The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 429

“The Bairds are one of the most prominent families in Riverdale. Any woman who married into their family would be grateful,” Fletcher said, his tone a mixture of sour grapes and clear self-deprecation.

He never in his wildest dreams imagined that after their divorce, Vivica would not only remarry in a flash but would marry into the absolute pinnacle of society. The odds of that were rarer than winning a hundred-million-dollar lottery.

Vivica gave a weary smile. “Your saying that just proves you don’t know me at all. If I were that materialistic, why would I have ever gotten together with you?”

Fletcher stared at her.

“Back in college, there was no shortage of rich guys pursuing me, some of them handsome too. If I were a gold digger, I would have married into wealth long ago,” she continued. “When I got with you, you were just starting your business. I was working a full-time job and still helping you manage the company, being your free labor. Have you forgotten all the hardships we went through?”

Her words clearly struck a nerve, and a look of guilt and shame washed over Fletcher’s face. “Vivica, I know. It was all my fault. I don’t know what came over me lately. It was like I was possessed, completely taken in by Riley’s sweet talk… I… I truly regret it now.”

Fletcher immediately apologized and instinctively took a step forward. But Vivica instantly retreated, and the two bodyguards at her side moved in unison to form a protective barrier. Wary of the imposing men, Fletcher halted.

Vivica raised a hand, signaling to the bodyguards. “It’s fine.”

Then, she turned back to Fletcher, feeling the need to make things painfully clear. “I told you on the way here, even if I hadn’t remarried and stayed single for the rest of my life, I would never take you back. Not to mention, I’m married now, and my husband is Joseph.”

“You seem to think I was bought by the Baird family’s power and wealth. You’re wrong. When it comes to Joseph, those things you fixate on are his most insignificant qualities.”

Fletcher’s expression soured as he listened. Even though they were long divorced, hearing Vivica praise another man so lavishly still filled him with a wild jealousy.

“Joseph has countless virtues that you lack—virtues that most men lack. It’s his ability to solve problems, to be a true safety net for his partner.”

“But do you know what Joseph does? You know what I’ve been through these past few months—the divorce, the lawsuit with you, Chaim getting sick, the chemotherapy, being exploited by the Lynn family, and finally breaking ties with them… For most of these problems, I never even had a chance to tell Joseph about them before he had already anticipated them and quietly taken care of everything for me.”

“Even these bodyguards standing here now were arranged by him before he left on his business trip. He was afraid something might happen and I’d be alone and unprotected, afraid he’d be too far away to get back in time.”

“But Fletcher, what did you do for me in the four years I dedicated myself to you? You’re bitter that I left you with nothing, but let’s be honest, if I hadn’t been supporting you from behind the scenes, pulling all-nighters with you on projects in the early days, it’s debatable whether you’d even have what you have today.”

“Honestly, even comparing you to Joseph is an insult to him, but since you insist on humiliating yourself, I might as well oblige. Now, do you still think there’s any chance of us getting back together?”

Fletcher’s lips were pressed into a thin line. He was silent. Vivica was right; he had brought this humiliation upon himself.

“Nothing left to say, I see,” Vivica said with a cold smile, feeling an unexpected sense of relief. She wasn’t sure what had gotten into her today, but she’d suddenly felt a strong urge to make Fletcher understand just how inadequate he was.