The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 220

Joseph waited for two full minutes before a reply finally came through.

[Alright, then. When you’re free, I’ll treat you again.]

It had taken Vivica a good deal of internal debate to send that message. As much as her heart fluttered for Joseph, she was still afraid to take that step. Her failed marriage, the vast difference in their social standing, and Chaim’s unique situation—all of it made it impossible for her to face Joseph with an open heart.

She kept telling herself not to get her hopes up, not to fall too deep. But Joseph had helped her so much that she couldn’t refuse to even buy him a meal. So she agreed to his indirect invitation for another date. It was just lunch, after all. She could control her feelings.

Seeing her reply, the silly smile returned to Joseph’s face, even wider this time. He put his phone down and finally focused on his food.

Harvey, who had finished eating, watched his friend with a sly grin. “So, what’s the verdict? Decided to make your move?”

Joseph ignored him.

“Want me to give you a few pointers?” Harvey teased.

“Ha. You’re single yourself. What kind of advice can you give me?”

“At least I’ve been in a few relationships. That’s more than you can say, rookie.”

“And all of them failed. Why would I learn from you? That’s asking for trouble.”

Harvey was speechless. After a moment, though, he offered a genuinely useful piece of advice. “Honestly, with your advantages, you don’t need to try that hard. Just remember one thing.”

Joseph looked at him, seemingly willing to listen.

“Work on that sharp tongue of yours,” Harvey said. “Praise her more, and offer her emotional support. Women really care about that these days.”

Joseph nodded. “That’s the only useful thing you’ve said since you got here.”

...

When Vivica got back to the office, her colleagues were just returning from their lunch break. They gathered around her, asking how she was doing. Her back hadn’t fully healed, but the bruises on her face had mostly faded, though some faint discoloration remained.

Zavier Fulton saw her as he was walking by and called her into his office.

“Zavier, is there something you need me to work on?” Vivica asked.

“Yes. The project you were on had a tight deadline, so we had to reassign it. You can take this one instead.” Zavier handed her a project file.

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