The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 440

As Raymond's words sank in, Joseph's confusion deepened.

If Vivica's accident was also intentional, then who would want to harm her?

Fletcher? Or Fletcher's mistress? The Lynn family?

While they all had motives, they were all struggling to make ends meet. Where would they get the money for a hitman?

And the driver yesterday had died. How much would it cost to convince someone to trade their life for a job?

"Mr. Baird, when we met last time, my mother and my aunt told you some things about the past, but because of the time constraints, there was a lot they didn't get to," Raymond said.

Joseph's voice was low and serious. "What else is there? Does it have to do with Vivica?"

"I can't say for sure if it's directly related to Vivica, but I have a suspicion, and I have to tell you."

"Years ago, after my uncle's car crash, we all suspected foul play, but with no evidence, it was officially ruled an accident. That crash killed my aunt and uncle's only son. My uncle survived, but he was left paralyzed. At the time, we suspected his own brothers had hired someone to kill him…"

Joseph’s eyes narrowed. He suddenly understood why Raymond was so worried about Vivica's safety.

Raymond continued, "My uncle's name is Hayes Chase. He had an older and a younger brother. Those two were close, but my uncle was the most successful, having built a business from the ground up. However, their mother favored the other two sons. When she saw how successful Hayes had become, she insisted he bring his brothers into the company."

"He couldn't refuse his parents' threats to disown him, so he agreed. But his brothers were ambitious and greedy. They weren't content with middle management and were always trying to take over the company. Right before the accident, the three brothers had a major falling out. Due to the other two's incompetence, the company lost a multi-million dollar overseas contract. In those days, a deal that big would have made my aunt and uncle the wealthiest people in the region."

"So my uncle was furious and had finally decided to kick his brothers out of the company. But before he could, the accident happened. Afterwards, with his son dead and him lying in the ICU for a long time, my aunt was too grief-stricken to manage the business. So, Hayes's two brothers seized control of the company."

Joseph listened in silence. Before Raymond could say more, he understood exactly what he was implying.

"Did Hayes's brothers find out that your aunt came to Riverdale? Or worse, did they find out that your aunt found her long-lost biological daughter?"

If so, yesterday's crash made perfect sense.

Hayes's brothers would never want their niece to be officially recognized. After all, if she was, it would mean a re-division of the family fortune.

He gave her clear instructions for the remaining work and then grabbed his things, rushing out of the office.

Roderic was still out of town on business, which meant there were things he had to handle himself.

First, he called his contact at the police department, demanding a new, thorough investigation into the background of the driver who had caused the accident.

Next, he called the head of security at Riverdale Children's Hospital and had him dispatch a team to Pivot Hospital.

Even after making these arrangements, Joseph's mind was not at ease.

Thinking back on what Raymond had told him, he finally understood why Vivica, who was so intelligent in many ways, could be so naive about certain things.

For instance, her past leniency toward Fletcher and her tolerance of the Lynn family's constant exploitation. It was inherited from her biological father.

If Hayes hadn’t put “family” above everything else, hadn't given in time and time again, his own father wouldn't have given his daughter away. He wouldn't have allowed his incompetent brothers into his company, and he certainly wouldn't have ended up being betrayed by them, losing his son in the process.