Chapter 1234

"How could the invitations have been sent out so carelessly?"

"From what I can see, I don't think anyone even invited her! She must have slipped in unnoticed!"

People offered their opinions, one after another, but Austin remained silent, staring toward the door in a daze. He neither agreed nor refuted. Lily's change of heart regarding the project was evident to him; she wasn't going to stop it. Still, he found her attempt to cooperate with a research institute, knowing nothing of medicinal herbs, childish and whimsical. Had powerful forces finally infiltrated their pure, specialized industry?

Alexander was already in the living room when Lily arrived home, playing with Galen. The vast space held an empty coffee table and cabinets; a thick, soft carpet covered the floor, providing a safe play area for the child. Alexander doted on Galen so much that Lily worried their next child might be a daughter, fearing he would spoil her rotten.

"Back so soon?" Alexander looked up, a small building block in his hand, smiling at his wife.

Lily hummed in response, removing her coat and handing it to the housekeeper. After changing her shoes and washing her hands, she approached the father and son. The little boy babbled and toddled toward her when he saw her. Lily embraced him, lowering her gaze to look at Galen quietly.

Knowing his wife well, Alexander easily discerned her emotions. "The symposium didn't go well, huh?" He knew her workaholic tendencies; when engrossed in a project, she'd forget to eat and sleep, often bringing work home. Were it not for her pregnancy, she would have traveled the country seeking the herbs and raw materials she craved. But her early return, her face etched with resentment, spoke volumes.

Lily remained silent, head down, playing with Galen's toys.

Alexander paused, then asked again, "Did the discussion go poorly?"

"Discuss my a—," Lily whispered, the last word trailing off. She seemed to remember the child's presence and stopped abruptly, though her lips remained pursed in anger.

Alexander couldn't help but laugh at her expression. He'd expected some frustration, but not the seething rage that had her cursing. He rose, pulling her into his arms. "Who made my queen unhappy? Need me to teach them a lesson?" he teased.

Lily snorted. "I wouldn't dare. After all, a woman's place is home, caring for husband and children. How dare I usurp a man's job?" Her fury intensified. "That bastard!"

Alexander, though lacking details, understood. "What did those old biddies at the research institute say?" He'd dealt with them before; the older, mostly male, researchers were known for their outmoded views.

"It wasn't the old biddies. It's a young, degenerate!" Lily fumed. "For his age, his mindset is worse than someone born two millennia ago!"