The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 165

He had been busy all morning and had only just found a spare moment. The first thing he did was check in with her, thinking that if she had the sample, he could help get it tested. But it seemed she hadn't even considered asking for his help.

Joseph was annoyed—he had offered a helping hand only to have it brushed aside.

Of course, Vivica had no idea about his internal monologue or his irritation. When he didn't reply, her thoughts drifted to another matter. Roderic had bought her the new phone yesterday and had refused to take any money for it. In the ensuing chaos, she’d forgotten all about it.

A quick online search revealed that the phone cost nearly a thousand dollars. Joseph might be wealthy, but she believed in paying her own way.

Putting down her fork, Vivica opened her banking app and transferred a thousand dollars to Joseph.

Joseph, still stewing in the back of his car, heard the notification and frowned at his screen. What was this? Why was she randomly sending him money? Before he could ask, another message popped up.

[This is for the phone from yesterday. Thank you, I really like it. I know you don’t need the money, but it’s the principle of the thing.]

The flicker of irritation he’d felt moments ago vanished. He almost smiled.

Back in the hospital room, a small smile touched Vivica’s bruised face when she saw he didn’t turn down the money.

At the courthouse, the Maybach pulled away from the curb. Roderic glanced in the rearview mirror. “Sir, back to the firm or to the hospital?”

“The hospital,” Joseph replied without a second thought.

“Yes, sir.”

As they merged into traffic, Roderic glanced in the mirror again. “Sir, you’re being incredibly thoughtful toward Ms. Lynn.”

“You talk too much.”

Sensing his boss wasn’t actually angry, Roderic smiled and continued, “But Ms. Lynn is a good person. She’s raised Chaim very well.”

“When I say you talk too much, it’s not an invitation to say more,” Joseph said, a hint of annoyance in his voice at being so easily read by his subordinate.

“Understood,” Roderic said, immediately facing forward.

...

“Zavier, you don’t have to do that for me. I’m getting a settlement from the divorce, so my son’s medical bills are covered. Losing this job won’t be a major setback.”

“I know a woman with your skills would have no trouble finding another job,” Zavier said earnestly. “But I value your talent. You’re skilled, responsible, and a rare find for our department.”

“You’re too kind, Zavier,” Vivica said, blushing at the praise. She was confident in her abilities, but she also knew that talented people weren’t in short supply. Any department could function without one person. Zavier was putting his own reputation on the line for her.

“Seriously, don’t worry. A few days off is not a big deal. The company is very understanding. Just rest and recover.”

After his repeated assurances, Vivica felt she couldn’t argue any further.

Outside in the hallway, Joseph approached, holding a file and searching for her room number. When he found it, he raised his hand to knock but paused, his eyes narrowing as he saw the man inside with Vivica. He looked familiar…

After a moment, he recognized him as the driver of the Volvo who had dropped Vivica off at the hospital a few nights ago.

Joseph’s expression turned to ice. First a late-night drop-off, and now a visit right to her room. She wasn’t even divorced yet, and she was already this eager?

A fire ignited in his chest—a fire aimed at Vivica, but also at himself. No wonder she was always keeping him at arm’s length, even hesitating when he’d suggested they have a child to save Chaim. She already had someone else in her life.