The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 400

“A few years later, my husband and I wanted to have another child. But perhaps it was karma, because I got pregnant twice, and both times I miscarried. After that, I couldn’t conceive again. I thought that was the end of heaven’s punishment. But I was wrong. A few years after that, my husband and my son were in an accident…”

The story, more than two decades old, had always been a taboo topic for Hillary. No one dared to mention it. Even Raymond, who had heard bits and pieces from his parents over the years, was only hearing the full, devastating version today. He was filled with righteous anger.

“Those two old people were so heartless! That was a life, their own granddaughter, and they secretly gave her away behind your backs! And that couple in the countryside—even if they found my cousin too difficult, shouldn't they have brought her back? They just sold her!”

Raymond grew more furious the more he thought about it. But it was too late; his grandparents had passed away years ago, beyond any accountability.

Hillary murmured, “Selling the child would get them some money. Bringing her back would get them nothing but trouble.”

Faced with that choice, it was no surprise they chose to sell the baby.

Joseph remained silent, sitting as still as a statue, his expression unreadable.

Hillary turned to him and said softly, “Mr. Baird, that is the truth of how Vivica was lost. I’m not afraid to tell you, and I admit, while we didn’t discard her intentionally, it was still our fault. If we had known she was alive, we should have never stopped searching. Maybe we could have been reunited when she was just a few years old.”

Joseph seemed to snap out of his trance, his brow furrowing as he blinked away the moisture in his eyes. “Hillary, there’s no proof that Vivica is your biological daughter. You shouldn’t be so quick to claim her.”

Even after hearing the entire tragic story, Joseph was not moved by their quest for reunion. On the contrary, he felt more certain than ever that Vivica should not meet them, nor should she acknowledge them.

Seeing his cold attitude, Cheryl grew anxious. “Mr. Baird, getting proof is simple. We can just do a DNA test.”

“On what grounds?” Joseph shot back coldly. “Are you going to grab any random person on the street who you think looks like a relative and force them into a DNA test?”

Cheryl bit her lip, unable to answer.

“Mr. Baird, we don’t need a test. Just let me see Vivica. I’ll be able to tell,” Hillary pleaded.

Hillary sighed. “Well, this trip wasn’t a total waste. At least I got to meet Mr. Baird and know that Vivica has remarried well. That gives me some peace of mind.”

Raymond said, “But Aunt Hillary, your original plan was to reconnect with your daughter so you could leave your inheritance to her. Otherwise, your husband's family will take it all. But now Vivica won’t even see you—”

Hillary’s husband had two brothers. In the years since Hillary and her husband had fallen ill, the brothers had essentially seized control of the main company. Hillary and her husband only retained control over two subsidiary branches.

Hillary mused, “Vivica married well, so she won’t have to worry about money for the rest of her life. If she truly doesn’t want to acknowledge me or accept the inheritance, then you can have it all.”

Raymond quickly clarified, “Aunt Hillary, that’s not what I meant. I don’t have any such designs.”

“I know,” Hillary said sincerely. “But I mean it. If it weren’t for you and your mother taking care of your uncle and me all these years, we would have been gone long ago.”

Cheryl shot her sister a look. “Don’t say such morbid things!”