The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 175

Vivica offered a smile and nodded. "I'm not worried about that."

She knew the Bairds were decent people. Even Joseph, with his sharp tongue, was principled and polite when it mattered, capable of admitting when he was wrong and apologizing. Sheridan and Melanie were even more gracious and reasonable.

After they cleared the air, Vivica’s gaze returned to his torso. He wasn't wearing a jacket, just a thin dress shirt. Over it was a black brace that resembled a posture corrector, which, while looking somewhat sleek, was clearly strapped on very tightly.

She frowned with concern. "What did the doctors say?"

"A fractured rib on the lower left side and soft tissue contusions on my back," he stated matter-of-factly.

Vivica's face fell, and she stopped walking. "It's that serious? Why aren't you admitted to the hospital? Why are you walking around?"

She was currently dealing with a lumbar fracture herself and knew better than anyone how agonizing that kind of pain could be. Joseph had a broken rib, which was even more dangerous. If a sharp edge of the bone were to puncture an internal organ, it could lead to internal bleeding and catastrophic consequences.

Seeing her genuine worry, Joseph felt the pain in his body lessen slightly. He gave a nonchalant smile. "The fracture isn't too severe. And this is the treatment."

"Just wearing that thing? Is it really effective?" Vivica asked doubtfully.

"It's a medical rib brace. The doctor said it stabilizes the area and reduces movement that could aggravate the injury. I have several cases heading to trial soon; I don't have time to lie in a hospital bed."

"But no case is more important than your health, is it? It’s not like you’re short on money. Why do you push yourself so hard?" Vivica’s face was etched with worry, and a fresh wave of guilt washed over her. He had taken her case pro bono, investing his time and energy without any financial gain, only to end up taking a blow for her and sustaining such a serious injury.

"You were right," she murmured, almost to herself. "If I had known this would happen… you shouldn't have been so kind. I've caused you so much trouble."

Joseph sighed, a rare smile touching his usually stern face. "I never blamed you. Why are you getting all depressed?"

"I'd rather you blame me, or at least insult me with that venomous tongue of yours like you usually do."

He let out a dry, humorless laugh. "So you have a masochistic streak."

Vivica looked up at him, saying nothing.

"It's fine, I don't need to be admitted. It's just a superficial wound," Joseph insisted, trying to brush it off.

"Impossible, I know you better than that. Let me see," Melanie persisted.

Watching Melanie fuss over her son, Vivica couldn't help but think of her own parents. She couldn't remember a single time they had shown her such concern. Instead, they were the ones who had put her in the hospital with a fractured spine. The comparison was a painful one, making her feel utterly alone.

Joseph frowned with impatience and pushed his mother's hand away gently. "It's really not serious. Let's talk about Chaim first."

But Melanie had spotted something else. "There's blood on your shirt!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in alarm. "And you say it's not serious?"

Vivica’s eyes shot to his back. Sure enough, a faint bloodstain was visible on his shirt, partially obscured by the brace.

Sheridan heard this and his face grew grim. "What did the doctor say? You need to make sure there's no internal damage."

Since Joseph refused to elaborate and his parents were pressing for answers, Vivica spoke up again. "Mr. Baird has a fractured rib and soft tissue contusions on his back."