The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 384

If Raymond had been secretly investigating her, she would have immediately canceled her plans to visit Sydville for the holidays.

“Even if my son has his grandparents with him, I still need to go to the hospital at night. They’re getting older and can’t stay up too late,” Vivica explained in a low voice.

“I understand, but this won’t take long,” Raymond insisted.

Vivica frowned. “Is it something that can’t wait until tomorrow?”

“I might be leaving tomorrow.”

Vivica was torn. After a pause, she said, “Then let’s just talk here. There’s no need to waste time going somewhere else.”

Seeing her persistence, Raymond looked equally conflicted. After a few seconds of stalemate, he seemed to make a sudden decision and spoke. “My aunt is in Riverdale. She wants to see you. She’s at a hotel right now with my mother.”

What? Vivica’s heart leaped into her throat, her pulse skyrocketing. She stared at the man in shock as a surge of anger flared within her. Why did they always show up unannounced, catching her completely off guard? Raymond’s last visit to Riverdale had been just as sudden.

“Ms. Lynn, I’m sorry. I know this is abrupt and you’re not prepared for it, but my aunt was so insistent. If I didn’t bring her here, she was threatening to refuse her dialysis. We had no other choice.”

Vivica’s hands clenched into fists, her breathing shallow. Her desire to escape intensified. She was terrified that the woman herself would suddenly appear out of nowhere.

“Do you realize this is moral blackmail? I have no connection to you people, so what right do you have to demand this of me? Just because I look like your aunt, I’m obligated to provide her with emotional comfort?”

“Ms. Lynn, please don’t be—”

“Who made that rule? You’ve already caused me enough trouble, and now you’re showing up at my workplace and using someone’s health to blackmail me?” Vivica cut him off, her voice sharp with anger. Without giving him another chance to speak, she turned and stormed away.

“Ms. Lynn, please don’t be angry,” Raymond called out, hurrying after her. “We don’t mean to blackmail you. We just want you to meet her once. I promise we’ll never bother you again after this.”

“I’m sorry, but I have no such obligation.” Vivica quickened her pace, reached her car, and slid into the driver’s seat. Raymond still wanted to plead his case, but Vivica didn’t hesitate. She started the car and sped off.

Once she was out of the garage and had driven for some distance, Vivica checked her rearview mirror. Seeing that Raymond wasn’t following, she finally let out a breath of relief.

The fire in her chest hadn’t yet subsided. She opened her contacts and called Zavier.

Back in the office, Zavier saw Vivica’s name on his screen and his heart jumped with panic. He knew exactly what this call was about. He hesitated for a second, braced himself, and answered.

As she neared the hospital, her phone rang. The sound made her jump, her first fear being that it was Raymond again. A glance at the screen revealed Joseph’s name, and she relaxed.

“Hello?”

“Are you at the hospital already?” Joseph had just finished his meeting and had called her immediately after seeing her message.

“Not yet, but I’m just one traffic light away,” Vivica replied, then asked, “Are you free to go?”

“Yes, the meeting went well. I’m just going to pack up my things in the office and then I’ll head out.”

“Okay, then you should go straight to Greenbelt Villa. I’ll check on Chaim and then head back.”

“Alright,” Joseph agreed, then suddenly asked, “What did you have for dinner? Are you hungry? Do you want some supper?”

Vivica paused. What did he mean by that? Was he suggesting they needed to replenish their energy because they weren’t planning on sleeping tonight?