The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 281

Joseph’s face fell, his cool demeanor instantly returning. “What’s the rush?”

He certainly wasn’t rushing to see anyone.

Over the phone, Vivica heard the exchange. “What was that? What did Roderic say?” she asked, confused.

“Nothing,” Joseph said, trying to quell the frantic beating of his heart as he adopted a lofty tone. “Are you in bed yet?”

“No.”

She had been about to go to sleep after this call, but she kept that part to herself. She had a strong suspicion why Joseph was coming to Sydville now, but a mix of modesty and the unspoken tension between them kept her from asking directly.

Instead, she tried a more roundabout approach. “So, after the dinner in Glenburgh City, you have to rush over to Sydville for more work?”

Joseph scoffed. “Stop playing dumb. It’s eleven o’clock at night. What kind of work would I be doing?”

“Then… what are you coming here for?” Vivica’s heart hammered against her ribs, making it hard to breathe.

“What do you think I’m coming for?” he countered, determined to make her say it herself.

At this point, Vivica knew she couldn’t feign ignorance any longer. “Are you… coming to see me?”

The words were barely audible over the thunderous pounding in her ears.

“Hmph,” Joseph let out a sound that was half laugh, half snort. “I’m coming to catch you. Have to make sure you don’t pull any stunts and decide not to come home tomorrow.”

Vivica stood clutching her phone, her mind blank. A fiery blush spread across her cheeks, so hot that even the cool night air couldn't cool it.

She stood frozen for a few seconds before managing a weak, mechanical reply. “What stunts could I possibly pull? Of course I’m coming back.”

Vivica felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. “But… it’s the middle of the night. Why do you need to see me? Just find a hotel and get some rest. We can all go back together tomorrow.”

“I’m coming all this way to see you, and you’re just going to hide from me?”

Joseph had never been treated this way before. “Come out and get a late-night snack with me,” he commanded.

“A snack? Didn’t you just leave the annual dinner? How can you possibly be hungry?”

“Vivica, what is wrong with you?”

“I…”

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to see him. In fact, after being apart for a few days, she found herself thinking of him almost as much as she missed her son.