The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 119

Seeing his client's prolonged silence, Gavin leaned over. "Mr. Sanford, don't you want to reach a settlement? Start with a verbal apology, then present your compensation offer. Let's see if the other party is willing to accept it."

Prompted by his lawyer, Fletcher finally sat up straight. He looked at Vivica, carefully choosing his words. "Vivica, about yesterday... I'm sorry. I acted on impulse. I regret it deeply. I never should have hit you. I was wrong. Please, forgive me."

Hearing his apology brought Vivica a small measure of satisfaction, but it wasn't enough.

Joseph glanced at her and nodded toward the other side of the table, silently telling her to respond.

Vivica took a breath and looked across at them. She ignored Fletcher's apology and addressed Riley instead. "And you? Have you prepared your apology?"

Riley looked up, startled. "Me?"

"Who else? You had a hand in it yesterday, too, didn't you?"

Riley's face flushed with humiliation. "Vivica, you've already won. Do you really need to be so petty?"

At that, Vivica stood up abruptly. "Mr. Baird, let's go. Their apology is not sincere."

"Wait!" Fletcher called out, then shot a furious glare at Riley. "Apologize now! Do you want me to go to jail?"

"This mediation is about you! Why do I have to apologize?" Riley argued.

"Just do it!" Fletcher urged, his voice filled with desperation.

Gavin interjected, "What do you even see in this woman? I'm starting to think she wants you to go to jail."

"Vivica, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have laid a hand on you yesterday. I was wrong," Riley said again, forcing the words out through clenched teeth.

This time, Vivica seemed slightly more satisfied. She turned her attention back to Fletcher. "I accept your apologies. What's the next step?"

Fletcher gritted his teeth, his cuffed hands tightening into fists. He truly didn't want to part with his assets. He had worked so hard for years to build his wealth, and now he had to hand it all over. But as much as he hated it, he had no other choice.

"I agree to the divorce," he said, his voice sounding hollow and lifeless, as if every word was being torn from him. "And I'll agree to your terms. Everything except my car and my company is yours."

His heart was bleeding. The penthouse apartment alone was worth millions.

Before Vivica could respond, Joseph spoke up. "The company is the most valuable asset, and you get to keep all of it. How is that 'leaving with nothing'?"