The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 144

“Ms. Lynn!” Roderic cried out, unable to react in time from his position by the car door.

Joseph instinctively reached out, but he only managed to grab her arm, doing little to break her fall.

On the other end of the line, Zavier heard her cry of pain.

“Vivica, what was that? Are you alright? Is it serious? Which hospital are you at?”

Vivica’s face was pale, and she clutched her lower back, momentarily unable to speak.

“Zavier, I’m sorry… I’ll have to take this week off. I know I shouldn’t be taking so much time during my probation, and I’ll accept any consequences to my evaluation.”

Without waiting for a response, Vivica ended the call. As much as she valued her job, her health had to come first. She had Chaim to think about; she couldn’t afford to let her body break down.

Joseph’s face was taut as he stared at her pained expression. Without hesitating, he bent down.

Vivica was still reeling from the pain and was momentarily confused by his handsome face suddenly being so close. “Mr. Baird… what are you—?”

“Put your arms around my shoulders,” Joseph said curtly, his eyes averted.

It took her a moment to understand. “You… you’re going to carry me?”

“What’s the alternative? You want to crawl into the car?” he shot back, turning to glare at her with an indescribably foul expression.

Vivica bit her lip, hesitated for a second, then raised her arms and looped them around his neck.

Vivica understood then that he was calling her a burden. She couldn’t argue; it was the truth.

“I’ve never acted as a manservant for a client before. You’re the first,” Joseph continued, twisting the knife.

Just moments before, her mind had been filled with shy, flustered thoughts. But the word “client” was like a splash of cold water, snapping her back to reality. So that's all she was to him.

“I… I can pay your legal fees. I’ll have the money soon,” she offered, trying to salvage some dignity.

“Do I look like I need money?”

Vivica was silenced again. After a moment, she muttered, “If you really don’t want to deal with this, you don’t have to. It’s not like I can force you.”