The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 249

After all, according to Riley, Fletcher was drowning in debt with maxed-out credit cards. And with Dylan admitted to the hospital under such dire circumstances, the medical bills were sure to be astronomical.

Joseph nodded. “Answer it. If he just wants money, lend it to him. But make him sign an IOU.”

Joseph could be ruthless, but when it came to a matter of life and death, he wasn’t without compassion.

Vivica looked at him, surprised by his response. But after a moment’s thought, it made sense. For someone of Joseph’s stature, the money was insignificant. When a life was on the line, he would naturally set aside personal grudges.

Vivica answered the call. “Hello?”

Fletcher’s voice on the other end was frantic and trembling. “Vivica, my dad has a brain hemorrhage. His condition is critical. The doctors say he needs emergency surgery and they require a fifty-thousand-dollar deposit. Can you… can you lend me some money?”

Hearing the pleading tone in his voice, Vivica paused for a moment, remembering Joseph’s advice. “I can lend you the money, but you have to sign an IOU.”

This fifty thousand was undoubtedly just the beginning. If Dylan ended up in the ICU for an extended period, the costs would become a bottomless pit.

Vivica didn’t want to give Fletcher the impression that she was an endless source of cash. Making him sign an IOU, even if she never intended to collect, would keep the power in her hands. It would be another piece of leverage if he ever decided to cause trouble again.

But the moment the words left her mouth, Fletcher erupted. “Vivica! Are you even human? He was my father, but he was your father-in-law too! He’s fighting for his life, and you want an IOU for a few thousand dollars?”

His sudden shouting was so loud it felt like it would pierce her eardrum. Vivica quickly pulled the phone away from her ear.

Vivica looked at him, astonished. When Joseph hung up, she asked, a mix of confusion and surprise in her voice, “Why are you helping him?”

“Helping him? He’s nothing. I’m helping you,” Joseph replied with a dismissive, arrogant sip of his coffee.

He knew Vivica. If the hospital had delayed treatment because she hadn’t lent Fletcher the money, and his father had actually died—even if it wasn’t her fault—she would have been burdened with guilt. So he had Roderic handle the hospital directly. Dylan would get the care he needed, but Fletcher would be left to stew in his desperation a little longer.

Hearing his explanation, Vivica felt another surge of warmth and gratitude, her gaze softening as she looked at him. It was just as he’d said: it’s not about how long you’ve known someone.

Joseph offered a small smile and nodded toward her phone on the table. “I have a feeling Fletcher will be calling you again shortly. I expect his attitude will be much improved.”