The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 61

“So, they didn't transfer?”

Vivica instantly understood; they didn’t want her to return the gifts.

“I’m sorry, this is my fault,” she apologized sincerely.

Joseph’s expression remained calm. “It’s not your fault. It was inappropriate for them to show up unannounced. You were just being cautious to protect your child. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Vivica was surprised again. She never expected people of their status and prestige to be so humble and gentle. It was a stark contrast to the cold, imposing impression his appearance gave off. She didn’t say anything, but the tight grip of her hands gradually loosened.

Joseph noticed the small gesture, his eyes flicking to her hands for a moment before returning his focus to the road.

...

Outside the registry office, Riley hung up the phone and looked at Fletcher with concern.

“Do you think she’ll change her mind and not show up?”

Fletcher thought for a moment before shaking his head. “No, she wouldn’t do that. She’s probably on her way.”

Based on his four years of marriage to Vivica, he knew that if she had no intention of coming, she wouldn’t have even answered the phone.

Riley caught the implication and gave him an odd look. “It seems that after four years of marriage, you know her pretty well.”

Fletcher’s reply was overly sentimental. “Riley, knowing someone is a world away from loving them. You have no reason to be jealous.”

“Hmph, who’s jealous?” Riley rolled her eyes. She didn’t love this man in the slightest, so why would she be jealous? But that was something she couldn’t say out loud.

Another twenty minutes passed, and Vivica still hadn’t arrived.

Riley’s patience wore thin. “What is she playing at? Is she deliberately being late to make us wait, or is she just stringing us along?”

Fletcher was also getting agitated. He was eager to deliver the final blow with the divorce agreement and watch her lose her mind. If she didn’t show up, how could the show begin?

“Fletcher, call her! Find out what’s going on!” Riley ordered arrogantly.

“Riley, she’s trying to get under our skin. Calling her now would just be humiliating ourselves. Be patient, I’m sure she’ll come,” Fletcher said, still confident in his judgment.

“Yes, I arranged to meet her at the registry office today, but she hasn’t shown up. I was just checking with you.”

“What? The registry office?” Zebulon grew anxious, his words stumbling out. “Are you… you two… really getting a divorce?”

The phone was snatched from his hand by Evelyn.

“Fletcher… you can’t do this. Vivica has worked so hard for you all these years. Even when you couldn’t have children, she never held it against you. How can you leave her for another woman—”

Before Evelyn could finish, Fletcher cut her off, his voice sharp and angry. “Don’t pretend you’re against this divorce for your daughter’s happiness. You just want to keep sponging off of me. I know Vivica has been secretly giving you money all these years. Otherwise, how would her huge monthly allowance disappear without a trace?”

“Well, Fletcher, you can’t say that. Vivica was perfectly capable of earning her own money, it was you who…”

“What’s the point of arguing with him? He’s already made up his mind,” Zebulon said, snatching the phone back.

Gone was his earlier politeness; his tone was now arrogant and demanding. “If you want a divorce, fine, but you have to split the assets equally! Vivica has been with you for four years, and you have to compensate her for that lost time. You’re the one who’s infertile, and you still forced her to do IVF. You have to pay for the physical damage that caused, too!”

“Heh, so your true colors are finally showing,” Fletcher sneered contemptuously. “Forget about splitting the assets. I’m being more than generous by offering her a million dollars.”