Chapter 1254

"You're twisting my words," Alexander said, leaning closer until their noses nearly touched. "Galen will inherit the Russell family business someday; he needs early training. You said we shouldn't spoil our children, didn't you? Hmm?"

He brushed his nose against hers, his gaze dropping to her lips. Their movement as she spoke was incredibly alluring.

"Yes, we shouldn't spoil him, but we shouldn't torture him either," Lily replied, gently pushing him back. "It's too early to start, and… what if he's not interested in business? What if he doesn't want to take over?"

This man keeps getting closer without me noticing. His near-perfect face distracts me, and serious conversations always end with us kissing, requiring us to revisit the original topic later.

Though Galen was only one, it was premature to discuss his career; they needed to consider all possibilities. Benedict, for example, had a long-standing conflict with his family due to his disinterest in business and preference for woodworking.

Lily wanted Galen to succeed but not at the cost of his happiness or burdened by a predetermined path.

"He's my eldest son! He's destined to lead the Russell family from birth!" Alexander protested, attempting to regain proximity. "I'm sure he can do it."

"Being able to do it and wanting to do it are different things!" Lily's hands moved from his shoulders to his chest, maintaining distance. "You were stressed and burdened from a young age. Do you want Galen to experience the same? To suffer like you did?"

Alexander fell silent. He'd carried those burdens since childhood, working relentlessly, sacrificing leisure time for learning and networking, even turning vacations into industry research trips. He'd witnessed danger and betrayal, his life predetermined from birth. No one ever asked him what he wanted. This was a first, and he was unsure how to answer.

"Okay," Alexander conceded, raising his hand in a pledge. "I promise not to force our son. When he's old enough, I won't pressure him if he doesn't want to take over the company."

"Then what happens to your businesses? To the company?" Lily asked.

Alexander offered a wry smile. "What do you think? You worry about Galen's unwillingness, yet after I say I won't force him, you're concerned about my business? What about…"

"What?"

"More children. Perhaps one will be capable and willing. A perfect solution, wouldn't you say?"

He pulled her into his embrace, finding contentment in her closeness.

Lily lightly hit his shoulder but didn't resist. She touched her belly. "I was overthinking. There's time. Perhaps Galen will want to take over. All this worry will be for nothing."

"What's troubling you today? You went to the institute; what happened?" Alexander noticed her unusual anxiety.