The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 121

“For all the years I’ve been building this company, working myself to the bone under immense pressure, you never once cared about me. I’d come home at night, and you’d still expect me to help with the baby. You’re a full-time mom, and we even have a nanny! Couldn’t you have just handled it?”

Fletcher spoke with a self-righteous air, as if he held the moral high ground.

“If it were just a day or two, I could let it slide. But in our four years of marriage, I can’t remember a single moment of peace or happiness. I was busy at the office, and I was busy at home. I’m a human being, not a machine; I need a break too. If you had shown me a little more care and consideration, I never would have longed for my past relationship, and we wouldn't be in this mess today.”

As soon as Fletcher finished, Loretta jumped in, her voice sharp. “Exactly! My brother gives you ten thousand dollars a month! How many women get to live that kind of life? What’s wrong with showing my brother a little more appreciation?”

Vivica said nothing, calmly watching them spout their nonsense. When they finally fell silent, she clapped her hands softly. “Are you done?” she asked, her tone dripping with contempt. “Any other grievances you’d like to air? Now’s the time.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Who’s airing grievances? Are you saying we’re not telling the truth?” Loretta shot back.

“Fine,” Vivica said, sitting up straighter. “If you want to talk facts, let’s get the facts straight.”

“First of all, when I married your brother, I had no idea about his… condition. Technically, that’s marriage fraud, and I have grounds to petition the court for an annulment.”

Vivica turned to Fletcher’s lawyer. “Gavin, am I correct on that point?”

Everyone from the Sanford family, including Riley, turned to look at Gavin.

“When I first found out about your brother’s condition, my immediate thought was divorce. But a few days later, your mother was diagnosed with cancer. She said her dying wish was to have a grandchild and urged us to have a baby quickly. To be a filial son and grant his mother’s wish, your brother practically begged me on his knees to do IVF.”

A shadow of pain crossed Vivica’s face as she recalled the past.

“My friend, who’s a doctor, was strongly against it. She warned me that IVF is an incredibly painful process, very damaging to the body, and would even increase my risk of cancer later in life. She told me to think very carefully.”

Vivica paused, her eyes welling up slightly.

“I was hesitant, of course, but your brother made a mountain of promises—how he’d spend the rest of his life making it up to me. I was a fool for being so soft-hearted, and in the end, I agreed.”