Melanie glanced at her son. "Why are you so worked up? It was just a suggestion."

"An outrageous one."

"Fine, fine. I can't be bothered with you. I need to rest. You can go now."

When the conversation turned sour, Melanie, clearly annoyed with her son, started shooing him out the door.

Joseph knew his mother must be exhausted after playing with Chaim for hours. He didn't argue, simply exchanged a few words with his father and headed out.

He felt a secret wave of relief. It was a good thing he hadn't followed Vivica's impulse to tell his parents the truth right away. If they knew the boy was a Baird by blood and saw that Vivica was on the verge of divorce, they would undoubtedly pressure him relentlessly to get together with her, insisting that he "take responsibility."

The next morning, Joseph took Vivica to a specialist consultation. When they entered the conference room, the doctors were already seated and waiting.

"Joseph, we all saw the news about Lennon. My deepest condolences," said the lead specialist, a kind-faced man with a full head of white hair.

Joseph nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Dr. Warren." Enjoying the story? Read on at novelсeo.com.

After the brief exchange, Joseph turned and gestured for Vivica to step forward, introducing her to each of the specialists.

In recent days, Vivica had tirelessly researched renowned experts in hematology, oncology, and even bone marrow transplants. The top doctors in the country were scattered, with only two in Riverdale and the rest in Seaston City or Kiston City. She had considered traveling with Chaim for treatment, but with work and the divorce proceedings, it had seemed impossible.

She never imagined that Joseph had the influence to gather all these experts in one room, either in person or via video conference, to collaborate on a treatment plan for Chaim.

As she bowed her head deeply to thank the doctors, her heart filled with gratitude for Joseph.

Throughout the consultation, Vivica sat quietly to the side, listening intently. Whenever a question needed to be asked or a point clarified, Joseph spoke on her behalf, then turned to her for her opinion.

The consensus from Dr. Warren and the others was that Chaim’s condition was still perilous. With current treatment methods, the cure rate was about 50%. The challenge with leukemia wasn't just achieving remission, but preventing a relapse. If it returned, the disease would progress much faster, making treatment more difficult and starting a grim countdown on the patient's life.

Initially, seeing so many experts dedicated to Chaim’s case had filled Vivica with confidence. But after hearing their analysis, her heart sank back into a cold abyss, a chill spreading through her body. This chapter is updated first at novelce​o.com.

"Dr. Warren, can't we opt for a bone marrow transplant from the start?" Vivica asked, her voice strained. "Chemotherapy is so harsh on a child. I'm afraid that if we wait and it doesn't work, his body will be too weak for a transplant to succeed."

She had read countless articles and had a basic understanding of the treatment protocols.

Dr. Warren nodded sympathetically. "I understand your concern, but the biggest hurdle with a transplant is finding a match. The probability of finding a compatible stem cell donor is extremely low. Many patients wait until the very end and never find one."

His words plunged Vivica’s heart deeper into the icy darkness.

Joseph glanced at her, noticing how her hands, clasped in her lap, were trembling uncontrollably. His brow furrowed. Instinctively, he reached out, his large, strong hand covering her shaking ones.

Vivica started, looking at him in surprise.

Joseph immediately realized he had overstepped, but pulling away now would seem too deliberate, too self-conscious.