The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 184

Joseph frowned. "Am I really that hard to get along with?"

"You don't know?" Vivica retorted instinctively. "I figured a man as brilliant as Mr. Baird would have a little more self-awareness."

This time, it was Joseph who was left speechless. "You just said you were afraid of saying the wrong thing and making me angry, and now you're mocking me."

"You're the one who told me to speak my mind," Vivica shot back.

"Are you determined to infuriate me in the middle of the night?"

"You're the one who called me."

Joseph held the phone, a laugh escaping his lips—a mix of frustration and amusement.

Hearing it, Vivica grew curious. "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm laughing at myself for being a glutton for punishment," he said. "I shouldn't have called you and brought this on myself."

Vivica fell silent, genuinely confused. She didn't understand how a simple conversation could go so off the rails. After a brief pause, she asked directly, "Mr. Baird, do you dislike me?"

Joseph was taken aback. "Why would you ask that?"

"It's just a feeling I get," she explained. "It feels like you can't stand me, but you feel obligated to help me because of Chaim."

His expression hardened. He knew with absolute certainty that he didn't dislike Vivica. Far from it. He often found himself thinking about her at random moments, and the thought always brought a sense of pleasure, of anticipation. So why did she have the complete opposite impression?

"Vivica, after everything I've done for you, after getting injured for you today, you conclude that I dislike you?" he said, his voice sharp. "I thought you were smart. Does your brain only know how to write code?"

He countered, "And you're thrilled to have me as your brother?"

"Of course!" she chirped. "Mr. Baird, you’re so capable. With you looking out for me, I can walk around Riverdale like I own the place."

Joseph laughed again, but this time it wasn't out of anger. He pictured her strutting around like a queen and found it amusing. "What are you, a crab? You plan on walking sideways?"

The long phone call had started to disturb Chaim. Vivica glanced over and saw her son stirring in his sleep.

"Chaim's waking up," she whispered into the phone. "I have to go. You should get some rest."

Before Joseph could reply, she hung up and turned to soothe her son.

Sitting in his car, Joseph stared at the ended call on his screen, a bittersweet feeling washing over him. He couldn't understand himself. Why did he find himself wanting to talk to her for just a little longer, even if it was just about meaningless nonsense?