The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 206

Joseph could see she was wavering, but he also knew that deep down, she wanted to go through with it. “We’re here now,” he encouraged. “Just go in and leave your information. It’s not a guarantee they’ll find anything.”

His words solidified Vivica’s resolve. Roderic accompanied her into the station, where they found the officer in charge of such cases. She followed the procedure, providing her fingerprints and a blood sample.

Meanwhile, Joseph sat in the car, a storm of frustration brewing inside him. He wanted to be direct with Vivica, to lay his feelings bare, but her constant avoidance made it clear she wasn’t ready to take that step. If he didn't say anything, they could continue this awkward, strained dance. But if he did, he was sure she would start avoiding him completely.

If they could just go their separate ways, that would be one thing. But Chaim was the tie that bound her to the Baird family. His parents had practically adopted her. They would be seeing each other constantly, and every meeting would be an ordeal.

After weighing his options, Joseph decided to keep his feelings to himself for now.

The car door opened, and Vivica returned. Roderic got back in the car, glancing at Joseph in the rearview mirror. “Where to now, sir?”

“Back to the hospital,” Joseph said, his tone flat.

The simple words, and the chill in his voice, were enough for Vivica to notice the shift in his mood. She couldn't help but glance over at him.

“What is it?” Joseph asked.

She was taken aback and quickly shook her head. “No, nothing… It’s just, thank you for doing all this with me today, especially while you’re injured.”

Joseph turned his head away. “Don’t mention it. I’m doing it for the boy.”

The words were like a splash of cold water. Vivica felt a chill run through her. Something was wrong, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what.

When they arrived at the hospital, Joseph didn’t get out. He simply let Vivica out of the car. She was surprised. “You’re not coming up? The doctor said you need three days of bed rest.”

Joseph looked at her. “Even my parents don’t tell me what to do. What right do you have?”

His question left her speechless.

The Maybach drove off, leaving Vivica standing on the curb, her face burning as if she’d been slapped. What right did she have? None. She had no standing to tell him what to do. But his behavior was so confusing. He had been so warm and gentle that morning, and even on the way back at first. Why the sudden coldness?

In the car, Roderic drove in silence for a few minutes before glancing at the rearview mirror. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke up. “Sir, the way you spoke to her just now… you’re going to upset Ms. Lynn.”

Joseph kept his eyes on the file in his lap. “Then why don’t you go comfort her?”

Roderic wisely shut his mouth.

...

That evening, Joseph didn’t return to Chaim’s hospital room.

Before bed, Chaim asked, “Mommy, isn’t Uncle Joseph supposed to be staying at the hospital? Why is he gone again?”

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