The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 236

Seeing her shifting restlessly, Joseph reached out and gently took her hand in his, his palm enveloping the back of it.

He had only meant to comfort her. But the warmth of his skin startled Vivica, and she quickly pulled her hand away.

Joseph just smiled, saying nothing and not pushing the matter. They would be home soon, and he didn't want to fluster her, which would only make her more anxious about meeting his family.

A short while later, the winding mountain road suddenly opened up before them.

In the distance, a sprawling manor came into view. The entire complex was built into the mountainside, masterfully blending with the natural scenery to create a grand, park-like estate with staggered buildings that exuded a serene elegance.

“Your home is huge. It’s like a palace,” Vivica couldn’t help but murmur.

Joseph smiled. “My great-grandfather originally built it. My grandfather and my father expanded it over the years to what it is now. The Baird family is large, and when everyone comes back for the holidays, they need a place to stay.”

Vivica nodded, her mind still reeling from the sight.

The magnificent gates of the estate swung open, and the two cars drove through one after the other.

Chaim, who had ridden with his grandparents, was the first one out. His eyes widened at the beautiful, novel architecture.

“Wow!” he exclaimed, utterly impressed. “Grandpa, Grandma, your house is so pretty! It’s just like the castles kings live in on TV!”

Chaim’s little face was a picture of awe.

Sheridan fondly stroked his grandson’s head. “Chaim, this is your home, too,” he corrected gently.

Vivica got out of the car with Joseph just behind them. They had barely found their footing when Chaim ran over and grabbed Vivica’s hand. “Mommy, Grandpa and Grandma said this is our home now, too! I’m so happy! It’s like a castle playground!”

At the mention of a playground, Sheridan added, “We actually did build one in the backyard, just for Chaim.”

Vivica was taken aback. She glanced at Joseph and whispered, “They’re going a bit overboard, don’t you think? Chaim’s going to be spoiled rotten.”

Joseph offered a faint smile. “Be strict when you need to be, and spoil him when you can. That’s how my grandfather raised me. Do you think I turned out spoiled?”

Vivica looked up at him and said bluntly, “You are unbelievably brazen.”

His brutally honest way of speaking was certainly a possible side effect of being “spoiled.”

“Come on, let’s go inside,” Sheridan called out, and the family made their way toward the main house.

As they stepped through the front door, two rows of household staff bowed in unison. “Welcome home, Young Master! Welcome home, Ms. Lynn!”

Surrounded and fussed over by everyone, Chaim grew a little shy and tightened his grip on his mother’s hand.

Vivica was nervous herself, but she managed to maintain a polite smile, nodding warmly at anyone whose gaze she met.

Once the initial excitement died down, Joseph began the introductions one by one. Vivica greeted each person accordingly, while also teaching her son how to address them.

Though shy, Chaim was well-mannered. With his mother’s prompting, he chirped out his greetings. The opulent mansion was instantly transformed into a lively family reunion.

“Ms. Lynn, you’re so beautiful and graceful, and you’ve raised such a wonderful boy,” Joseph’s aunt said with a warm smile. “It’s a true blessing in the midst of tragedy that Lennon’s child is with us.”

Vivica blushed, feeling quite embarrassed by the praise.

Sheridan ushered everyone back into the living room to sit and chat, and the crowd slowly dispersed.

But before Vivica could even sit down, Joseph’s uncle and aunt approached her, each holding an ornate box. “Ms. Lynn, it’s a pleasure to meet you. This is a little something for you and the boy. It’s just a small token, so please don’t refuse.”

The two elders opened the boxes to reveal the gifts inside. For Chaim, there were gold ornaments. For Vivica, a set of fine jewelry, including matching earrings.

Vivica was stunned and began backing away, waving her hands in protest. “Oh no, I can’t accept this. It’s far too valuable. We appreciate the thought, but we really can’t take the gifts.”