The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 216

Vivica picked up her fork and took a bite of food. Joseph sat motionless, his gaze drifting toward her from time to time, making her feel inexplicably nervous and setting her mind racing with wild thoughts.

Not daring to ask him about it or even meet his eyes, she pretended not to notice and focused on her meal.

Suddenly, the door to their private room slid open again. They both assumed it was Sherman with the rest of their food, but when they looked up, they saw Harvey standing there.

Joseph was shocked. “What are you doing here?” he asked bluntly.

“I came for lunch and heard from my uncle that you were here. What a coincidence,” Harvey said without a hint of shame.

Someone else might have believed him, but Joseph didn’t buy a word of it. He suddenly understood why Sherman had insisted on making them six dishes.

“The two extra dishes are on you,” Joseph said flatly.

“Come on, Mr. Baird, seriously?” Harvey frowned. “You’re one of the richest men in the country, and you’re going to complain about a friend eating a couple of your dishes?”

Vivica, still chewing her food, looked back and forth between them, completely baffled by their exchange.

While bickering with his friend, Harvey pulled out a chair and sat down. He then turned to Vivica and introduced himself. “I’m Harvey Murphy. He may or may not have mentioned me. You must be Vivica. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”

Before he could finish, Joseph kicked him under the table, signaling him to watch what he said.

Vivica nodded shyly. “Hello, Mr. Murphy.”

Joseph knew what he was getting at and cut him off sharply. “Eat your food.”

“Here, Ms. Lynn, have some more,” Harvey said, ever the gentleman. He pushed a dish closer to her with a warm smile.

Vivica felt flustered and glanced at Joseph. She had the distinct impression that his friend already knew about the nature of their relationship. It seemed he had come today specifically to meet her.

It was the kind of thing friends did when one of them started dating someone new—they’d all get together for a meal to meet the new partner and welcome them into the circle. It was a way of acknowledging the relationship.

But she and Joseph weren’t in that kind of relationship. Or had Joseph told Harvey something to give him that impression?