The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 224

She pulled Joseph into the adjoining bathroom and shut the door behind them.

Joseph watched her with an amused expression, yet he couldn't resist a taunt. "What's this? Planning to attack me while I'm still injured?"

Vivica lowered her gaze for a moment, gathering her thoughts, before meeting his eyes directly.

"Joseph Baird, what is it you really want?" she asked, her voice low and tight to keep from waking her son.

His expression sobered, not with coldness, but with a quiet intensity. "What are you asking?" he countered.

"What do you think? Your concern, your protection, your help—it's all gone far beyond the boundaries of a normal friendship. Not to mention the way everyone around you acts, the hints they drop in everything they say."

She was done playing games. She had to clear the air tonight; she couldn't stand this maddening, ambiguous dance any longer.

"When a man and a woman interact, it's easy to cross lines," she said, her heart pounding against her ribs. "And your behavior toward me has already led me to misunderstand."

Joseph’s gaze deepened. "Misunderstand what?"

She looked up at him, and since he was meeting her head-on, she decided to do the same. "To misunderstand that you have feelings for me."

The words hung in the air, and Vivica’s heart thundered so loudly it seemed to echo in her ears. "But I'm freshly divorced, and my life is a complete mess. I'm not in the mood for a new relationship, and I certainly don't have the energy to deal with someone's passing whim. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Joseph was much taller than her, and as they stood so close, she had to tilt her head back to look at him. He, in turn, had to lower his.

They held each other's gaze for a few silent seconds before his Adam's apple bobbed. "It's not a passing whim," he said, his voice low and soft. "I do have feelings for you. But I wasn't sure how you felt, so I didn't dare to make it clear."

What? Vivica stared up at him. As his confession registered, her eyes widened in shock. Her heart felt like a freight train, and his words echoed endlessly in her mind.

Joseph actually… liked her?

But they had known each other for less than a month.

"You—" Vivica started to speak, but the single sound died on her lips.

Joseph had originally planned to wait a while longer, to give her time to cool down and process everything. He hadn't expected her to force the issue tonight. Since she had, he knew he had to respond directly.

"It's unbelievable, isn't it?" he said, a faint smile touching his lips as he looked at her stunned face. It was as if he were talking to himself. "I can hardly believe it myself. But it's the truth."

The silence stretched on, and Vivica's scalp tingled, her face burning. She could feel the tension and displeasure rolling off him in waves, and she slowly clenched her fists at her sides.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Baird," she said softly, her gaze dropping to the floor. "You've helped me so much lately. By all rights, I should agree to anything you ask. But this… this is the one thing I can't do."

Her apology seemed to snap Joseph out of his stupor. He let out a cold, bitter laugh, though it was unclear if he was mocking himself or her.

"Whether we're a match or not," he said out of nowhere, "it's not up to you to decide."

Vivica's head shot up, her eyes narrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Was he going to force her? If she said no, would he refuse to take it for an answer?

Seeing the alarm on her face, Joseph asked coolly, "Have you forgotten my proposal from the other day?"

Vivica looked confused, clearly not following.

Joseph spelled it out for her. "We need to have a child. To use the cord blood to save Chaim."