The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 174

He answered the call and immediately went on the offensive. "You ran a DNA test on the boy behind her back?"

Sheridan understood at once. "Ms. Lynn told you?" he asked, his tone formal and clipped. He was no longer calling her Vivica.

Joseph's expression grew even more serious. The change in address meant things were already strained between them. He stood up abruptly to leave.

The doctor, who was still adjusting the brace on his back, was caught off guard. "Hey, Mr. Baird, don't move! I'm almost done."

The sudden movement pulled at his injury, and a sharp pain made Joseph wince. "Hurry up. I have something to do," he urged coldly.

"Just a second," the doctor said, quickening his pace to secure the medical rib brace. "Now, remember to avoid any sudden movements for the next few days…"

Before the doctor could finish, Joseph was already out the door. The doctor looked at Roderic. "Remind your boss that a fractured rib is not something to take lightly!"

"I will, thank you," Roderic replied hastily, rushing to catch up.

Inside the elevator, Roderic slipped in just as the doors were closing. Joseph, his face grim, continued his heated conversation with his father. "Who gave you the right to do that? Have you no respect for her privacy?"

"And I hear you knew all along!" Sheridan shot back, his own anger rising. "Why did you hide it from us? That is Lennon's son, Lennon's only legacy in this world! How could you keep something so important from us?"

"I had my reasons."

"What reasons? Your mother went to ask her what happened, and she wouldn't say a word. Did she get pregnant through some illicit means?" Sheridan could think of no other explanation for his son’s secrecy. His unmarried, younger son had died in the line of duty, only for them to discover he had a child. It was a blessing amid tragedy. Why would anyone hide that?

"Is that how you questioned Vivica just now?" Joseph demanded.

"No, of course not. We're not like that," Sheridan denied. "Your mother just tried to gently ask about it, but she wouldn't talk. She told us to ask you."

Joseph didn't entirely believe his father, worried they had already upset Vivica. When the elevator reached their floor, he strode out, his pace brisk and determined, completely ignoring the pain from his injury.

Roderic trailed behind him, hesitantly reminding him, "Boss, the doctor said you need to be careful…"

Chaim, perceptive for his age, had seen the serious expressions on the adults' faces and was already worried. "Mommy," he said earnestly, "Sheridan and Melanie are so nice to us, not like my other grandparents. Please don't fight with them, okay?"

Vivica gently stroked his cheek. "Okay, sweetie. Mommy promises."

As they stepped out of the room, Joseph glanced at her and immediately apologized. "I'm sorry. My parents shouldn't have done the test behind your back. It was inconsiderate of them."

Vivica looked at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. "It's okay," she said softly. "I was upset when I first found out, but I'm fine now."

She could understand their perspective. The resemblance between Chaim and Lennon was undeniable; anyone would have been suspicious. They had probably acted secretly because they didn't want to be presumptuous or risk her refusal. They likely assumed it was a long shot and were just looking for closure.

But the results had been a complete shock. In any case, the truth was bound to come out eventually. Now that it had, she no longer had to hide it. Even a child as young as Chaim could see how genuinely his grandparents cared for him. Knowing he was their biological grandson would only deepen that love. She hadn't been harmed by their actions, so there was no point in holding a grudge.

Seeing that her calm demeanor wasn't just an act, Joseph felt a sense of relief. "I'm glad you're not holding it against them," he said. "And don't worry. Even though they know Chaim is their grandson, they won't try to take him from you."