The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 471

"So, do you like it? I wasn't sure what to get you for the holidays. Since we're heading to Sydville in a few days, I figured you'd need some decent jewelry to match your outfits. I had Fannie help me pick out this emerald set. It's a New Year's limited edition—only a few exist in the world. Even when you aren't wearing it, it's a great collector's piece."

Vivica nodded. She loved it, but she couldn't help saying, "It must have cost a fortune. You really don't have to spend so much on me."

The store manager, wearing black velvet gloves, smiled as she brought out the earrings. "Mrs. Baird, our pieces always appreciate in value. Think of it as an investment rather than an expense."

Joseph raised an eyebrow, thoroughly agreeing. "She makes a fair point."

"Mrs. Baird, let me help you try them on," the manager offered, stepping closer with the earrings.

Vivica still felt it was too extravagant.

That massive "The Star" diamond was already locked away in their safe. And this emerald set definitely wasn't meant for everyday wear...

Seeing her hesitation, Joseph encouraged her. "Just try it on. Don't worry about the price tag."

After all, what was the point of making money if not to spend it? Sitting in a bank account, it was just a string of meaningless numbers.

Unable to refuse his warmth, Vivica brushed her hair aside and let the manager put them on.

Joseph's phone rang. He glanced at the screen, a slight frown creasing his forehead.

"I need to take this."

It was Raymond. As soon as Joseph answered, a heavy voice came through the line. "Mr. Baird, the two brothers from the Chase family are planning a trip abroad for the holidays. Both of their families are going together. Do you think they've caught wind of something and are trying to make a run for it?"

The cyberbullying campaign against Joseph had caused quite a stir. Even though the holiday buzz had buried the headlines a bit, plenty of people were still watching the fallout. And Joseph was definitely going to settle the score.

The Chase brothers weren't exactly criminal masterminds. If they wanted to flee the country, they should have slipped away quietly in the dead of night. But they were too greedy for their own good. They wanted to make one last massive cash grab before bolting, trying to snatch up all the company shares to sell at a premium.

And once they suspected their brother had found his biological daughter, their guilty consciences kicked in. They wanted to eliminate Vivica to tie up loose ends once and for all. They even had the audacity to try and frame him and throw him in jail.

With such reckless, idiotic tactics, it was no wonder they had run their business into the ground, racking up more debt year after year.

"Mr. Baird, what day after the holidays are you planning to come over? I need to get things ready on my end." Raymond was practically buzzing with anticipation for Vivica to finally reunite with her family.

Joseph had already mapped this out. "Probably a day or two after New Year's."

The whole reason he had brought Vivica shopping tonight was to personally pick out some gifts for the meeting. Regardless of whether they turned out to be her biological parents, they were traveling a long way to see them during the holidays. They couldn't exactly show up empty-handed.

"That soon? That's just days away! This is fantastic!" Raymond sounded thrilled.