The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 59

But she didn't rush to answer. Instead, she asked, “Have you done a DNA test? No, wait, your brother passed away, so maybe you can’t, but your family…”

“I understand what you mean,” Joseph interjected. “We have. Your son is unequivocally a member of the Baird family. Genetically, he is my brother's biological son.”

As he spoke, Joseph produced another document—the kinship analysis report. He had, of course, altered some of the information to conceal the fact that he was the child's true father.

Vivica looked at the report. “Why does this show samples from you and my son…?”

“Correct, it's a kinship analysis. I assure you, the results are conclusive.”

Sensing her lingering doubt, Joseph took out his phone and opened the photo gallery. “These are pictures of my brother, from recently and from when he was a child. Take a look.”

Vivica took the phone. As she looked at the screen, at the handsome, smiling young man, her eyes widened. The resemblance was undeniable, even more striking than in the official photo she had seen in the news. It was no wonder Joseph’s parents thought Chaim was their son reborn.

“Do you believe me now?” Joseph asked, taking his phone back.

Vivica did. But she was still reeling from the shock of it all. It felt surreal, impossible.

When she and Fletcher had decided on donor conception, they had worried about the ethical gray areas. But the fertility doctor had assured them that the process was double-blind; the donor and recipient would never know each other's identities, and they would be the child's only parents.

For years, it had never crossed their minds that their son had a biological father out there somewhere. To think that fate had brought them together anyway, that her son had found his real family on his “father’s” side… it was unimaginable.

Vivica looked at Joseph, no longer doubting the connection, but a new worry surfaced.

“You’re not going to try and take him from me, are you?”

“Of course not. The law wouldn’t support it anyway,” Joseph promised without hesitation. “He will always be your son. We just hope that he can spend some time with my parents, to comfort them. If you’re willing, we can become like family. We can also help you care for the child, so you can focus on work and… handle your other troubles.”

“It’s a tactic,” she explained, her voice hardening. “I desperately need money, and his mistress is pushing for the divorce. So I told her that for a million dollars, I’d set Fletcher free. But there’s a thirty-day cooling-off period. I’ll back out at the last minute, just to torment them. Then I’ll file for a contested divorce and sue to get back every penny Fletcher spent on her!”

She was practically seething as she laid out her plan.

Joseph’s expression grew serious. “Who taught you to do that?”

“I came up with it myself. Is there a problem?” Vivica’s tone was defensive, assuming he disapproved of her methods.

But to her surprise, a faint smile touched Joseph’s lips. “All’s fair in war,” he said with a nod. “I like it.”

Vivica was taken aback, a warmth spreading through her chest at his unexpected approval.

“I have to go,” she said, turning toward the fire escape door. “If you agree to be my lawyer, I’ll allow you and your family to see Chaim. Think about it.”