The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 172

Joseph’s back throbbed with pain, and he didn't feel like talking.

But when Vivica got no response, she feared he might have passed out. After a moment's hesitation, she gathered her courage and reached out to check if he was breathing.

Just as her fingers neared his nose, his eyes snapped open. His gaze was deep and dark, like a bottomless well threatening to pull her in. Startled, her hand recoiled, and her heart fluttered in her chest.

"I'm not dead," Joseph said flatly.

Vivica flushed with embarrassment. "I… you weren't saying anything. I was worried."

"You were worried about me?" he asked, seizing her words.

Vivica paused, realizing the ambiguity. "You were hurt protecting me. It's only natural that I'd be worried," she explained, avoiding his intense gaze.

Joseph closed his eyes again, but his lips parted to utter a cold remark. "If I had known that helping you with your lawsuit would bring about a bloodbath, I would have thought twice. You're a walking disaster. Not only do you get yourself hurt, but you drag innocent people down with you."

Vivica wanted to argue, but she couldn't deny the truth in his words. She bit her lip and, after a long moment, apologized. "I'm sorry. You really did get hurt because of me."

Hearing the dejection in her voice, Joseph’s eyes opened a fraction. He saw her crestfallen expression, and his heart softened slightly. "Apology accepted," he said with a quiet sigh.

Vivica looked at him, her lips pressed together.

At the hospital, Joseph got out of the car and headed straight for an examination room. Vivica started to follow, but he stopped her.

"What are you doing?" he asked coolly.

"I'm coming with you… to your check-up…"

"In what capacity?"

Vivica stared at him, a hot blush creeping up her cheeks. What did he mean by that? He was injured because he'd protected her. It was her duty to stay with him, to pay for his medical bills. What did her 'capacity' have to do with it?

Seeing her silent again, Joseph felt a flicker of irritation. "You walk like an old lady. Are you here to support me or am I supposed to take care of you?"

Speechless, Vivica abandoned the idea. "Fine, I'll go upstairs then. I won't get in your way." She turned to Roderic. "Please let me know how he is after the examination."

Roderic had long since picked up on the undercurrent of tension between the two, especially from his moody boss. "Of course, Ms. Lynn," he nodded.

Joseph shot him a sideways glance. "You're very obedient. Does she pay your salary?"

"Fletcher wouldn't accept the verdict," Vivica explained. "He said he's going to appeal, and he caused a huge scene in the courtroom. He threw a chair at me, and Mr. Baird shielded me… he got hurt…"

"What?" Quintina was shocked. "Is Fletcher insane? Isn't that illegal? He has some nerve! How badly is Mr. Baird hurt? Is it serious?"

"I don't know. We just got back to the hospital. He's getting checked out now."

As Vivica was on the phone, she heard Melanie’s voice in the hallway. Before she could get up, her door swung open and Melanie walked in, her face alight with excitement.

"Vivica, the nurse said you were back! How did it go? Did the court rule? Are you divorced?" Melanie asked eagerly as she came in.

Vivica quickly ended the call with Quintina. "The court granted the divorce," she said with a small smile, feeling too ashamed to mention that she had gotten Melanie's son injured.

"Good! It's about time you got rid of that scoundrel!" Melanie sat down beside her, her excitement seeming almost unnatural. She took Vivica's hands, gazing at her with a loving and joyous expression, as if looking at her own daughter.

Confused, Vivica managed another smile. "Mrs. Baird, why are you looking at me like that?"

After a moment of consideration, Melanie asked softly, "Vivica, dear… do you happen to know my Lennon? He's a firefighter, very handsome—oh, I have a picture right here."