The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 210

“Chaim is still my son!” Fletcher yelled after her. “The divorce doesn’t change that! As soon as I’m back on my feet, I’m coming for him!”

Riley grabbed his arm, annoyed. “What are you doing? He’s not even your biological son. Why would you want another mouth to feed?”

“You don’t get it,” Fletcher said, his eyes fixed on Vivica’s retreating back. “That kid is her entire world. I’m going to destroy her.”

When he had called out to Vivica, his initial intention had been to ask how Chaim’s treatment was going. But her slap had instantly filled him with a burning desire for revenge.

Riley’s anger dissipated, replaced by satisfaction. “Oh, I thought for a second you actually cared about the kid. If you really want a son, once you’ve made your comeback, I can have a baby for you through a donor. We can have as many as you want.”

Fletcher’s eyes lit up. “Riley, are you serious? You’d do that for me?”

Riley feigned coyness. “Well, that depends on how well you treat me.”

“Of course I’ll treat you well! Everything I have is yours, how could I not?” he promised earnestly.

...

As Vivica reached the bottom of the steps, one of the bodyguards stopped her. “Ms. Lynn, Mr. Baird is here. He’s in that car over there.”

Vivica froze, her gaze shifting to Joseph’s familiar Maybach parked down the street. When had he arrived? Was he here to see her? Given the ambiguous state of their relationship, her heart felt a confusing mix of hopeful anticipation and nervous dread.

Roderic had already gotten out and was holding the rear door open for her, waiting patiently. After a moment’s hesitation, Vivica walked over. She gave Roderic a polite nod and then ducked into the car.

Joseph was in the back seat, his tall, imposing frame commanding the space even while seated. The sheer force of his presence was impossible to ignore.

The car door closed, and Roderic got into the front passenger seat. A driver was already behind the wheel.

Roderic turned to Vivica. “Ms. Lynn, we’re heading to the county records office now. Chaim’s name change has been pending for a few days.”

Understanding dawned on Vivica. That’s right. Joseph had mentioned it last week. The records office had called to say the online application was processed, and all that was left was for her, as the legal guardian, to go in and give final confirmation. Then Chaim’s name change would be official, and he would get his new identity documents.

She nodded, finally turning to look at Joseph, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. “I’m sorry to trouble you with another errand.”

What she really wanted to say was that she could have handled it herself; he didn’t need to go out of his way for her. But she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. Chaim was part of the Baird family now, and it was natural for his uncle to be involved.

Her overly polite tone seemed to be the last straw for Joseph. His eyes snapped to hers. “I thought you were part of the family now. Why are you acting like such a stranger?”