Chapter 1709

Galen emerged from the room, rubbing his eyes. "Mommy..."

"Why are you awake?" Lily stretched out her arms, pulling him close. Her belly had grown noticeably larger in recent days. Though holding Galen was somewhat inconvenient, she wouldn't let that deter her.

"I thought you left." The child snuggled into his mother's embrace. He spoke little, but his actions spoke volumes. Lily felt a pang of guilt. She had indeed neglected her son lately. After such a long separation at such a young age, he must have missed her terribly. Yet, he remained sensible and uncomplaining.

"No! I'm not leaving you anymore. We'll go home together," she whispered, rubbing his head. Galen's eyes lit up at the word "home." His energy surged.

"Really?! Can we go home now?!"

"Of course."

Seeing his joy filled Lily with happiness. "Daddy's back too. We can all be together again."

"Okay!" Galen, acting purely like a child, bounced up and down.

Dominic, startled, quickly reached out, protecting something. "Careful! These are antiques!" He scooped Galen into his arms and frowned at Lily. "Are you bringing this little thing home?"

"Look at you! You're reluctant for him to leave! Who was the one that kept telling me to bring Galen away with me?" Lily retorted half-jokingly. "How about he stay here a few more months?"

The older man shook his head vigorously. "Forget it! Take him away!" Lily burst into laughter. "You're a funny guy, old man!"

She stood and started up the stairs.

"Hey..." Dominic began, but Galen, fearing his mother was leaving again, scrambled from his lap to follow her.

Lily turned, placing a finger to her lips. "Mommy has some things to do, so stay with Grandpa for a while. We'll go home together when I'm ready."

Galen blinked tentatively, murmured an "oh," and obediently returned to Dominic's side.

"I'm going to visit your eldest grandnephew. I want to take some samples from his body for study."

The vaccine research base glowed brightly at night. The office building's elevator ascended slowly, stopping at the top floor. Mike stepped out and hurried to the room at the corridor's end. He knocked, waiting for acknowledgement before entering.

The room was spacious, a wall entirely glass, overlooking the research base's night view. The suite was luxuriously appointed, complete with a bedroom, ensuite bathroom, living room, and study.