The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 381

Vivica could read between the lines; this was clearly more than a simple squabble between children. She carried her son over to the living room sofa and sat down, her ears pricked to catch the sounds from the side hall.

Once his wife and child were out of earshot, Joseph’s expression hardened completely. He shot a sharp glance at Toby, who flinched instinctively.

Before Joseph could even speak, Toby’s mouth opened, and he burst into tears. “Mommy, I want to go home! It’s not fun here!”

It was obvious that the four-year-old was already adept at reading the room. He knew he’d said the wrong thing and angered the adults, and his first instinct was to flee.

“Sierra, is this how you and your husband talk about me and Vivica at home?” Joseph ignored the little brat, aiming his words directly at his cousin.

“Joseph, I admit we were wrong, but… we didn’t mean any harm. It was just a casual comment. No, that’s not right. What we originally said wasn’t like that at all. Toby’s just a kid, he misunderstood… and started spouting nonsense.”

Sierra Baird couldn't even lift her head. Her hands, trembling, gripped her son's shoulders as she stammered through her explanation.

Joseph’s face was a cool, unreadable mask. “Then what did you originally say? Repeat it for me.”

Sierra didn’t dare utter a word.

There were plenty of people in the side hall, but no one spoke up for her. Her mother happened to be away caring for her sick grandmother, and while her father had come, he’d left after lunch for a work matter. She was completely isolated.

“Last month, your husband ran into some trouble with his business. He called me, and I helped him sort it out without a second thought.”

“Yes, yes, Joseph, I remember,” Sierra was on the verge of tears. Finally, she gritted her teeth, looked up, and admitted her fault.

“Joseph, I was wrong. We shouldn’t have been gossiping behind your backs, and especially not saying such awful things. After spending time with her today, I realize your wife is a wonderful person. Her first failed marriage wasn't her fault, and I shouldn't have said what I did.”

“And you, Joseph—you’re so smart and capable. The person you choose is bound to be exceptional. We were foolish, influenced by common prejudices, and we spoke out of turn.”

“I’m sorry, Joseph,” Sierra apologized again and again, tears welling in her eyes.

With the atmosphere this tense, the surrounding elders finally dared to intervene.

“Joseph, Sierra has always had a loose tongue. She often speaks without thinking, but she doesn’t have a bad heart. Please, forgive her this time.”

Melanie was not pleased to hear that. “She was practically wishing for the child to die. How is that not having a bad heart?”

After her apology, Sierra pushed her son forward. “Toby, apologize to Chaim right now,” she whispered.

Toby twisted away. “No! He hit me first!”

Chaim, who had been sitting quietly in his mother’s arms, immediately shot back, “You insulted my mom first! You can’t insult my mom, and you can’t say bad things about my dad!”

As Toby was about to argue again, Sierra grabbed his ear and twisted. “You still don’t get it, do you? You’ve gotten your father and me into deep trouble! Apologize now! And do it properly!”

Being just a toddler, the pain from his twisted ear made Toby howl and burst into tears.

“Chaim, I’m sorry… I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said bad things about your mom and dad. I’m sorry, wahhh…”

Hearing his apology, Chaim declared with the gravity of an adult, “I accept your apology, but I don’t forgive you!”

The adults in the room raised their eyebrows in surprise. This three-year-old was quite something!

“And another thing,” Chaim added, “my mommy and daddy are the best in the world. You have no idea how much they love me, and I love them a lot too! That’s why what you said made me so angry!”