The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 232

It wasn't like the old days when sex was a taboo topic.

“Fine, you can go now,” Joseph said, waving him away.

As Roderic turned to leave, he remembered something and looked back. “But generally speaking, women love handbags. They say a new purse can cure anything. Maybe you could get Ms. Lynn a few?”

“My parents already gave her bags and jewelry,” Joseph replied.

“That’s different. A gift from an elder is a gesture of goodwill. A gift from a boyfriend is a gesture of love.”

The word “boyfriend” seemed to soothe Joseph’s mood. A faint smile played on his lips as he humbly sought more advice from his subordinate. “How do two people make it official? That they’re in a relationship?”

Roderic was taken aback. “Sir, you haven’t even sealed the deal with Ms. Lynn yet?”

The question was a direct hit to Joseph’s pride. His good mood vanished, replaced by irritation. He scowled and ordered Roderic out of his office.

But despite his embarrassment, he knew he had to get a gift. He had been out of line that afternoon, kissing her repeatedly without her consent. He had no idea what she must be thinking of him now.

...

That evening, Vivica volunteered to stay late at work. She didn’t want to go back to the hospital too early, afraid of running into Joseph again.

Most of her colleagues had already left. Zavier emerged from his office, saw her still at her desk, and walked over. “Still working?” he asked with concern.

Vivica managed a smile. “Almost done. Just wrapping this up, and then I’ll head out.”

Zavier nodded. “How is your son doing?”

“No improvement, but no decline either. His condition is stable for now,” she said calmly.

“Now that you’re divorced, who’s taking care of him?”

“I have family and a nurse helping out,” Vivica replied, keeping the details vague. Her relationship with the Baird family was too complicated to explain in a few sentences.

After asking these questions, Zavier seemed to run out of things to say but didn't leave.

Sensing he had something on his mind, Vivica prompted him. “Zavier, is there something else?”

He hesitated for a moment. “I have a business trip to Sydville City next week, and I need to bring two people with me. I asked around this afternoon, but everyone else is swamped with project deadlines.”

Vivica understood. “You want me to go with you?”

Zavier shook his head. “No, forget it. You need to take care of your son, and you’ve only just recovered from your injuries. It’s not a good time.”

Normally, Vivica would have refused without a second thought. She couldn’t bear to leave Chaim. But considering her current situation with Joseph, a business trip seemed like the perfect opportunity to get away and clear her head.

Besides, Chaim was scheduled to be discharged from the hospital this weekend. She could celebrate his third birthday, then leave him in Sheridan and Melanie’s care for a few days. It was manageable.

Otherwise, once Chaim was out of the hospital, they would be moving into the Greenbelt Villa. Joseph would undoubtedly use Chaim as an excuse to visit, and a repeat of this afternoon’s events felt inevitable.

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