The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 152

Keaton Jefferson glanced at Vivica. "I don't believe we've met," he said, his curiosity piqued. "Is she Joseph's girlfriend?"

He knew most of the Baird family relatives, at least by sight. A young woman he didn't recognize, yet who commanded so much of the family's attention, could only be a future daughter-in-law in his mind.

Vivica quickly waved her hands in denial. "Hello, Professor Jefferson. You've misunderstood. I'm just fortunate enough to know Sheridan and Melanie, and they've been incredibly kind to me."

Keaton chuckled. "We'll see if it's a misunderstanding in due time. For now, let's take a look at that back of yours."

A nurse drew the curtain around the bed, and Keaton instructed Vivica to lie on her stomach. He gently probed several spots along her spine.

"I've seen your scans. The injury isn't too severe," he explained, his fingers gently kneading the joints of her vertebrae. "The intense pain you're feeling is likely from a displaced fracture pressing on a spinal nerve. I'm going to make a small adjustment, and you should feel significant relief."

Just as he said the word "adjustment," he applied a sudden, firm pressure. A sharp cry of pain escaped Vivica's lips.

Outside the room, Joseph had just arrived after finishing his work for the day. Hearing her scream, he instinctively pushed the door open, only to find himself face-to-face with his father.

Sheridan shot his son a look. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked coolly.

Joseph froze, noticing the drawn curtain around the bed and hearing the low murmur of conversation from within. He immediately understood.

"Professor Jefferson is here?" he asked in a hushed tone.

"For the next few days, just follow the standard physical therapy regimen. Three courses of treatment should do it," he advised the hospital's resident therapist before giving Vivica a few final instructions.

After Keaton and the others left, a nurse pulled back the curtain. As Vivica shifted to lie on her back, she saw that Joseph had appeared at some point.

Sheridan had left with Keaton, and the medical staff had departed, leaving the two of them alone in the room. Their eyes met, and Vivica's heart inexplicably began to race, a flush of awkwardness creeping up her neck.

"Um… Professor Jefferson misunderstood our relationship," she said, breaking the silence. "He thinks I'm your girlfriend. You might want to clear that up."

Joseph stepped closer, his expression as cool and imposing as ever. "Are you that afraid of them getting the wrong idea?"