Chapter 1443

"Oh, this is all Grandpa's fault!" Dominic slapped his face lightly and ordered someone to carry Galen to a bedroom. He covered the little boy with a blanket and watched him settle into a more comfortable sleeping position. Once Galen was asleep, Dominic dismissed everyone, tiptoed out, and kicked off his slippers. He only breathed easily once he reached the living room.

Seeing Lily leisurely sipping tea, anger surged within him. "Tell me, what are you trying to do?"

"I want a favor, Mr. Fike," she replied politely.

"You want me…" His anger dissipated. He wasn't accustomed to Lily's politeness. "Hey, hey, hey," he said, glancing at her, speechless. It wasn't that Lily intentionally disrespected him; he had told her to treat him as a friend. Even her occasional "old man" remarks pleased him. This politeness, however, felt…uncomfortable.

"What can I do for you?" he asked attentively. Austin, witnessing this genuine offer of help, would be heartbroken. Austin had always been met with Dominic's cold shoulder.

Lily put down her teacup. "Take care of my baby."

His smile froze. He sank into the sofa, a terrified expression replacing it. "What baby?"

Lily pointed toward the room. "That one."

Dominic was flabbergasted. "No way! Impossible!"

"Really?" Lily raised an eyebrow.

"I don't want to!" He rejected her mercilessly, averting his gaze. 'No, no, no! I won't do it!'

"Forget it, then. I'll send Galen to a stranger," Lily sighed. "Otherwise, I'll bring him to Burnwken."

"Bring him to Burnwken?!" Dominic's voice rose, then quickly lowered at a sound from the bedroom. "What are you doing? Burnwken is chaotic, with war and a plague outbreak! You've lost your mind!"

"I guess I'll leave him with a stranger," Lily shrugged, leaving him speechless.

"Why leave your son with a stranger? Are you an evil stepmother? What grudges do you have against him? What are you trying to do?!" Dominic's anger rendered his speech incoherent. He wagged a finger. "There are servants and nannies! Are they all incompetent?!"

"You know about my nanny teaching Galen to pick locks? I haven't vetted her fully, but her resume seems fine."

Dominic knew the nanny was suspicious, but that wasn't sufficient reason to take Galen. He hesitated. "What about his grandmother? Your uncle? The Russells and Christians are a large family. Why can't you find someone reliable?"