The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 153

There was a complex, hidden emotion in Joseph's eyes as he asked the question, but Vivica was too consumed by her own nervousness and embarrassment to notice.

Avoiding his gaze, she stammered, "It's not about whether I'm afraid. I'm worried it will have a negative impact on you."

What if some socialite had her eye on him, planning to make a move, only to be deterred by rumors that he was already taken? That wouldn't be fair.

"Thank you for your concern, but it's unnecessary," Joseph replied flatly.

Vivica pressed her lips together, at a loss for words.

A brief silence fell over the room. Joseph didn't seem to have anything else to say, yet he didn't leave. Unsure what he was waiting for, Vivica scrambled for a new topic. "Um… perhaps Chaim should come back here to sleep tonight. He's never been away from me, and I'm worried he'll wake up in the middle of the night and disturb your parents."

"And you can take care of him in your condition?"

"I think so… I feel much better since Professor Jefferson's adjustment."

Joseph answered dryly, "Right. And after a night of wrestling with a toddler, you'll undo all his hard work. I doubt he'll have time to come back tomorrow."

Vivica shot him a frustrated look but didn't dare argue. She knew that while she was feeling better, she wasn't ready to handle a child overnight. She was also keenly aware that a renowned expert like Keaton Jefferson had only come as a favor to the Baird family. She was yet again in their debt.

But she couldn't let her son impose on the elderly couple indefinitely. Even if Chaim was their blood, they weren't responsible for him, especially since they didn't even know the truth about his parentage.

"Relax," Joseph said, apparently misreading her hesitation. "I'm not a predator, and frankly, I'm not interested in patients."

He thought she was worried about being alone with a man. With that curt dismissal, he turned and walked out.

Vivica’s mind was reeling. What on earth did he mean by all this? Was he simply trying to look after his nephew, or was he using his nephew as an excuse to flirt with her? He had warned her not to get any ideas before, hadn't he? He’d made several cutting remarks that, while not explicit, clearly implied she should keep her distance while still married. So what was this—openly planning to spend the night in the same room with her? Wasn't he worried about people misunderstanding and tarnishing his precious reputation?

She couldn't figure it out, and she certainly didn't dare ask him directly.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts.