The IVF Secret That Shook a Dynasty novel Chapter 69

Every time Joseph heard that nickname, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He had always been generous, a man who thought nothing of spending lavishly, yet here he was, being relentlessly called a meanie by a child. If word got out, his reputation would be in tatters.

Chaim blinked his large, innocent eyes and asked earnestly, “Then what should I call you?”

“Call me Uncle,” Joseph replied without a second thought.

“Uncle?” Chaim furrowed his little brow. “Isn't that for old people? Are you really old?”

Joseph was beginning to think he and this kid were fundamentally incompatible. They weren't even on the same wavelength. “It’s a term of respect for an elder. I am your uncle.”

Ruby, standing nearby, overheard and assumed he must be a cousin of Fletcher's. Why else would he ask to be called “Uncle”?

“Alright, if it makes you happy, I’ll call you Uncle,” Chaim said with the gravity of a tiny adult before turning his attention back to his blocks.

Joseph sat down on the edge of the bed, watching the boy’s intense focus. He definitely had the Baird family concentration.

“Chaim, it’s almost lunchtime. What would you like to eat? Can I have lunch with you?” Joseph, having no experience with children, was clumsily trying to make conversation.

“Whatever. I’m sick, so I can’t eat a lot of things anyway…”

The boy’s casual resignation tugged at Joseph’s heart. “Then I’ll take care of lunch,” he said. “I promise it will be nutritious, delicious, and something you can eat.”

The little boy nodded. “Okay, you handle it.” He then went back to his blocks.

Joseph made a quick phone call and gave a series of instructions.

At noon, Roderic arrived with two large thermal containers. Soon, the small table was covered with an array of delicate and appetizing dishes.

“Kid, this feast is on me. It’s my apology for not letting you use my phone the other day. From now on, you are not allowed to call me Mr. Meanie,” Joseph said, determined to repair his image in his “son’s” eyes.

“Wow… so much yummy food! You’re so generous, Mr. Meanie!” the boy exclaimed with delight.

“It’s Uncle!” Joseph corrected him.

Chaim walked over to the table, his eyes wide at the spread. He looked up at Joseph. “Can I call my mommy and ask her to come eat with us?”

“Of course,” Joseph nodded.

Chaim borrowed Ruby’s phone and placed a video call to his mother.

At her office, Vivica was in the middle of work when she saw the call from Ruby. Fearing her parents had returned to cause more trouble, she answered immediately.

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