The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 382

Seeing the little guy puffing his cheeks in anger, Vivica gently patted his shoulder to soothe him. “Alright, since Toby has apologized and admitted he was wrong, let’s just let it go.”

At her words, Sierra visibly relaxed. Head bowed, she dragged her son away without a backward glance.

Joseph remained completely impassive. The other relatives, likely feeling the awkwardness in the air, started making excuses and a few of them left.

Joseph sat down on the sofa and stroked Chaim’s head. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine…” Chaim replied, then looked up at them seriously. “Daddy, Mommy, is my sickness really incurable? Am I going to die?”

“No, you’re not.”

“Of course not!”

Vivica and Joseph answered in unison. They exchanged a look, and Joseph added with grave sincerity, “Daddy will find the best doctors in the world to make you all better.”

“Okay,” the little boy nodded, his expression finally easing.

Later that afternoon, the hospital called to say it was time for Chaim to return.

Joseph drove them back. On the way, Chaim grew sleepy and dozed off in his car seat. Vivica finally had a chance to talk to Joseph about what had happened.

“You know, you don’t have to treat your family that way on my account.”

“They’re relatives, not family,” Joseph stated with stark clarity.

In his mind, his parents, his own siblings, his wife, and his children were family. Once a sibling married and started their own household, they became relatives. Once you were married, your own little family always came first—even before your parents.

Vivica agreed with his sentiment. After a moment, she said softly, “It’s normal for them to think that way. I was prepared for it before we got married. As long as I know that you, Sheridan, and Melanie are genuine with us, I don’t care what anyone else says.”

That was why, even though she had been angry after hearing Chaim’s side of the story, she hadn't let it consume her. In the end, they were just insignificant people.

Joseph kept his eyes on the road, but from the side, she could see his profile was still stern.

“I was angry today because Chaim was there. We adults know how to filter things, how to ignore unpleasant words. But it’s different for a child, especially one like Chaim who’s been through his illness and our family changes. He’s much more sensitive.”

“I came down on Sierra today to make an example of her,” he continued. “From now on, the others might think whatever they want, but they won’t dare say it out loud.”

A wave of warmth washed over Vivica as she listened to his explanation. He wasn’t just looking out for her; he considered every angle, even the feelings of a three-year-old child. He was truly a good person.

“Joseph, Chaim is so incredibly lucky to be your son,” Vivica said, the words spilling out before she could stop them.

After saying her piece, Vivica turned to open the door again. But with her hand on the handle, she suddenly remembered something. She turned back, leaned in, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

Before Joseph could even react, she had already pulled away, gotten out of the car, and hurried off.

The man turned his head, a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he watched her figure disappear into the office building before driving away.

As Vivica waited for the elevator, someone walked up beside her.

“Vivica, good morning.”

She turned and nodded politely. “Zavier, good morning.”

Zavier stared at her for a few moments, looking as if he wanted to say something but was holding back.

Vivica had a good idea what it was about, but she had no intention of starting that conversation. She didn’t want to discuss the matter with Raymond, especially since Zavier was just an outsider. If she told him she was planning to visit Sydville for the holidays, he would undoubtedly tell Raymond, who would then start pressuring her about dates. It was better to keep it to herself for now and just let Raymond know right before she left.

The elevator doors opened, and it was crowded with employees. Vivica stepped inside, separating from Zavier, and put the thought out of her mind.

It wasn't until that evening, after work, that she understood the true meaning of his hesitation.