The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 351

“No, no, it’s my treat today,” Vivica said, quickly taking the menu. “Mr. Smith came all this way, and since this is about me, I should be the one to pay.”

After a bit of polite back-and-forth, Zavier Fulton ended up placing the order.

Vivica decided she would excuse herself to go to the restroom later and pay the bill in advance.

Once the waiter left, the atmosphere at the table grew tense. Evelyn was preoccupied with how to win back Vivica’s affection and mend their fractured family ties, so she didn't bring up their earlier conversation.

Fortunately, Zavier, the perceptive mediator, rose to pour coffee for everyone. Looking from one to the other, he smiled and broke the silence. “Why so quiet? Did you already sort everything out before I arrived?”

His words jolted Evelyn back to the present, reminding her of her purpose for being there.

“We’ve pretty much covered everything. The main point is that Mr. Smith has made a mistake. Vivica is my daughter. I carried her for nine months and gave birth to her. She couldn’t possibly be some other family’s lost child,” she reiterated firmly.

Vivica sipped her coffee and added, “And I grew up right here. I’ve never heard any relatives or neighbors say I was adopted.”

“Oh, well, then perhaps… it really was a mistake,” Raymond Smith said with an awkward laugh. Still not ready to give up, he pulled out his phone. “Evelyn, look. This is a picture of my aunt and uncle. Ms. Lynn looks so much like…”

He held out the phone, intending to prove the resemblance. But Evelyn barely glanced at it before waving a dismissive hand. “They look nothing alike. Maybe the face shape is a little similar, but the nose is completely different. Look at their noses—neither is as high and straight as my Vivica’s.”

Vivica almost choked on her coffee trying to stifle a laugh.

Seeing them silenced, Vivica put down her coffee cup and tugged on Evelyn's sleeve. “Mom, that’s enough. It’s just a misunderstanding. We just need to clear it up.”

“That’s right. Mr. Smith only suspected, he never said Vivica was definitely his aunt's daughter,” Zavier explained, seizing the opportunity. “His intentions were good. His aunt and uncle are ill, and they're getting on in years. They might… you know…” He trailed off, but everyone at the table understood the unspoken word.

“Evelyn, surely you can understand. When people reach that stage, they want to find peace and resolve any lingering wishes. We were in Sydville City on business, and when Mr. Smith saw Vivica and how much she resembled his aunt, his imagination got the better of him.”

Raymond quickly added, “Yes, and my aunt doesn't even know about this. It was my idea. I was thinking that even if we can't find my cousin, if Ms. Lynn could just help by visiting my aunt and uncle, it would bring them a great deal of comfort.”

Evelyn frowned. “Your aunt has no children? Why is a nephew like you so worried about all this?”