The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 168

“True,” Harvey nodded. “So it’s not about work.”

Roderic didn’t reply, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire. Harvey leaned forward, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “If he’s not upset about work, then it must be about a woman, right?”

Roderic’s jaw tensed. “Harvey, you’re playing with fire. Don’t drag me into it,” he said, quickly turning back around.

Harvey wasn’t drunk enough to miss Roderic’s reaction. He knew he’d hit the mark. Forgetting Joseph’s earlier warning, he leaned back again. “Joseph, who is she? Who have you fallen for?”

“I’ve fallen for you. Happy now?” Joseph retorted dryly.

Roderic stifled a laugh.

Harvey shivered dramatically. “No thanks. I’m into women, not men.” When Joseph didn’t respond, Harvey pressed on. “It’s your son’s mother, isn’t it?”

“Stanley, Pull over!” Joseph ordered sharply.

“No, no, wait! I’ll zip it, okay? I swear I won’t say another word!” Harvey pleaded.

But it was too late. Joseph had the driver pull over to the side of the road and unceremoniously kicked the well-known and highly respected Dr. Harvey Murphy out of his car.

Standing on the curb, Harvey watched the Maybach speed away and yelled after it, “Joseph, you’re an animal! We’re through! So what if you’ve fallen for her? What’s so embarrassing about admitting it? It’s not like I’m going to make fun of you for falling for a divorcée! Seriously…”

Joseph had originally planned to go to the hospital. But after Harvey had so bluntly called him out, a stubborn pride took over. He told the driver to take him home.

...

Early the next morning, Vivica woke up. She hadn’t slept well, and the reflection in the mirror showed dark circles and puffy eyelids. But with her face already a canvas of bruises, a bit more weariness didn't make much difference. Perhaps, she thought, this pitiful appearance would earn her some sympathy from the judge and expedite the divorce.

Joseph arrived at the hospital not long after. Chaim was just waking up, sitting drowsily in bed. His eyes lit up the moment he saw his uncle. “Uncle Joseph!”

Joseph walked over and scooped the little boy into his arms. “How did you sleep last night?”

“I had a dream that you were lifting me up really high!” Chaim said with childlike imagination.

Vivica, who was in the bathroom, felt her heart skip a beat when she heard his voice. He was here so early.

Was it because she hadn’t agreed to his proposal? It wasn’t that she was against having a child with him. To save Chaim, she would do it with anyone, let alone someone as handsome, wealthy, and distinguished as Joseph. No one could understand a mother’s determination to save her child. She had only hesitated because the suggestion was so sudden, and because she was worried about the immense sacrifice it would be for him.

After breakfast, Roderic arrived with a wheelchair. Vivica looked at it, confused, until Joseph gestured towards it with his chin. “Sit,” he commanded.

“Me?” Vivica asked, stunned.

“Who else?” he shot back.

Vivica quickly waved her hands. “I don’t need it. The physical therapist said I can walk slowly as long as I wear my back brace.”

Joseph’s expression soured with impatience. Roderic quickly stepped in to explain. “Ms. Lynn, wearing the brace and using a wheelchair aren’t mutually exclusive. The boss has a reason for this.”

Vivica finally understood. “Is this a pity play for the court?” she asked Joseph.

“Your brain isn’t entirely useless. Why ask so many questions?”

Vivica settled into the wheelchair and looked up at him, a newfound courage in her eyes. “Your mouth isn’t just coated in arsenic. It’s an encyclopedia of the world’s most lethal toxins.”