The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 636

She wasn't even thirty yet, but she was already facing the relentless pain of losing the people around her.

When Fletcher's father, Dylan Sanford, passed away, she hadn't been deeply involved, as she was already his ex-wife. Still, whenever she thought about it, a pang of sadness struck her. He hadn't been that old.

And now, she was blindsided by the sudden death of her biological father.

Her biggest regret was that she hadn't been able to sit down and truly talk to him while he was lucid, to let him experience the warmth of a real father-daughter bond.

"I really thought my dad would hold on until the twins were born," Vivica murmured into his chest, her voice slow and heavy. "I thought we'd have time for me to completely let go of all my grudges so we could communicate properly, like a normal family. I never expected the end to come so suddenly."

"If I had just come down a little sooner... or if his health had held on for a few more months... I wouldn't have this massive regret weighing on me."

Joseph took a quiet breath, his gaze fixed on the darkened ceiling. He tightened his hold on her shoulder, offering silent reassurance.

"He wouldn't blame you. He heard you call him 'Dad.' He went peacefully," Joseph said softly, his own heart aching as he recalled his father-in-law's final moments.

No one understood the devastation of losing a family member better than he did. Half a year ago, when news broke that his brother, Lennon, had been killed in the line of duty, it felt as if the sky had collapsed on the Baird family. That was when he truly learned that death doesn't wait for old age or sickness; it can strike at any given second.

That was exactly why people always said: You never know which will come first—tomorrow or an accident. It was a harsh reminder for the living to cherish every single moment.

Vivica lifted her head from his chest. Seeing the profound sorrow etched into his features, she immediately understood. "Are you thinking about what happened to your brother?"

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