The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 129

Her phone slipped from her grasp, landing precariously between their chests as they stood locked in an embrace.

Her heart hammered against her ribs. Still reeling from the shock, she looked up into the handsome face just inches from her own, and her mind went blank.

When the reality of the situation—that she was being held tightly by Joseph—sank in, a deep blush spread across her cheeks. She instinctively tried to pull away. But as she moved, she realized her phone was wedged between them.

Joseph’s eyes narrowed. With lightning-fast reflexes, his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her back against him. The phone was saved, but the position was now impossibly intimate. Her phone was now pressed firmly between the soft curve of her breast and the hard wall of his chest. The sudden, forceful movement made both of them acutely aware of the pressure.

Vivica felt as if her entire body was on fire. And yet, she couldn't move, for fear of dropping her phone.

Roderic, standing nearby, witnessed the entire exchange, his expression a mixture of surprise and awkwardness. He quickly averted his gaze.

“I’m… I’m sorry…” Vivica stammered, her brain still short-circuiting.

Joseph looked down at her. “Get your phone,” he commanded. “Or do you expect me to?”

If he were to reach for it, given its location, it would be far more than just retrieving a phone.

Vivica’s already malfunctioning brain received another jolt. She felt like a complete idiot. Unable to speak, she gingerly reached between their bodies and rescued her phone.

“Th-thank you…” she managed, finally remembering that gratitude, not an apology, was the appropriate response.

“Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re brilliantly foolish or just foolishly brilliant.” Joseph's words echoed in her mind. With a sinking feeling, she had to admit he might be right.

On her way back to the office, Evelyn called yet again. It was clear she wouldn’t give up until she got what she wanted.

“Mom, what is it you want? I’m busy at work,” Vivica said, her voice laced with impatience.

“Why did you hang up on me?” Evelyn demanded. “Are you trying to disown me? We worked so hard to raise you, to put you through school, and this is how you repay us?”

Vivica had been hearing the same guilt trip since she was a child. She didn’t want to argue, so she just explained, “A delivery rider almost hit me. The call dropped.”