The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 517

"Just a small gesture from an elder," Sullivan said. "We're family, after all. It's the least I can do."

*Family.* The word was a veiled suggestion: since we're family, there's no need to burn bridges. We should be harmonious and consider our kinship.

Joseph had no patience for beating around the bush. "So, the stick didn't work, and now you're trying the carrot? You want to buy me off, to make me destroy the evidence I have, is that it?" he asked directly. His lips curved into a faint smile, but his eyes were cold and imposing.

Sullivan froze, his hand forgetting to thumb the prayer beads. After a moment, he let out a dry laugh. "Mr. Baird, you truly are a sharp man. I enjoy dealing with intelligent people."

Joseph picked up his glass of water, blew on it gently, and took a small sip.

Sullivan continued, "I'm not trying to take their shares for free. I offered to buy them at market value. I mean, look at them, both so sick. What's the use of holding onto shares? They'd be better off cashing out and enjoying their final days. But they stubbornly refuse. Now they've found their long-lost daughter and are preparing to fight me to the end."

Joseph's brow arched, his voice turning icy. "What are you implying? That you're not happy their daughter has returned?"

"I…" Sullivan almost blurted out his true feelings but caught himself just in time.

"…" Sullivan pressed his lips together, saying nothing more. It was clear to him now that Joseph had no intention of making a deal.

In the silence, Joseph straightened up, picked up a gold bar, and toyed with it thoughtfully. "You think this is enough to buy me? Looks like you didn't do your homework, Mr. Sullivan Chase." He tossed the bar back into the chest with a metallic clatter, then stood up.

"I know why you sought me out, but don't bother. No one who's dared to come after me has ever walked away unscathed. And you didn't just come after me; you came after my wife. Did you really think a little cash would be enough to wipe the slate clean?"

Joseph's words were dripping with mockery and scorn. Sullivan's face turned a ghastly shade of green and white, the anger he had suppressed for so long finally boiling over. He tried to stand but, old and frail, he stumbled back into his seat. The fall stripped him of all dignity, fanning the flames of his rage.