The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 235

Joseph chuckled at her remark. “What happened this afternoon was nothing. I have my limits.”

“You barged into someone’s home and did… that, and you call it ‘nothing’?” Vivica protested. “How much worse does it have to get before it’s ‘something’? You’re a lawyer, how can you say such things?”

Joseph remained perfectly calm. “As long as it’s mutual, it’s not crossing a line. My profession has nothing to do with it.”

“Who said it was mutual?” Vivica shot back, her face flushing an even deeper shade of red.

“I can tell whether it’s mutual or not,” Joseph replied smoothly. “Your denial is pointless.”

Flustered and angry, Vivica picked up a salt-and-pepper shrimp with her fork and shoved it directly into his mouth. “Shut up and eat!”

Joseph froze for a second, then broke into a smile.

Realizing what she had just done, Vivica quickly pulled her hand back and ducked her head, trying to bury her face in her plate of food.

Though she was still putting up a fight, Joseph knew her resistance was crumbling. Harvey was right—persistence wears down even the most resolute woman. As long as he remained steadfast, he was confident he could win her over.

In the end, through a combination of threats and persuasion, Joseph managed to make her accept the two bags, with the strict condition that she had to actually use them and not just hide them away.

...

Saturday morning, Vivica was busy with preparations. Chaim was being discharged today.

The initial round of chemotherapy was over. Although it hadn't produced the desired results, his condition had been stabilized. Dr. Warren believed that a child so young needed to experience the joys of childhood, not be confined to a hospital room. He suggested they take a break, allowing both the child and the adults to relax and recharge before the next round of consolidation therapy.

“However, I need to be clear with you,” Dr. Warren explained, his tone serious. “Based on the results of the first phase, the consolidation phase is also unlikely to be highly effective. If he develops drug resistance or specific gene mutations, we’ll have to switch to a different treatment. A transplant at the right time offers the best hope for a complete cure.”

His expression grew heavy. “I know this is difficult to hear, but this is the reality of treating leukemia. You need to remain positive and cooperative, but you also have to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”

Vivica’s initial joy about the discharge evaporated, replaced by a heavy, indescribable weight in her chest. It felt like a shard of glass was lodged in her throat.

As they left the hospital, Sheridan and Melanie walked ahead with Chaim, while Joseph and Vivica trailed a few steps behind.

She shook her head, still undecided. “Just give me a few more days. I need to think this over properly.”

Even if she agreed, she would need time to prepare herself mentally.

Joseph could already see she was wavering and knew she would eventually agree, so he didn’t press her further.

They were heading back to the Baird family’s main residence. Sheridan was the eldest of three siblings; Joseph’s uncle and aunt, who ran branches of the Baird Group in other cities, had flown in especially to meet the great-nephew they never knew they had.

On the way, Sheridan and Melanie rode in one car with Chaim, while Joseph and Vivica were in another.

As their car turned onto the private road leading to the estate, Vivica’s anxiety spiked.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to come with you? My position is so… awkward. It would have been fine if you just brought Chaim,” she said nervously.

“You’re Chaim’s mother. What’s awkward about that? My parents have already explained the situation to our relatives. They all understand.”