The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 350

Vivica's face remained composed as she approached the table and greeted him first, as if the distant and dismissive tone of her messages yesterday had never happened.

Raymond stood up, a polite smile on his face. "Hello, Ms. Lynn."

His gaze then shifted to Evelyn. "And this is...?" he asked hesitantly.

"Oh, this is my mother," Vivica said, turning slightly. She took Evelyn's arm, gently guiding her forward. "Mom, this is Mr. Smith, from Sydville."

Evelyn nodded, offering a polite smile. "Welcome to Riverdale, Mr. Smith."

Seeing that Vivica had brought her mother, Raymond understood her intentions. Still, he remained courteous. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Please, have a seat, Mr. Smith. No need to be so formal," Vivica gestured. She then turned to Evelyn. "You too, Mom."

Evelyn, looking a bit nervous, gave a stiff nod and sat down.

"Zavier should be on his way," Vivica said, trying to fill the silence.

"Yes, he said he's about ten minutes out," Raymond replied. He had just gotten a call from Zavier, who told him Vivica had left early.

He then stood up, walked around the table, and poured a cup of coffee for Evelyn. "Have some coffee."

"Thank you," Evelyn said, a little startled. Then, remembering Vivica's instructions, she took the initiative to start the conversation.

"Vivica told me all about why you came all the way from Sydville, Mr. Smith. I think there must be some mistake. Vivica is my biological daughter; she couldn't possibly be someone else's lost child. It's normal for people to look alike. You see it all the time online, people who look just like celebrities."

"This is my mom," Vivica explained immediately. "Mom, this is my college friend, Zavier."

"Hello," Zavier said politely, then looked at Raymond. The two men exchanged a knowing glance.

Evelyn looked at the two men, a bitter thought crossing her mind: That damn girl had all the luck. The men who surrounded her all seemed to be successful and well-bred.

The old saying, "birds of a feather flock together," echoed in her mind. It was only now that she fully grasped just how exceptional her "adoptive daughter"—the one they had neglected and even suppressed—truly was.

A wave of regret washed over Evelyn. If only they had known, they would have shown her more care and affection. Even if it was just an act, maintaining a good relationship with her would have meant a steady stream of money. She wondered if it was too late to change things now.

Zavier sat down and opened the menu. "What's everyone having for lunch? It's not every day your mother joins us. It's my treat today."