The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 191

Vivica froze, a sudden heat rising to her ears. The words hung in the air, reminding her of the past few days. When she had been injured, Joseph had carried her in his arms twice, even helping her to the bathroom in the middle of the night—an intimacy many loving couples never shared.

Now, he was the one who was hurt, and it was because of her. It was only right that she show her gratitude, a rare chance to repay his kindness.

After a moment of blushing, Vivica spoke with genuine sincerity. "Carrying you is probably out of the question, but I promise to take care of you to the best of my ability."

A ghost of a smile played on Joseph's lips. "You said it, not me."

On the way to the hospital, Joseph leaned back and closed his eyes. Vivica watched him silently, noticing the deep furrow in his brow and the tension in his jaw. He was clearly in a great deal of pain. She found herself staring at his face, lost in thought, when his phone suddenly rang, jolting him awake. His eyes snapped open.

Vivica quickly averted her gaze, turning to look out the window.

Joseph noticed her flustered movement and a small smirk formed on his lips before he answered the call. When he hung up, he turned to her.

"Your ex-husband has been released," he said in a low voice. "You two can go and finalize the property transfer the morning after tomorrow."

She turned back, surprised. "So soon? I thought the Sanfords had no money. Where did they get the bail?"

"I couldn't say. Perhaps your former father-in-law cashed in his retirement fund."

Vivica considered it. That was the only plausible explanation. In his better years, Fletcher had always been generous to his father and sister, giving them substantial gifts for holidays and birthdays. Loretta was a spendthrift and likely had nothing saved, but Dylan might have put some aside.

"Your ex-husband probably won't appeal the divorce settlement," Joseph continued, his eyes still fixed on her, a subtle softness beneath his calm exterior. "I heard his company is facing a major technical crisis. If he can't resolve it soon, the business could collapse. He doesn't have the energy to keep fighting with you right now."

Joseph's lips tightened, and he shifted uncomfortably. "Could it be what?"

"Nothing…" Vivica looked away, her ears burning again.

Watching her reaction, Joseph's throat bobbed. He decided to press his luck. "Could it be that you think I have… special feelings for you?"

"No, of course not!" Vivica's heart skipped a beat, and she denied it instantly. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Baird. At my age and with my history, I'm long past the point of daydreaming. Life isn't some cheesy soap opera about a domineering CEO falling in love with a divorced single mom. That's pure fantasy."

Joseph blinked. "A domineering CEO falling in love with a divorced single mom? What is that?"

"It's a type of short drama! But a man like you, Mr. Baird, so busy and proper, would never have come across such things."