The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 223

Vivica snapped back to reality, her face flushing as her heart hammered against her ribs. But Joseph’s casual remark instantly deflated her awe and ignited a spark of defiance.

"I was out for a thank-you dinner with a friend, not fooling around. Why were you rushing me?" she retorted, looking up at him. "Besides, who are you to me? What right do you have to order me around like that?"

Joseph said nothing, simply staring down at her, his gaze heavy and intense.

It was the little boy inside who answered for him. "Mommy, I asked Uncle Joseph to call you. I wanted you to come tuck me in."

Vivica’s eyes shifted past Joseph to her precious son sitting up in bed. She was speechless.

Joseph let out a cold scoff. "My entire family is bending over backward to help you with your child, to give you peace of mind, and this is the attitude I get from you."

With that, he turned and walked back into the room.

Vivica watched him go, stunned. Had she completely misjudged the situation? Her righteous anger evaporated, leaving her feeling like the ungrateful one.

After a moment of shock, she quickly recovered. Capable of admitting when she was wrong, she hurried after him. "I'm sorry, Mr. Baird, I... I didn't mean it like that. I thought you were—"

"You thought I was what?" Joseph asked, turning back to face her.

Vivica bit her lip, unable to voice her true thoughts. She had assumed he was already slipping into the role of a possessive partner, controlling her every move, even forbidding her from having a late dinner with a friend.

But she couldn't say that out loud. It would make her sound like she was reading way too much into things. She just stared at him with wide eyes, silent.

But Joseph wouldn't let it go. "Cat got your tongue?"

Thinking about his recent actions, Vivica had a growing suspicion that he was trying to force her to be the one to finally cross the line between them. But in this dynamic, whether considering gender or power, she was clearly the more vulnerable party. There was no way she would be the one to initiate that change.

So she learned to deflect. "What else could it be?" she replied coolly. "That you have double standards."

Joseph was silent.

"When I showed concern for you, wasn't that how you shot me down?" she continued, walking toward her son. "You asked me who I thought I was to tell you what to do. Well, the same goes for you. You're no one to me, so what right do you have to tell me when to come home?"

Joseph's gaze followed her. A smirk touched his lips. "When I said that to you, there was nothing between us. But things are different now."

At his words, Vivica felt her ears burn again. Different now? Was he finally going to say it?

But Joseph paused before continuing, "Aren't you my sister now? As your older brother, isn't it my duty to look after you?"

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