Quintina was surprised. “So it seems you’re all getting along well?”

“Yes, they are incredibly down-to-earth. You can’t fault their character, and they’re especially wonderful to Chaim.”

“That’s great. I guess your suffering is finally coming to an end.”

A few minutes later, Chaim stirred on the bed. He opened his eyes, still groggy, and murmured, “Auntie Tina.”

Quintina beamed and stroked his little bald head. “I came to see you. You’re such a brave little man, cooperating with your treatments every day. You’re doing great!”

Chaim smiled.

After he was dressed, the little boy asked, “Mommy, can we go see Grandpa and Grandma now? Grandpa said he would buy me lots and lots of toys today.”

Vivica, who was pouring him a glass of water, asked curiously, “Really? Grandpa told you that yesterday?”

“Mhm, mhm!” he nodded enthusiastically.

Quintina sighed. “Looks like this little guy has already been won over. Alright, you two go have fun. I’m heading home to get some rest.”

“Okay, bye.”

After seeing her friend off, Vivica waited for her son to finish his water and then pulled up Joseph’s number again.

“Sweetie, let’s call Uncle first and ask if it’s a good time for them, okay?” Vivica, too embarrassed to talk to Joseph herself, decided to have her son do the talking.

The little boy, oblivious to his mother’s motives, nodded eagerly. This chapter was taken from NovelCEO without permission.

The call went through. After a few rings, a deep, authoritative voice answered.

“Hello, Ms. Lynn.”

“Uncle,” Chaim said brightly, “I’m coming to play with Grandpa and Grandma now. Is that okay?”

On the other end of the line, Joseph was playing tennis with Harvey. Hearing his son’s voice, his expression instantly softened.

“Of course. Grandpa and Grandma were just asking about you. I told them you were probably taking a nap.”

“Oh, goodie!”

“Is Ruby bringing you over, or is Mommy?” Joseph asked.

Chaim glanced at his mother. “Mommy’s bringing me.”

“Alright, I understand. Can you put Mommy on the phone?”

The phone was on speaker, and Vivica’s heart sped up when she heard that, a wave of nervousness washing over her.

Chaim simply pushed the phone toward her. “Mommy, Uncle wants to talk to you.” Enjoying the story? Read on at novеlceo.com.

Vivica took the phone and turned away, clearing her throat. “Hello, Mr. Baird.”

“I’m not at the hospital right now, but you can take him over. I’ll arrange for someone to deliver dinner to the room tonight. We can all eat together.” Joseph’s voice had returned to its authoritative tone, leaving no room for argument.

“Is… is that alright?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? It was my parents’ idea.”

“Oh, okay then.”

Hanging up, Vivica pressed a hand to her face, feeling her cheeks flush. What was wrong with her? Why was she suddenly so flustered?

On the other side of the call, Joseph put his phone down and picked up his tennis racket, ready to play again, but Harvey was already walking off the court.

“Done already?” Joseph asked.

“Taking a break.” Harvey took a sip of water, wiped the sweat from his brow, and then asked, “Was that the kid’s mother on the phone?”

“Yeah.”

“Joseph, don’t think I’m being paranoid, but a man in your position needs to be careful. Women you have no connection to are already dying to throw themselves at you. This one actually had your son. Don’t fall into a honey trap without even knowing it.”