The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 14

"I wanted him, but now—"

Seeing him hesitate, Loretta pushed, "What now? Riley won't let you keep him?"

"No," Fletcher said, finally admitting, "Chaim has leukemia. It's going to cost a lot to treat him. Vivica selling her bags… it must be to raise money for his medical bills."

"What? Chaim has leukemia? Why didn't you tell us any of this? So much has happened!" Loretta's voice rose, drawing glances from passersby.

Just then, Vivica walked out of the consignment shop and saw her sister-in-law standing off to the side. She paused for a moment. Their eyes met.

Loretta dropped her phone, her expression a mix of emotions.

Knowing Loretta had never liked her, Vivica had no intention of greeting her and turned to leave, pretending she hadn't seen her.

But Loretta chased after her. “Hey, Vivica!” she called out, blocking her path.

Vivica's dislike for Fletcher now extended to his entire family. She stopped and gave Loretta a cold glance. "What is it?"

"Is it true Chaim has leukemia?" Loretta asked.

Vivica didn't answer and tried to walk around her.

Loretta blocked her again. "Don't go! I'm not done. Are you really divorcing my brother?"

Vivica still ignored her, pushing her aside to keep walking.

Loretta followed, pestering her. "So how are you splitting the assets? The house, the cars, the company shares? You're not going to be like one of those gold-diggers online who uses my brother's mistake to take him for everything he's worth, are you?"

Vivica let out a cold laugh. "You finally said something that makes sense. You know it's your brother's mistake."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? Even if my brother made a mistake, you should reflect on yourself too! You're always so domineering, wanting to control everything at home and outside. Men like gentle, understanding women, you know?"

Vivica was speechless at the accusation. But instead of arguing, she glanced back at the man standing near the shop entrance.

"So, according to you, as long as a woman is gentle and understanding, a man will love her and be faithful?" she asked Loretta.

"You called? I was in a meeting, my phone was on silent." Fletcher's tone was much colder now, lacking its usual warmth.

The change still stung. They had been married for years, and she had given so much, believing they would grow old together. But now...

After a moment of turmoil, she composed herself, her voice equally detached. "Chaim needs money for his treatment. Transfer five hundred thousand to me."

"Is it confirmed?"

His persistence on this point made her scoff. "What, do you think I'm using our sick child as an excuse to get money from you?"

Fletcher was silent for a moment, because that was exactly what he had thought.

"Fletcher, I know the company's financial situation. Don't tell me you don't even have five hundred thousand. If you push me, I can ruin your reputation and leave you with nothing."

Vivica was no fool. The only reason she hadn't resorted to scorched-earth tactics yet was because her son's illness was consuming all her energy. But if those two pushed her too far, she wouldn't hesitate to expose them and make them public pariahs.

Fletcher knew her well enough to believe the threat. After a moment, he said, "I can give you the money, but can you sign the divorce papers first?"