Chapter 1310

When Lily arrived home, she found Alexander already there, playing with their son in the living room. He seemed ready to leave.

"Do we have dinner plans later?" Lily asked, unsure if she’d forgotten something in her busy schedule.

"Nope," Alexander replied. "I wanted to take you both out." He paused. "You don't have time?"

"I do," Lily said, "but why didn't you call and ask me to come home earlier?" She checked the time; it wasn't too late.

"I wasn't in a hurry," he said. "And I know you've been busy. I could wait."

Galen toddled toward Lily, arms outstretched for a hug. As his fingers neared her clothes, Alexander coughed, subtly halting Galen's approach.

Young as he was, Galen seemed to understand. He turned to his father, frowning thoughtfully before saying, "Mama, kiss…"

He puckered his lips, clearly wanting a kiss instead of just a hug. Lily chuckled, bending to peck his cheeks. "My baby is such a good child!"

Galen, beaming with pride, looked at Alexander, pursing his lips expectantly. Alexander feigned indifference, though his jealousy was evident.

Lily, witnessing this exchange, shook her head, suddenly reminded of Cameron and Anastasia. A father's influence on his children, she realized, is truly significant.

"Let's go!" Alexander said, scooping up Galen.

Lily nodded, leaving with her two boys. They had steak; Galen got a kid's meal.

Lily remained mostly silent throughout dinner, snapping back to attention only when she heard the soft clink of silverware against her plate. Looking up, she saw Alexander watching her. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head, offering a small smile.

"It's still the lab?" he guessed, thinking that only work could frustrate her lately.

"No," she said after a moment. "I went to Secretary Rollins' house earlier."

"Oh?"

"I wanted to give her a gift—Ms. Rollins gave me agarwood—but…"

"But she didn't like it?" Alexander joked.

Lily feigned anger, glaring at him. "Her father came home shortly after I arrived."

"Okay," Alexander said, slowly cutting his steak, waiting for her to continue. He watched as she frowned deeply, clearly troubled.

"Secretary Rollins made things difficult for you?" he asked. "He's a stern man. His position probably makes him hostile. You shouldn't have to interact with him much."

He was right; she hadn't, but she couldn't accept his treatment of his daughter.

"Have you met Ms. Rollins before?" she asked abruptly.

Alexander considered. "Twice. We didn't talk much. What's up?"

"You know about her… physique, then?" She hesitated, feeling slightly uncomfortable discussing someone in this way.