The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 67

It all clicked into place for Vivica. She couldn't believe that all this time, without her even knowing, Joseph had been doing so much to help. Even if he had his own motives, he had genuinely protected her and Chaim when they were at their most vulnerable. Otherwise, they would have been in much deeper trouble.

“Mr. Baird, thank you,” Vivica said again, her voice filled with sincerity.

“Don’t mention it. I have my own reasons.”

“I understand.”

His reasons were for Chaim’s benefit, so she didn’t mind.

They both got into the car. As Vivica fastened her seatbelt, she asked, “So, what’s the situation with my parents now? The nanny hasn’t called me, which means they haven't gotten near Chaim.”

“They were stopped before they could reach the room. The guards took—”

Joseph was cut off by the ringing of Vivica’s phone. It was her father, Zebulon.

“It’s my dad,” she said, bracing herself for the inevitable tirade as she answered.

“Vivica, you’ve really grown some wings! You have money to hire bodyguards to use against us, but you don’t have money to save your own brother? How did we raise such an ungrateful wretch!”

As expected, Zebulon started screaming the moment she answered, his voice so loud it vibrated through the phone. Vivica flinched, instinctively holding the phone away from her ear. When he finally paused for breath, she brought it back. “I had no choice. You’ll do anything for my brother, and I have to protect my son.”

She didn’t bother explaining that she wasn’t the one who had hired the guards.

“What, we can’t even visit our own grandson now?” Zebulon’s tone suddenly shifted, feigning the warmth of a loving grandfather.

“Dad, ever since you found out about Chaim’s real identity, you haven’t treated him like your grandson, have you? I don’t understand. No matter who his father is, I carried him for ten months. He’s my flesh and blood. Why can’t you just love him?”

Zebulon’s anger flared again. “You have the nerve to say that? You gave birth to a child of unknown origin! It’s a disgrace!”

In the background, Vivica heard her mother mutter, “Stop wasting time and ask her if she got the money.”

Though faint, the words were clear enough for Vivica to hear.

Zebulon immediately changed his tune. “Fletcher said you two divorced today and that he gave you a million dollars. Where is it? You have to give it to us today, or… or your mother and I will kill ourselves!”

Vivica didn’t answer. Her father’s threat echoed in her mind. After a long silence, she replied wearily, “I haven’t decided yet. I should deposit this money first.”

“Don’t bother. If you’re in a hurry to get to work, just give me the cash. I can wire you the million,” Joseph said calmly.

Vivica turned to look at him, surprised by the offer. Her eyes darted to the canvas bag on the back seat, then back to his profile. He was undeniably handsome, with his sharp, defined features, high-bridged nose, and strong jawline. The thought that her son would one day grow up to look like this brought a secret flicker of joy to her heart.

“What, are you afraid I’ll scam you?” Joseph asked, noticing her staring.

“No, no, of course not,” she quickly replied. “I was just wondering… what do you need so much cash for?”

“I pay my team’s bonuses in cash,” Joseph explained as the car came to a stop at a red light. He turned to face her. “It’s a more direct and effective form of motivation.”

Vivica’s mouth fell open in surprise. It was true. A stack of crisp bills was far more exciting than a cold number on a bank statement.

“You must be a great boss,” she said once she found her voice.

Joseph smiled. “The people who work for me might not agree.”