both moved stiffly, like a pair of robots. His initial anger had completely dissipated.

"Alright, let's talk," he said, his tone more subdued. "What is the real story with Chaim? And why did you hide it from us?"

Vivica turned to look at Joseph. He was silent, his handsome profile tense as he stared ahead, seemingly lost in thought.

He was, in fact, weighing his options. Chaim was a Baird, that much was true. But he wasn't Lennon's son—he was his. He debated whether to finally reveal the truth.

He had originally concocted the story about Lennon because Chaim resembled his late brother, and he wanted to give his grieving parents a comforting thought—that a part of Lennon lived on. Another reason was his initial uncertainty about Vivica. If he admitted he was the father, he worried she might be a gold-digger who would use the child to trap him.

But now, he knew Vivica wasn't that kind of person. He could tell the truth. Still, he hesitated, afraid of disappointing his parents and unsure how Vivica would react to being deceived. She might think he was guarding himself against her from the start.

"Joseph Baird, I'm talking to you. Are you deaf?" Sheridan’s impatient voice broke the silence.

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