The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 596

"Mr. Baird, you're always so busy, yet you still make time to pick up your wife. Truly the gold standard for husbands," Zavier praised with a smile, even offering a thumbs-up.

Joseph maintained his aloof, effortless smile. "Of course. No matter how successful a man's career is, it's completely pointless if he doesn't have a family to share it with. Work will always be there, but a wife is one of a kind."

Joseph was just stating a fact; it was his genuine outlook on life.

But to Vivica's ears, it sounded like he was taking a very deliberate, passive-aggressive jab at Zavier.

It sounded like a veiled insult—implying that Zavier's career success meant nothing because he was single.

Feeling secondhand embarrassment, she covertly reached behind her husband's back and gave him a sharp pinch.

Knowing exactly what his wife was trying to tell him, Joseph suppressed a laugh. He reached behind his back and gave her hand a light, playful swat.

Their little secret exchange practically oozed with sweet, flirtatious energy.

Zavier was indeed left feeling a bit awkward by Joseph's comment, his smile faltering slightly.

Before he could think of a response, Joseph gave a curt nod of farewell. "Thank you for looking out for my wife at work, Mr. Fulton. We'll be going now."

Zavier could only offer a polite "Goodbye," watching as the couple walked away together.

Whether it was intentional or not, as Joseph turned toward the car with his arm wrapped securely around Vivica, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her temple.

Purely on instinct, Vivica tilted her head and tried to dodge.

"What are you doing? We're right in front of my office," she hissed, her eyes wide. If any of her coworkers saw them, it would be the talk of the water cooler tomorrow.

The high-and-mighty Mr. Baird just flashed a cool smile. "So what if we're in front of your office? It's not like I'm giving you a French kiss."

"..." Vivica stared at him.

Did that really just come out of the mouth of the terrifying, authoritative Joseph Baird?

"Show off?" Vivica stared at him in disbelief, her brows knitting together. "Are you a child? What is there to show off?"

"I have a wife, and he doesn't—isn't that worth showing off?"

"..." Vivica was speechless once again. Shaking her head, she simply turned to look out the window at the passing city streets.

Joseph glanced over at his wife, smiling as he reached out to grab her hand.

Vivica immediately swatted him away. "Focus on driving!"

Still smiling, he withdrew his hand and placed both neatly on the steering wheel.

"How are you feeling today? Are you tired? Any discomfort?" Joseph slipped back into his attentive-husband mode, asking with absolute sincerity.

Early pregnancy often caused fatigue and drowsiness, and Vivica was definitely feeling it. Every night around nine, she would be yawning uncontrollably, falling asleep the second her head hit the pillow.