The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 244

Melanie looked at her son, and Joseph immediately nodded. “Of course. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Good. You watch Chaim, then. Let Vivica come downstairs and have some more food.”

As soon as Melanie finished speaking, Vivica moved to her side and took her arm, not daring to even glance in Joseph’s direction.

Joseph stood there, replaying his long-winded speech in his head, wondering how much of it had truly sunk in for Vivica. Regardless, he felt confident.

...

The next day, Vivica ended up taking Chaim to meet with the Sanford family. It was Chaim's decision. The little boy had inherited his mother’s kind and soft heart. When he heard his grandfather wanted to see him, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse, even though he felt his old grandfather wasn't as nice as his new one.

Joseph was busy that Sunday but had arranged for Roderic and two other men to escort Vivica and her son to the restaurant.

To Vivica’s surprise, Fletcher had booked a private room and had brought not only Dylan but also Loretta and Riley. The room was decorated with streamers and balloons, with a large “3” balloon stuck to the wall. A three-tiered cake sat on a table with “Happy Birthday, Son” written on it in frosting.

The word “Son” struck Vivica as deeply ironic. If it hadn’t been for the lavish, elegant birthday party the Bairds had thrown the day before, Vivica might have thought this was a nice gesture. Whether it was genuine or just for show, at least they had made an effort on the surface.

As soon as Vivica walked in, before she could even decide how to greet them, Dylan rushed forward and swept Chaim into his arms. “My dear grandson, I missed you so much! Did you miss Grandpa?”

Chaim gave a heartwarming reply. “I did.”

Watching the scene, Vivica felt a sense of unease, but for her son’s sake, she chose not to interfere.

Loretta shot Vivica a disdainful look. “Well, well. Not long ago you were selling your purses and jewelry at second-hand shops for cash, and now you’ve already bought a new one? And a limited-edition designer bag, no less. That one bag is probably worth more than all your old ones combined.”

Riley had noticed the bag the moment Vivica entered. She had coveted that same style but knew Fletcher couldn’t afford it for her now. All she could do was browse for it online. Hearing Loretta lead the attack, she quickly chimed in, “After cleaning out her ex-husband in the divorce, what’s a hundred-thousand-dollar bag? I bet she’s living in a mansion now.”

Vivica took a seat and, seeing how envious they were of her bag, deliberately placed it on the table to provoke them further.

The food was served quickly, and Vivica focused on helping her son eat, ignoring everyone else at the table. Fletcher glanced at her several times, hesitating for a long moment before clearing his throat. “Um… I need to talk to you about something.”

Vivica turned to him. “What is it? If it’s about your company’s orders, I can’t help you.”

“It’s not that. It’s about the technical glitch we had before—the one you helped fix and improve a few times.” Fletcher’s eyes darted around the room as he spoke, and he quickly pretended to serve himself some food, unable to look her in the eye.

Vivica stared at him for a moment, then a knowing smile spread across her face. “No wonder you were suddenly so concerned about Chaim and insisted on throwing him a birthday party. You arranged all this just to ask me for a favor, didn't you?”

Riley interjected, “A favor? Who do you think you are, some kind of expert? You think we can’t manage without you?”

“Riley!” Fletcher snapped before turning back to Vivica, his tone softening. “I could find someone else, but the company is having financial problems right now, and we don’t have the extra money to hire an outside consultant. You’ve solved this for us before. You know the system best.”

“Back then, we were married. Your success was my success. But now we’re divorced. Whether your company thrives or fails has nothing to do with me,” Vivica replied coolly, casually cutting her food.