The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 242

Joseph let out a soft laugh, turning his head with a sigh before looking back at her. “After all this talk, you’re back to your first question? I’m asking you to have a child for me, so I have to give you enough security. After all, childbirth carries far greater risks and sacrifices for a woman. I’m not a scumbag like your ex-husband.”

Just as Joseph finished speaking, Vivica’s phone rang, interrupting their conversation. She glanced down and her brow furrowed. “Speak of the devil. It’s him.”

Joseph nodded slightly. “It’s Chaim’s birthday. Maybe he’s grown a conscience. You should answer.”

Vivica nodded, taking a few steps away to take the call. “Hello?”

On the other end, Fletcher was working overtime on a Saturday. His dad, Dylan, had called him earlier that morning to remind him it was Chaim’s birthday and to ask if he could see the boy. But Fletcher detested Vivica and couldn’t bring himself to call her, so he’d ignored it.

A little while ago, however, Dylan had called again, saying he’d gone to the hospital to see his grandson only to be told the boy had been discharged. Dylan didn’t know where Vivica was living now, but he was desperate to see his grandson, so he had no choice but to ask his son to find out. That’s why Fletcher had finally made the call.

After their acrimonious divorce, Fletcher was in no mood to be pleasant. “Chaim’s been discharged? Why didn’t you tell me? Even though we’re divorced, I’m still his legal father. I have a right to know his whereabouts.”

His tone immediately put Vivica on edge, and her expression chilled. “I’m sorry, but I have sole custody of Chaim. I am his legal guardian, and I have no obligation to report his every move to you.”

“Vivica, you’ve gone too far! You think you can act so high and mighty just because you have Joseph Baird backing you up!”

“Fletcher, if you called just to pick a fight, I don’t have time for this.”

As Vivica prepared to hang up, he must have sensed it, because his tone shifted abruptly. “Wait, don’t hang up! I’m not trying to fight. It’s Chaim’s birthday today. My dad remembered and bought him a cake. He was going to visit him at the hospital, but the staff said you’d already left…”

Vivica brought the phone back to her ear. “It would have been better if you’d just spoken nicely from the start, don’t you think?”

Fletcher seethed but swallowed his pride. When he spoke again, his voice was much calmer. “Where are you and Chaim living now? He’s my dad’s only grandson. He’s doted on him since he was a baby. Even now, knowing he’s not his biological grandson, he can’t just turn off those feelings. Please, let him see the boy.”

“I’m busy today,” Vivica said. “If your father really misses him that much, I’ll ask Chaim what he wants to do when he wakes up. If he wants to see him, we can arrange to have a meal somewhere tomorrow.”

Fletcher’s anger flared again. “Busy today? Who are you busy with?”

“That’s my business. You have no right to ask.”

“You have no proof, you—” Vivica was about to deny it, but before she could finish, Joseph’s hand reached over her shoulder and authoritatively took the phone from her.

“Hey, you…” Vivica turned in surprise.

Joseph spoke directly into the phone. “That’s right. I was the one who had your company’s orders intercepted. What are you going to do about it?”

On the other end, Fletcher was first shocked to hear Joseph’s voice, then instantly furious. “I knew it! You two really are together! No wonder Vivica said she was busy today. She’s so busy cozying up to a rich man that she can’t even be bothered with her own son’s birthday.”

Joseph delivered another blow. “We are celebrating the boy’s birthday today. That’s why we have no time for you.”

“You… you two—” Fletcher was so angry he could barely speak. “Mr. Baird, plenty of women would be willing to have your children. Why are you trying to steal my son?”

“Hah. If you were a good father, do you think your son would refuse to see you or contact you, Mr. Sanford?”

“That’s because Vivica is poisoning him against me! She won’t let me see my own son!”