The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 265

“Vivica, are you free today? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

Vivica had braced herself for an unpleasant conversation, but Fletcher’s tone was surprisingly polite. It took her a moment to process, but she quickly figured it out.

“Are you asking me for more money?” she asked. There was no other reason for him to be this cordial.

Fletcher stammered for a few seconds before admitting, “Yes, I still need some help with the medical bills.”

So, Dylan had made it through the surgery.

“How is your father? Was the operation a success?” Vivica asked.

“It was successful enough, I suppose. But with a brain hemorrhage, the surgery isn’t the hard part—it’s the recovery. The doctor said even if he makes it through this period, it’s unlikely he’ll ever be back to his old self.”

Vivica wasn’t surprised. Most brain hemorrhage patients suffered from some form of paralysis. The lucky ones could manage to walk and speak a few slurred words. The unlucky ones, or those with severe cases, were completely dependent on their families for care.

“How much more do you need?”

“Vivica, it’s not just about the money. I was hoping you would let me bring Chaim to see him. My dad misses his grandson more than anything. Having Chaim around might help him recover faster.”

Before he had even finished his sentence, Vivica had already made up her mind. “That’s impossible,” she said firmly. “Chaim has leukemia. He’s a patient himself and needs special care. How could he possibly look after your father?”

“I’ll take good care of him, I promise,” Fletcher insisted. “And… Riley and I broke up. I can give Chaim my full attention.”

His words made his intentions crystal clear. He was trying to get back together with her.

Since he hadn't said it outright, Vivica decided to pretend she didn’t notice. “Your relationship with Riley has nothing to do with me. The answer is no. I won’t let you take Chaim.”

“Vivica, if you’re worried, you can come with us.”

“I can’t. I’m on a business trip. I’m at the airport right now,” she said flatly.

“A business trip?” Fletcher sounded shocked. “Then who’s looking after Chaim? This is the perfect opportunity for me to take him. I can take great care of him.”

“No, thank you. I’ve already made arrangements,” Vivica said, unmoved.

She was walking quickly as she talked, and she spotted Zavier and two other colleagues up ahead. She raised a hand to wave.

“I have to board my flight. I don’t have time for this. I wish your father a speedy recovery. Goodbye.”

She was about to hang up, but Fletcher called out her name again. “Vivica, wait, there’s something else I wanted to ask you. Did you have a falling out with your family? Your mom called me yesterday. She said she can’t find you and asked if I knew where you were living, but I had no idea…”

“No problem, we have plenty of time. Let’s go through security.”

There were four of them on the trip—two men and two women. The balanced group made Vivica feel more at ease.

The flight took off on time and landed at Sydville International Airport two hours later. As the plane taxied to the gate, everyone began turning on their phones.

Vivica did the same and wasn’t surprised to see two more missed calls from Fletcher. She had no intention of calling him back.

Her eyes scanned down the screen and stopped on another missed call: Mr. Baird.

Her heart tightened. She knew exactly why he had called.

She opened WhatsApp. Aside from unread messages in her work group chat, there was a message from Quintina asking how her trip was going. And then, there was one from the man who made her heart race—Joseph.

His message was concise, just like him. [Call me when you land.]

Zavier leaned forward from the seat behind her. “The client has sent someone to pick us up. We’ll go straight to lunch from here, then check in at the hotel for a quick break. The meeting starts at four.”

Vivica had been debating whether to call Joseph back. Zavier’s schedule made the decision for her. She would put it off.