The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 535

The moment the words left her mouth, a massive lump formed in her throat, choking off anything else she might have said. Instead, she tipped her glass back and drank the wine in a single, decisive swallow.

The gesture was a profound tribute to them.

She was fully acknowledging them as her parents. She was officially accepting them into her life.

Everyone in the room understood the sheer magnitude of the moment.

They sat frozen in stunned silence, completely blindsided by the emotional weight of it, unsure of how to react.

Joseph watched his wife closely. Knowing the emotional storm tearing through her right now, he stood up and rested a firm, grounding hand on her shoulder.

It was a silent offer of unwavering support.

Cheryl blinked out of her shock a few seconds later. "Vivica... you're really accepting them. You finally called them Mom and Dad."

Before she could even finish her sentence, Cheryl burst into tears.

Raymond's wife stood up and handed her mother-in-law a napkin. "Mom, please don't cry. It's a happy day."

Cheryl nodded furiously, her voice cracking. "I am happy. I'm just so incredibly happy for Hillary!"

Hillary still held her silverware, staring up at Vivica in absolute disbelief. Her lips trembled as fresh tears flooded her eyes.

Hayes was already weeping uncontrollably. His body was completely paralyzed, but the emotional tidal wave crashing through him was more violent than anyone else's.

He had carried the most agonizing guilt over losing their daughter.

After all, it was his own parents who had orchestrated the nightmare.

His blind loyalty and utter cowardice had subjected his wife to years of unbearable suffering.

It was his greedy, monstrous brother who had ultimately cost them their son.

He owed his wife an insurmountable debt that he could never repay in this lifetime.

"Vivica, just hold your mother's hand. She's been dreaming of this day for so long," Cheryl pleaded, her eyes shining with desperate hope.

Vivica stood entirely rigid. A chaotic storm of emotions wreaked havoc in her chest, a stinging, overwhelming ache settling deep into her bones.

Joseph kept his hand anchored on her shoulder, his jaw tight with worry and heartache. While a happy family reunion was beautiful, he knew the explosive emotional whiplash was taking a massive toll on her. He fully understood that she had forced herself to take this step out of a desperate fear of future regret. Having Hillary suddenly rushing in for physical affection was undoubtedly too much for her to process all at once.

"Let's give Vivica a moment. We should eat first, and they can have a proper talk after dinner," Joseph interjected quickly, stepping in before the wheelchair could reach them.

Cheryl froze, instantly stopping the chair.

They had happened to stop right behind Raymond.

Raymond took one look at Vivica's rigid posture and instantly caught Joseph's drift. He stood up, stepping smoothly into his mother and aunt's path.

"Mom, let's just eat for now," he said lightly. "There will be plenty of time to talk after dinner. We don't want everyone getting too worked up to enjoy the food."