The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 214

It turned out to be a century-old mansion that had once been the residence of an imperial prince, now converted into a restaurant specializing in royal court cuisine.

Vivica’s jaw dropped. It must be incredibly expensive.

Joseph, who was already walking slowly due to his injury, noticed she wasn’t behind him and glanced back. Just then, Vivica turned from the plaque, and their eyes met. He caught the look of astonishment still lingering on her face.

“What’s the matter?” he teased, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I won you a multi-million dollar divorce settlement, and you’re already worried about treating me to one nice meal?”

“Of course not,” Vivica quickly denied. “I’m not worried about the cost. It’s just… this place is so magnificent. I feel a bit like a country mouse in the big city.”

Joseph was silent. She walked closer and added with a self-deprecating laugh, “Mr. Baird, I suppose tagging along with you is certainly broadening my horizons.”

Joseph was again left speechless.

They continued inside. As they entered the courtyard, a polished, middle-aged man emerged to greet them with warm familiarity. “Joseph, you’re here! And who is this?”

“Hi, Mr. Murphy,” Joseph greeted him. “This is Vivica, a friend of mine.”

A friend? Vivica was surprised by his introduction. Sensing their close relationship and noting the man’s senior age, she gave a polite nod. “Mr. Murphy, it’s a pleasure. I’m treating Mr. Baird to a meal today to thank him for all his help. I’d appreciate it if you could recommend some of your best dishes.”

“You’re treating him?” Sherman Murphy looked at Joseph in shock, then said bluntly, “You rascal, I see you’ve learned how to scam people now.”

Joseph just smiled without a word.

He placed a cup of freshly brewed coffee in front of her. “Relax,” he added. “The owner is a friend of mine. He won’t rip you off.”

In reality, Sherman was Harvey’s uncle. As soon as he left the room, he pulled out his phone and called his nephew.

“Harvey, you’ll never guess who Joseph brought to my restaurant today,” he said, his voice brimming with gossip.

Harvey had just finished his shift at the clinic and hadn’t eaten lunch yet. “Who’d he bring?” he asked, curious. “Probably just some CEO or tycoon trying to curry favor with him.”

Joseph sometimes held business dinners here, but it was usually others who made the arrangements and footed the bill. Very few people knew that he was the majority owner of the famed establishment.

“No, he brought a woman. A very beautiful one. It’s the first time I’ve seen her. In fact, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him bring a woman here for a meal. And it was just the two of them—no assistant, no driver.”