Ch. 1221..1230

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1221--Tm 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, Galen enjoyed playing with the older boy.

Since they were on the topic and Alexander grew accustomed to making thoughtful decisions, he spoke after mulling it over,

"Mike's business has done quite well over the past two years, and he's always been a good businessman.

"Perhaps he didn't talk about Blossom again because he knew there was no possibility of being a part of it for now, and he simply gave up."

“Probably.” However, Lily did not feel that Mike would give up so quickly. Still, she couldn't come up with other possible reasons.

"So, how's your ‘secret weapon’ progressing?" Alexander lifted a brow and asked, full of interest.

He had given Lily full support in money and workforce. He also never interfered with her decisions and whatever she wanted to do. He did his best to give her free rein and only involved himself when she sought to discuss something she could not solve.

Blossom was a project Lily had been most careful with and nervous about ever since Alexander knew her.

"I’ve put it aside." Lily let out a sad sigh as the glow in her eyes dimmed.

It had troubled her lately. As the two collaborating parties could not see eye to eye, she still needed to figure out how they could move forward. More accurately, she was thinking about whether to carry on with it.

"Put it aside?” Surprised, Alexander propped his head with a hand and half lifted himself.

He could tell from Lily's expression that she was having a difficult time, but if Mike did not come that evening and prompted her to mention it, she did not plan to tell him.

Alexander suddenly felt awake while Lily sat up to face him and told him seriously about the new project's details for the first time.

"As you know, this project collaborates with a research institute based in Bymonte. The raw materials include the spices I've specified and what they have provided. Adding new materials makes it natural to try many times to get the scent I want, but...”

After a pause, she cocked her head while slightly knitting her brows, somewhat troubled.

"You can’t get the scent you want?" Alexander took a guess.

Lily shook her head and said, "No! I initially thought they only wanted an essential oil they could use for medicinal purposes, but I didn’t know for what specifically. However, after communicating with them a few times, I think their intention is not as simple as they've told me."

"What do you think they want to do with it?"

"I’m not sure!” That was what troubled her the most. "I tried to probe, but they didn't reveal anything. They only said the result was not ideal and asked me to try again with a heavier dosage.

"From the get-go, I wondered why they would look for me if all they cared about were the medicinal effect, not the scent. They could have done it by conducting their research within their field, and yet they refused to stop collaborating with me.”

Alexander became thoughtful. "Perhaps they want to use the scent as a cover to do something?"

"I have no idea. I've dabbled in herbal medicines, but I’m not an expert. Anyway, I’ve been wondering if I should continue with the collaboration. Although it's a new experience, I'm a bit scared."

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1223 --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, any of his cars were conspicuous, and one could tell from the family's unique license plate numbers who they belonged to.

Alexander wanted to say something, but she wrapped herself under the blanket and waved him off. "Don't you have a meeting at 8 am? Just go and don't mind me. Bye!"

Lily nearly hit his face as she swung her arms around.

Alexander smiled wryly. ‘Since she could remember my meeting, she’s not that tired then. Well, it's just a gathering of the industry players within the small circle. If she wants to go, so be it.’

He leaned over and kissed her forehead before leaving.

Lily only woke up until nearly noon. She felt recharged but sore to the bones. She rubbed her shoulder, washed up, and went to see her precious son. Galen got along well with the newly hired nanny.

As first-time parents, Lily and Alexander would not be able to give the best care to their son even if they were willing to look after him themselves. Furthermore, as they were both tied up with their careers, it was imperative to hire a professional nanny.

After going through about ten nannies, the couple thought the current one was most appropriate regarding background, age, and experience. It was clear Galen was well taken care of as he was happily grinning when the nanny entered the room.

"My husband and I will return later than usual tonight. If you need anything, just call me," Lily told the nanny while playing with Galen.

"Okay. Don't worry. I'll take good care of Galen."

The symposium would occur at 6:30 pm at the atrium ballroom. Lily wanted to choose a befitting dress but could not find anything suitable.

Lily had bought most of her clothes before she was pregnant, and although she bought some looser and more comfortable ones after she got pregnant, she could not find one suitable for the occasion.

‘I might as well go out and buy one.’

The Galleria was known for trendy merchandise. One could find furniture, clothing, accessories, and just about everything else.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1222--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.

His hand felt warm and powerful as it held hers, signifying the endless and robust support he would give her.

Lily looked at it, curled her lips, and held the hand up slowly before suddenly biting it. Her sharp teeth sunk into both sides of his hand.

Alexander clenched his teeth, winced, and let her bite him.

When Lily opened her mouth, his palm had two rows of teeth marks without blood.

"Do you know why I bit you?" Lily lifted her chin.

Alexander nodded.

“Because you deserved it?" she asked.

Alexander nodded again.

‘At least he knows." Lily was pleased and wiped the corners of her lips before lying back down. “Time to sleep!"

Alexander was speechless. He massaged his hand where the teeth marks were. 'She’s so heartless. At least I held back when I bit her, but she took a serious bite. However, I'm willing to endure it.’

He lay down, spooning her as he reached a hand over to place it gently on her belly. Although it was only bulging slightly, the tummy's warmth made him feel blissful.

"Don't force yourself to do anything you don’t like, whether it’s the studio, perfumes, spices, or herbal medicines. What's important is that you enjoy doing it," Alexander said softly into her ear, "Don’t do anything that would upset you."

“Okay,” Lily answered lightly, but Alexander could tell she was happy and relaxed.

Her hand rested on his, and her fingers gently rubbed the teeth marks.

‘Perhaps I should check out that so-called research institute,’ Alexander thought.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1226--The salesgirl watched as Lily took out a black and gold card. She had only seen that card once. At most, five people owned this card in all of Kingsland.

Gosh! Who was this seemingly ordinary pregnant woman in front of her?

Jane did not recognize the card. All she knew was that the dress couldn't be sold. So, she quickly explained, ‘ Madam, I'm sorry, but this dress has been reserved. We can't sell it to you.”

"You can’t sell it?" Lily raised her eyebrows, looking at the salesgirl bossing her around before this. “If you can't sell it, why did you take it out for me to see?"

"I'm sorry about that. Why don't you look at our other dresses? Some new dresses are equally as beautiful..."

Jane apologized repeatedly, and Lily raised her hand to stop her. “This matter has nothing to do with you. She was the one who ordered this dress to be taken out. I even agreed to pay for it first before trying it on. Now, you're telling me that this isn't for sale? Is that how you run a business?"

As she said that, she sat unhurriedly on the stool next to her. "If you can't give me a satisfactory explanation today...”

She trailed off and didn't say anything more. Instead, she just smiled lightly.

The faint smile on Lily's face made the salesgirl shudder. Only then did she finally understand that she had provoked someone she shouldn't have.

She failed to realize it when Lily walked into the store. The smile she had on her face right now was the same one she had plastered on when she came in. Why was it so terrifying, then?

"I'm sorry, madam. I've made a mistake. I forgot that another customer had reserved this dress, and the deposit had already been paid. That's why we can't sell it to you. Our boutique has other styles that will surely be fitting for you-"

"Fitting for me?" Lily interrupted with a sneer. "If I recall correctly, someone said I would not fit any of the clothes here and even said I'd walked into the wrong store."

At this point, the salesgirl's back was covered in sweat. She lowered her head and rubbed her hands as she struggled to explain, “It's my fault that I'm too quick to judge. I've misspoken. Madam, please don't hold it against me."

"I have nothing against you," Lily replied as she crossed her arms with a smile. Before the salesperson could sigh with relief, she continued, “I just... want to buy that dress. Get me the bill!

"What's wrong? Is my card not working?" She waved the card between her two fingers, motioning for them to swipe it. Jane, watching from the side, had turned red out of anxiety.

Although Lily was not targeting her, this would leave a bad reputation for the store if it wasn't resolved properly.

"Madam, this dress has already been reserved by someone else. I'm really sorry about that! Since you like elegant-styled dresses, let me show you our two best ones. Otherwise, you can check out the luxury section of our store. The dresses there can be tailored to your satisfaction."

"That sounds good, but...” Lily turned to look at her before continuing, “Why do you think I was looking at ready-made ones?"

The salesgirl stayed silent.

People would usually have very high demands when it came to dresses. As they were a high-end brand, customers who came in would want their dresses fitted to their style and figure.

The ready-made dresses that hung in the store were usually just samples. Once the customers knew what style they wanted, they would have their size measured and order a tailor-made dress.

The only reason people would go for ready-made dresses was because of emergencies. It was evident that Lily belonged to the latter group.

In other words, she couldn't wait.

The snobby salesgirl from before was sweating profusely. Seeing how she could not settle the matter, she glanced at the dress the intern was holding and gritted her teeth. "Madam, I know money isn't an issue for you and that you've taken a fancy to this dress, but to tell you the truth, it's not because I don't want to sell it to you. It's just that the person who ordered this dress isn't any ordinary woman."

After studying Lily's expression, she cautiously said, "I don't think she’s someone you can afford to provoke."

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1227--When Lily glanced over, the salesgirl had her arms crossed with a respectful front. However, Lily did not miss the hint of dissatisfaction in the sales girl's eyes.

Although the card in her hand made her respect Lily more, everyone who entered the store was either rich or powerful. The individual that reserved this dress was not just any ordinary rich woman.

"Madam..." The salesgirl smiled forcefully and continued, "Would you like to look around still?"

‘So, what if you have money? We're in Kingsland, and there are tons of rich people. Regardless of how rich they are, they would still have to bow to those in power.’

Lily tilted her head and straightened out her clothes before casually glancing at the dress again. "I'm not the type that would take second glances. If nothing tickles my fancy at the first sign, there's no point looking around. Are you sure you refuse to sell this?”

Her last sentence made the salesgirl's heart skip a beat.

She dared not reject Lily directly, nor did she dare to tell Lily off. Ultimately, the salesgirl decided to beat around the bush.

"Madam, your humor is immaculate, but we're running a business. Of course, we can't refuse to sell our customers things. However, it's just that someone did buy this dress already. What about you talk to the owner about it? We'll sell it to you if she's willing to give it up.”

Lily immediately caught on to what the salesgirl was doing. She was trying to avoid the responsibility and give it to someone else. That made Lily sneer. "Weren't you the one who ordered the young girl to bring this dress to me?"

The salesgirl was struggling to find a reply before he hesitantly mumbled, "Y -Yes, but...”

"Didn't you say I should pay for it before I try it on?"

Jane stepped in after hearing all this. "Madam, look...”

"Since I've taken my card to pay, the dress should be mine. What's the issue here?” Lily continued, ignoring Jane.

Lily only fixed her eyes on the snobby salesgirl from the get-go. Her gaze was gentle but sharp-her words were clear and unhurried but carried weighty meaning behind them.

The question left the salesgirl speechless as colors drained from his face.

"Pack up the dress for me. I'm in a hurry.” upon saying that, Lily stood up with her arms akimbo. Her gentle and amiable aura when she first entered the store had disappeared.

Then, the salesgirl finally began to regret her previous demeanor toward Lily. She had mistaken Lily for someone she could easily step on. However, Lily was not as innocent as she looked.

"Madam, let me be frank with you. The person who reserved this dress is Anatasia Rollins, the young lady of the Rollins family."

Per the store's policy, all information on the customers was to remain private. Still, at this point, the salesperson felt she could only get Lily to back off by saying Anastasia'’s name.

Lily was shocked to hear that name. It was not because of who Anastasia was but because Lily thought the name sounded familiar, as if she had just heard it recently.

The salesgirl noticed Lily’s hesitation and thought her trick had worked. She inched closer to Lily and said lowly, "Ms. Rollins’ birthday party will be in two days. She won't be happy if she finds out you bought the dress she had custom-ordered. If Ms. Rollins gets upset, Secretary Rollins will be unhappy too. By then...”

The salesgirl's judgemental gaze fell onto Lily as she spoke. She continued, insinuating, "Madam, I know money isn't a problem for you, but buying this dress would ruin your husband's reputation.”

At this moment, Lily was stunned. She did not expect a salesgirl to be so quick-witted. Back then, Lily just thought the salesgirl was condescending. Now, it seemed like she was also a bully.

She was casually name-dropping to try and have the upper hand. However, Lily immediately remembered why the name was so familiar.

‘Secretary Rollins, huh?’

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1228 --Lily remembered Alexander mentioning that name a few times before and how Secretary Rollins had a daughter whom he adored. He even invited Alexander to her birthday party the next month, and Alexander wanted to bring Lily along.

At that time, Lily had just laughed it off. After all, why would a pregnant woman attend a little girl's birthday party? Moreover, she did not even know who Secretary Rollins's daughter was. Then Lily had forgotten about her, brushing it off as a joke.

Still, it seemed like the person who reserved this dress was a big shot. However, that salesgirl did not have the right to name-drop like that.

"Oh?" Lily smiled at the salesgirl. "What does that have to do with me?"

"B-But...”

"All I know is that you recommended this dress, and I loved it. Now that I want to buy it, but you're telling me it's not for sale?"

Lily took her phone and continued, "If that's the case, I think I should call your manager or any other high-ups of yours to check the rules of this boutique."

The sales girl's face turned blue when he heard this.

She did not expect this pregnant woman to be so challenging to handle. She had already told Lily that Secretary Rollins's daughter had reserved this dress, so she wondered why Lily was still so fixated on it.

‘Isn't she afraid of offending the Rollins family?!’

After getting interrupted by Lily several times, Jane no longer dared to speak as she carefully looked at her colleague. "What should we do?"

If this got to the higher-ups, the two would suffer the consequences.

Initially, Lily had no plans of being overbearing. It was just a dress, and she could always look for another one. However, Lily could not stand such a snobbish person that looked down on others. She had to teach the salesgirl a lesson.

The salesgirl gritted her teeth as she watched Lily dial the number. She quickly interrupted, "Madam, are you sure you want this dress?"

Upon hearing this, her colleagues on the sidelines were stunned.

"Isn't what I said clear enough?” Lily looked at her quizzically.

"Then you can do your payment here," the salesgirl said politely, gesturing to Lily invitingly.

Her colleague hurriedly stepped forward and pulled her aside, asking lowly, “Are you crazy? Ms. Rollins will come and pick up this dress tomorrow.

How will you explain this to her when the time comes?!’

However, the salesgirl ignored them and took the card from Lily's hand. Then she swiped the card expressionlessly before getting Lily to sign the receipt. While packing the dress, she asked, "Would you like to try it on?"

"No, it's fine."

The dress's style was elegant, and it did not take much for someone to know that Lily would fit it perfectly.

"All right, then. Have a good day. We hope to see you soon!" The salesgirl was polite and formal throughout the payment process, and even her colleagues were confused.

This also surprised Lily, as she raised her eyebrows at the sales girl. Then with a meaningful smile, she turned around and left with the dress.

Once she left, the boutique workers surrounded the salesgirl and asked," How could you sell that dress?! We can't afford to offend Ms. Rollins!" Although she knew that, it was just...

"Who said we'll have to deal with Ms. Rollins?" The salesgirl picked up the receipt Lily had signed with a sneer. "We're not the ones who took Ms.Rollins's dress! She should confront the person who took it from her. Why does it have anything to do with US?" She glanced at the signature on the receipt and thought, 'Lily Christian, hun? Wait, Lily Christian?"

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1229 --The hall was already full even before half past six. Instead of it being an industrial exchange, people here were more eager about the fact that Dominic's secret apprentice would be present.

Dominic was the best in the world regarding his medicinal skills. He had no more than five apprentices, and rumor was that he was extremely strict and demanding of them.

However, a few years ago, he suddenly took in another apprentice and declared that he would keep the identity of his new apprentice a secret. Since then, he had stopped taking in apprentices.

The new, young person lucky enough to be Dominic's apprentice naturally aroused everyone's interest. They were curious to see what kind of individual could have such an honor. The highlight was that everyone heard that the apprentice was young.

For Dominic to favor him must mean this person was no stranger to the outside world.

However, the people present today were acquaintances and knew each other. Naturally, none of them were Dominic's apprentices. Otherwise, they would have shared about it.

Lily had been here for a while. She had never enjoyed a buzzing crowd, so she found a quiet comer to sit in as she enjoyed the food with contentment.

She would not have come if it were not because Alexander had insisted on her coming and that people from the research institute would also be present. She wanted to hear the experts’ opinions and look for inspiration for her new project-Blossom.

If Lily did not have to attend the event, she would have been building blocks with Galen at home. She yawned at the thought of that.

Maybe it was because of how quiet she was, or maybe it was the place where she sat, but no one seemed to notice her. Then she heard footsteps walking toward her.

Just as Lily hesitated on whether to get up and change places, the footsteps stopped, and a woman's voice followed. “Mr. Langston, tell me the truth. Is Mr. Fike's secret apprentice Austin Fike?"

Although the woman was trying to keep her voice low, the anxiety in her voice was unmistakable. It intrigued Lily, and she sat down again to listen.

Then an older man's helpless laughter echoed. “Mrs. Moore, I've told you countless times. I honestly have no clue."

“All right, Mr. Langston. Everyone knows you and Mr. Fike have been friends for years. How can you not know about it? What is there to be embarrassed about? I know Mr. Fike wants to keep a low profile and not make a fuss, but it's just that with my situation, I must know who it is. I promise I won't tell anyone else if you tell me, okay?"

"It's not that I don't want to tell you. I genuinely have no idea who it is. Although Dorn and I have been friends for years, he hardly left the house these past few years and refused to have any visitors. I have no clue who this secret apprentice of his is."

After a pause, he continued, "Mrs. Moore, why do you insist on finding out who this secret apprentice is? Medicine is so advanced now, and even a general practitioner can cure Ms. Rollins’ illness. Besides, if the doctors couldn't do anything, Dorn has other known apprentices.”

The woman smiled wryly. "Mr. Langston, what kind of joke are you cracking? Everyone knows two of Mr. Fike’s apprentices had passed away while another two were untraceable as they had left to travel the world.

"The last one standing went abroad and had been visiting war-torn countries all year round. This secret apprentice, I heard, is young and intelligent. He has always stayed by Mr. Fike's side. On top of that, he's in Kingsland!"

She whispered, "Who knows if he'll even show up to our banquet today?"

“Even if he did, you won't know who it is." Sighing, the old man said, "I think you..."

"I think if he did, we would be able to spot him in a crowd,” the woman interjected, “Look, we're familiar with most of the guests present. If there's someone we've never seen before, the possibility of him being Mr. Fike's secret apprentice is high."

Lily, who had been eavesdropping, wanted to laugh at the woman's logic. She wondered why the woman was so fixated on someone new being Dominic's apprentice.

‘Why is she so sure Dominic has chosen none of her acquaintances to be his secret apprentice?’

Lily shook her head and sipped her drink. She had not seen anyone from the research institute. She had been in touch with them, and they told her the representative was a young man with the surname “Fike.” She tried to contact him, but the other party never replied.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1230--However, it did not matter anymore. Lily planned to sit for another ten minutes, and if the man did not show up, she would not blame him for it. Instead, she would just let it slide.

"You're right, Mrs. Moore, but I still think that you shouldn't be too persistent on this," Jared said flatly as he patted her shoulder.

"Mr. Langston, you'll never understand how I feel. Although Tasia is my niece, I love her like my daughter. If it weren't because Mr. Fike doesn't practice anymore, I wouldn't have put my hopes in this young man."

The woman let out a long, melancholic sigh.

"Don't worry too much. I'm sure Ms. Rollins will be fine!" After the man said this, the sound of footsteps gradually faded away. It seemed that they had left.

Lily glanced at the time and was about to leave when she heard a curious voice next to her. "Are you eavesdropping?!"

The voice sounded interrogative and unfriendly. Lily was startled. When she snapped her head toward the direction of the voice, she saw a woman standing next to her.

The woman looked elegant and sophisticated!

She wore a dress from Chanel's latest collection, with gold jewelry on her neck and wrists. The woman was looking at Lily with dissatisfaction.

However, the face did not match the anxious and worried voice of the woman before this.

"I was here first,” Lily said, pointing to the food beside her.

Moreover, the conversation that was exchanged wasn't anything serious.

They were just discussing the secret apprentice.

The woman's gaze flickered up and down before asking arrogantly, “Which family are you from?"

Most of the people who came today were from a family of doctors. Those from other fields who were invited were usually only the famous ones.

"I'm from the Christian family,” Lily replied.

The research institute invited her, and she did not belong to any particular family. She gave herself the surname.

"The Christian family?!" The woman frowned as she ransacked her brain." I've never heard of them!"

There were only a few famous families in the medical field, other than Dominic, who had not left his house, she was familiar with most of them. She had never heard of anyone from the Christian family. Thus, she immediately regarded Lily as a newcomer.

"It is a rare opportunity to come to this meeting. You should take the chance to look around. Keep your eyes wide and your mouth tight, understand?"

Although Lily found it a little funny, she nodded cooperatively and said, "I understand!"

Seeing how she was obedient, the woman did not make things difficult for Lily. Instead, she turned away and noticed someone walking into the banquet hall.