The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 464

If he was that clear-headed as a teenager, why would he make such an incomprehensible mistake now, as a successful, married man?

Joseph had been feeling deeply annoyed. Despite having his own men and police officers on guard, the woman had managed to escape by claiming she needed to use the restroom. She had then coordinated with accomplices to flood the internet with a barrage of false accusations, creating a PR nightmare that was severely damaging his reputation.

But as he listened to Vivica’s unwavering declaration of faith, all his frustration melted away.

He smiled faintly and took a slow breath. “I thought my first priority would have to be explaining everything to you, but I didn’t expect…”

“There’s no need,” Vivica interrupted, gripping his hand. “I just want to know what really happened to you. What’s this about drugs? I don’t believe for a second you’d do something like that. Were you drunk and framed?”

Since there was no point in hiding it anymore, Joseph decided to tell her everything. He guided her back a few steps and sat down in the leather chair behind the desk, pulling her gently into his lap.

Vivica was only in her pajamas, but the room had underfloor heating, so it wasn’t cold. Still, the warmth from his body was a welcome comfort.

“I was at the annual company gala last night, and I did have a lot to drink, but I wasn’t drunk,” he began. “Someone must have slipped into the event and drugged my drink without me noticing. At first, I thought I was just dizzy from the alcohol, so I decided to leave early. But by the time I got downstairs… I was starting to lose consciousness.”

“Roderic had also been drinking, and I didn't want him to drive, especially since everyone was having a good time at the party. While I was downstairs waiting for a ride-share, a strange woman approached and tried to talk to me. I ignored her, but then two men showed up. They claimed I was drunk and said they were going to help me back upstairs to rest. I tried to fight them off, but my body suddenly went limp. I couldn’t break free.”

The more Vivica thought about it, the more frightened she became, and her fear quickly turned to anger. “Something this serious happened to you, and you didn’t say a single word to me,” she said, her grip on his hand tightening. “I even called Roderic, and he kept it a complete secret.”

So that was it. He hadn't picked her and Chaim up from the hospital this morning not because he was busy with work, but because he was still *at* the hospital. His body hadn’t been able to handle it.

“I didn’t want to worry you when you still needed to recover,” he explained. “Harvey and Roderic were with me all night. I’m fine.”

He didn’t mention the agonizing struggle of that night, nor did he speak of the ordeal he endured while waiting for Roderic and the police to arrive. He also kept quiet about the fact that he had fallen in the bathroom and hit the back of his head on the toilet, leaving a swollen lump that was still throbbing.