The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 296

That evening, after having dinner at the estate, the driver took Vivica and Chaim back to Greenbelt Villa.

On the way home, Chaim snuggled in his mother’s arms, chattering nonstop. Every word was filled with his adoration for his “new home.” The few days away had made the little boy even more articulate and charming.

“Grandpa’s house is like a treasure chest from a cartoon! Whatever I want, Grandpa can make it appear. It’s magic!”

“Mommy, how come you never told me I had such an amazing grandpa and grandma before?”

“All I’m missing now is a daddy. If Uncle Joseph could be my daddy, I’d be the happiest kid in the whole world!”

Chaim’s voice was bright and innocent, his tone so dramatic that Vivica couldn’t help but laugh.

“It sounds like if I let you stay with your grandparents for a few more days, you’d completely forget about me.”

“Never! You’re my mommy, and I love you the most!” the little boy declared, hugging her tightly and showering her with affection.

Vivica gently patted her son’s back, her gaze drifting to the snowy landscape outside the window. It was freezing cold out there, but her heart was blooming like a spring garden.

When they arrived at Greenbelt Villa, Laura and Zelda were waiting for them at the door.

“Ms. Lynn, we’re so glad you’re back! It was so boring around here without Chaim,” Laura said, rushing forward to help with the luggage, while Zelda scooped the little boy up and carried him inside.

Vivica glanced around the empty living room, an unexpected pang of disappointment settling in her heart. She had secretly hoped Joseph might be there waiting for her, a surprise to welcome her home. It seemed he really was busy. He hadn’t been at the family dinner, and he wasn’t here either.

“Zelda, could you two get Chaim washed up for bed? I’m just going to unpack,” Vivica instructed.

Zelda nodded and carried the boy straight upstairs.

Vivica went to her room and emptied her suitcase. Laura appeared at the doorway and immediately came in to gather the dirty laundry. “I’ll take these to the laundry room. Ms. Lynn, you should go take a bath. Chaim will want you to tuck him in soon.”

Still not fully accustomed to having household help, Vivica stood there for a moment, suddenly feeling as pampered and helpless as a child being waited on hand and foot.

The past few days had been exhausting. The house was warm, her son was being cared for, so she decided to indulge herself and drew a hot bath.

Halfway through her soak, she faintly heard the sound of a car in the driveway. She sat up with a start, her eyes darting toward the bathroom door. Could that be Joseph?

It was. After finishing up at the office, Joseph had driven straight to Greenbelt Villa, bypassing both his own apartment and the Baird estate.

But the clever little boy thought for a moment before dropping a bombshell. “Why can’t Mommy and you sleep with me together? You can be on this side, and she can be on this side.”

He gestured to his left and right.

Zelda, who had paused a few feet away, wore an unmistakable expression of someone watching juicy drama unfold. She and Laura had long suspected that Mr. Baird had feelings for Ms. Lynn, but for some reason, there always seemed to be a barrier between them. Perhaps the child could be the one to finally break it down.

“Mr. Baird, if you’re with Chaim, I’ll head downstairs then,” Zelda said tactfully, leaving the second floor to the family.

Joseph nodded, then carried Chaim toward the master bedroom. He looked down at the small boy in his arms—his own son—and considered his simple, innocent wish. He decided to grant it. There was no rush. Tonight could be a warm-up, a chance for them to get used to sharing a bed. He could seek a “breakthrough” in a day or two.

In the master bathroom, Vivica had scrambled out of the tub, rinsed off the bubbles, and was hastily drying herself. When she heard footsteps enter the bedroom, she tensed, clutching the towel to her chest as she stared at the bathroom door. She didn’t know Joseph had brought their son in with him. All she could think was that he might knock, or worse, try to come in.

Joseph placed Chaim on the bed and glanced toward the bathroom. It was silent. A flicker of concern crossed his mind, and he walked over and knocked lightly on the door.

Vivica had just dropped her towel to slip on her nightgown. The sound made her jump.

“Who is it?” she called out, her voice trembling.