When the couple and their son reached home, they saw the black Volkswagen Atlas parked within the compound and knew their company had arrived.“Mr. Corden is always on time, isn’t he?” Lily said with a chuckle when she saw the car.Alexander carried Galen and got out of the car. Then he held out a hand to support Lily and said unhappily, “Of course he is. He’s after something of ours.”“Aren’t business deals supposed to benefit both sides?” Lily said lowly.Over the last six months, Mike Corden had frequented their house, seemingly spending most of his time in the country. Although the core of his business was still based overseas, he had spent more time in Hyderland.Alexander even suspected Mike was gradually moving his business back to the country. Alexander slowly let down his guard when the man showed no signs of doing so except forming a long-term partnership with Lily’s studio by giving her a large order.Besides, since Galen was born, he enjoyed Nick Corden’s company and
Hearing this, Alexander looked perturbed and said, “Fat chance is all he’s got!”Mike was speechless, and so was Lily. Palming her belly, she could imagine how much Alexander would dote on his daughter if she gave birth to a girl. He waited outside the delivery room, expecting Galen to be a girl, and was shocked to learn that she had given birth to a boy.Alexander gradually developed a loving fatherly relationship with Galen because he was the firstborn child and an energetic boy who enjoyed laughing. The man was thrilled to learn that Lily was pregnant with twins and was sure he would get at least one daughter. He was naturally upset that Mike was trying to get him to marry off his yet-to-be-born daughter. Mike could say anything, but Alexander would become upset if he brought up marriage. “Can you two stop squabbling over this?” Trying to smooth things over, Lily changed the subject. “I learned you’re giving my studio an additional order for the next quarter. Is the dem
Mike did not stay long. After he left, Lily took a bath and checked on her sleeping son before returning to the bedroom.Having just taken a shower, Alexander got out of the bathroom with only a towel around his waist, revealing his firm muscles. Lily took a glance and blushed. Although they had been married for quite some time and she was already pregnant for the second time, she felt awkward seeing him half-naked and averted her gaze. Tempted by her shy look, Alexander strolled over. Seeing his healthy complexion as he neared, her heart pumped quickly. She turned to walk to the bed but only managed to take one step before he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his chest. “Shy, huh?” He lowered his head and pressed it against the top of hers. Despite her face flushing and her racing heart, Lily did not want to admit it. “Says who? I’ve seen it a thousand times. There’s nothing to be shy about.”It was as if she was trying to reason with herself. ‘Yes, I’ve seen it a thou
Lily pulled her finger in reflex but did not withdraw it. She gave him a feigned, angry look and let him continue. When she put her finger in his mouth, she felt his tongue twirl around it, giving her a ticklish but enticing sensation. Lily knew what would happen next and gave him a gentle shove with her other hand. “Cut it out!”Alexander did as he was told and let go of her finger while lowering down to kiss her lips. Due to their busy schedules with their child, work, and numerous other responsibilities, they had not had physical contact in a while. Additionally, he had been cautious because of her pregnancy. The kiss, however, ignited their pent-up desires. It was like starting an uncontrollable, blazing fire.After the first pregnancy, the two knew what to do, and besides giving him two gentle pushes, Lily did not resist him much before going with it.Their bodies became one on the soft bed, undulating like sea waves. Perhaps he had held it for too long, or perhaps the
“I’m not thinking of other men. I’m thinking about something serious!”Lily knitted her brow and continued, “Don’t you think he seemed a bit strange today? He didn’t talk about Blossom and only touched on the order and the deal when we brought it up. Also, Nicky didn’t come today.”“Didn’t he say the boy has to study?” Alexander thought nothing of it.“Don’t forget that Nick takes one-on-one classes and his private teacher follows him around. How could he fall behind on his schoolwork? Also, when has Mike ever forgotten to bring him along whenever he comes here? Nick loves playing with Galen!”‘There seems to be something fishy about it indeed.’Alexander nodded but grew upset when he heard the last part. “What do you mean he enjoys playing with my son? Is Galen a toy?”Lily suppressed a smile.Indeed, Nick was good to Galen. He thought about Galen whenever there was anything delicious to eat and fun to play with, but he could be pretty competitive while having fun. Nevertheless
‘I’m scared they’ll use my research for unknown purposes, and there’s no way to know what consequences it will lead to.’“Don’t be scared.” Alexander held Lily’s hand gently, trying to give her warmth and encouragement. “If you think there might be a problem and don’t wish to continue, then end the collaboration. No one can ever force you!”After experiencing an internal power struggle, La Beauté Group grew steadily under Alexander’s leadership, and its business empire became more diverse.As Alexander knew he should not put all his eggs into one basket, his company had not only involved itself in real estate, fashion, and entertainment but also branched out into new territories such as technology and medicine.Also, he was more visionary and had a more acute observation than others. That was what put La Beauté Group in the leading position throughout Kingsland. Therefore, he was not exaggerating when he said no one would dare to force his woman to do things against her wishes.H
The following day, Alexander got out of bed to wash up, then went downstairs to have breakfast. After seeing Galen, he returned to the bedroom and found Lily still in deep slumber.He called her twice, but she barely opened her eyes and grunted before turning over and getting back to sleep.Alexander noticed how tired she was and felt a bit sorry. ‘Have I overindulged myself and made her that exhausted?’He tucked her in and said softly, “Don’t you have to attend a conference tonight? If you’re too tired, then don’t go.”He thought she was sleeping, but her lips moved while her eyes remained closed. “No, this a symposium held by the Medicinal Herbs Association. I have to go.”Alexander did not expect Lily’s mind to be so clear, even though she looked like she was sleeping soundly. He smiled. “How about I get someone to send you over?”“No, I’ll just take a cab. There are going to be a lot of old and pedantic men over there. I don’t want to draw unnecessary attention.”After all,
Going straight over there, Lily saw a rather sizable boutique and walked in. Its interior design was quaint, and a mild scent of sandalwood filled the air. There were only a few customers and salespersons, and Lily started to check out the merchandise herself. Going around the aisles, she saw that most dresses were slim-fit and unsuitable, as they would make her bulging belly conspicuous. As she moved around the bend and was about to turn into the next aisle, a salesgirl approached her. “Would you like to buy a... dress?”The woman paused halfway when she saw what Lily was wearing. Those who came here to shop usually wore expensive clothes, and the dresses here were not cheap as they were of top quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship.For the past two years, wearing branded clothing has been fashionable. Those who did so felt superior to others and looked down on those who did not. Lily had always worn simple loungewear to better take care of her son. Even when s