Ch. 1261..1270

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1261--"What? What the hell are they up to?" The older man was appalled and somewhat angry.

Being at his age and having gone through so much, he was used to all kinds of trouble. However, after he figured out what the research institute was up to, he was shocked and appalled.

"I don't know what they're planning, but it's not improving herbal medicine for the benefit of humanity, as we first presumed they were doing."

She held up the cup of tea and took a sip. It had a mellow taste.

The older man knew how to enjoy himself. He had tea leaves of good quality here, and both the herbs and tea leaves were gifts from nature. Thousand s of years ago, the ancestors were wise in using various herbs to treat patients.

However, they have dual therapeutic and harmful potential. Poisons and medicines were always used in tandem. Some medicinal herbs have the potential to save lives if used properly, but they also carry the risk of death if misapplied.

Lily knew about this and had always been extra careful when using medicinal herbs. However, she did not expect those at the research institute to harbor evil intentions.

‘Sometimes, human beings can be more toxic than poison"

Somewhat unsettled, the old man rubbed his fingers together for a moment and then asked, "Are you certain that you haven't made a mistake?"

Without waiting for Lily’s answer, he brushed off the idea. "No, no, you’ve been my student for so many years, and you’d never make such a rookie mistake. The only possibility is that they’re up to no good."

He turned and asked seriously, "Do you know what their experiment is for?"

He was concerned mainly because he was the one who got Lily involved in the first place.

When the old-timers at the research institute were going about the project, they tried to consult him through an old friend of his.

Without revealing much, they asked about the feasibility of their plan.

After thinking about it for quite a while, he felt it could work, and then they looked for someone to carry out the project.

As it involved perfumery, the older man thought about his precious student and recommended her through indirect connections.

He did so indirectly so that no one would know that Lily was his last student.

When Dominic was collecting medicinal herbs all over the place many years ago, he met Wilfred Lodge. Wilfred saved his life, and Dominic spent more than four months in the man's house as he recovered from his injury. That was how he and Wilfred became good friends.

It was then that he came to know Lily, who was a little girl at the time. As she showed an interest in botany and was gifted at it, he half-jokingly took her on as a student and taught her some skills.

After he left their house, he sometimes stayed in touch with her, but he later led a reclusive life, and no one knew about his relationship with Lily.

Later, Lily came to Kingsland and visited him when she had time. He was surprised to discover that the young woman was genuinely talented.

Perhaps she had been exposed to many plants while working as a perfumer, and her knowledge was beyond his imagination.

Now that something was wrong with the project and it involved his precious student, he could not stay out of it.

"I have no idea. They're tight-lipped. I tried to probe but couldn't find any clues. However, I have a feeling it's not going to be used for anything good." ‘Then don't do it!" The older man spoke his mind. ‘Their intention is unclear. You mustn't do it if it’s something that would cause harm."

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1262 --"Yes, I've already decided to pull out of the project, and Alex's company will also divest. However, as the project has gone on for such a long time, I'm afraid they won't give up and will look for other people," Lily said thoughtfully.

‘Then let them get another person as long as it has nothing to do with you!"

Waving his hand, the older man had learned to take things easy at his age. In his opinion, one could not save everyone with medicine, and what mattered most was to do their best.

He got up and walked toward his beloved herb garden. ‘There are people who learn herbal medicine to help people, and there are those who want to cause harm. Human beings are much more complex than these herbs."

Lily got up and sat down in his rattan rocking chair. She felt great about being able to stretch.

Rocking the chair, she said leisurely, "You're right. There are all kinds of people. Some don't like to be high-profile and prefer to stay at home in the middle of nowhere, while some enjoy drawing people's attention and misleading the public using their name."

The older man turned around, puzzled. "Who are you talking about?"

"You're not aware?"

Although Dominic hardly left home, he might have learned about what happened through others. He still had his eyes and ears.

"A young man who shares your family name claimed that he’s your last student and has been telling everyone about it."

"My family name? A young man?"

He thought for a moment. "Are you talking about that brat, Austin Fike?"

Lily widened her eyes to look at Dominic. ‘Aha, he does know about him" He sighed loudly and slapped his thigh in disapproval.

Seeing Lily's gaze, he wanted to say something but hesitated. Turning around, he paced to and fro before returning to stand by her side. He bent over and looked into her eyes. "We all have troublemakers in our families, don't we?"

Lily did not know how to reply.

"So he's your..."

"My niece's son!" He slapped the side of his thigh and puffed out of habit.

"He stayed at my place for a while and learned a bit about herbal medicine through observation, but he could not focus and was not made for this field. This is why I didn't make him my student and only occasionally taught him a thing or two.

"I've not given him any proper lessons. Why? Did he tell other people that he was my student? That son of a b*tch! I'll break his legs one day." He barked and stole two glances at Lily. "Why? Are you upset that he’s pretending to be you? If you aren't happy, we can inform the public that you're my student. You-"

"Don't!" Holding up a hand, Lily turned him down. "Spare me. I don’t need that kind of attention."

Somehow, the outsiders worshiped the last student of Dominic Fike.

They were acting this way merely because of their friendship with Dominic and because the elder man had gushed over the person's talent on multiple occasions, but they had no idea who the person was or what they had done.

The rumor even claimed that the person was a miracle doctor like Dominic.

Lily found the rumor absurd and only wished to stay out of it.

She hated this type of unnecessary attention the most. ‘If these people find out I'm Dominic's last student, I'll be in hell!’

The thought made her shudder.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1263--The older man chuckled since he knew his students well. "You've never cared about claims like these. Why did you mention that little brat all of a sudden? Did he do anything to upset you?"

He looked intrigued, as if he was eager to hear gossip.

"Not really," Lily answered blandly, then suddenly widened her eyes. "He went to the research institute."

"What?!" Dominic's jaw dropped, and he could not wrap his head around it." Why was he there? How could someone, who knows so little, contribute to the research? He better not make a fool of himself!"

Lily did not know how to respond to that.

"So you guys met? Does he know you're my..."

"No," Lily answered quickly. Sitting up, she said almost warningly, "You'd better not tell him either!"

"Yes, yes, of course!" Dominic nodded, not minding her request.

He was somewhat whimsical when it came to taking a student. He would take one if he thought the person was someone he liked and suitable. He also did not care if his students did not become a healer or wanted to keep their identities a secret.

The older man took these things relatively easily. He had saved many people and done his share of bad things over the years, so he was used to death and various strange illnesses. Moreover, some patients were thankful, and some would repay kindness with evil.

When he was young and short-tempered, he resented those who were ungrateful. However, he became more at peace with the world as he grew older.

‘Life and death are part of nature. It might not be good if I force myself to work as a healer for a few more years, and it's best I just go with the flow"

He saw Lily staring at his wilford thoughtfully and asked, "Why? You want to study it?"

"Yup," she answered frankly.

"Since you don't plan to continue with the project, why would you study it? It's poisonous, after all." Dominic said, shaking his head.

"Then why are you growing it?" Lily pointed her chin in its direction. The vine swayed conspicuously among the plants.

"I'm not only growing it. My garden is full of exotic plants, but you only have your eye on that one!" Dominic looked disappointed when he thought Lily could not recognize the good stuff.

"Then can I have it?" Lily asked.

"Nope!" The older man readily answered.

"Fine!" Lily got up to leave.

"Hey!" Dominic grabbed her sleeve and swallowed his pride. "Why get mad all of a sudden? You're just like your grandpa!"

"You're not giving me what I want, so what's there to talk about?"

Dominic sighed. "It's not that I don't want to give it to you, but its poison is too potent. The plant is poisonous by nature, but as I've specially treated my soil, I'm afraid that when you take it back..."

After a pause, he added, "Besides, you have a child at home, and you're..."

He cocked his head and looked at her belly. Instead of being happy about it, he was a bit upset with Alexander. ‘Must he be so hardworking?"

He wanted to get Lily to study the new piece of land he had bought recently. As he planned to grow various herbs with different requirements, he needed specially treat his soil in terms of moisture, fertility, pH level, and others. Yet.."

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1264 --Dominic wanted to curse Alexander when he first saw Lily's bulging belly.

‘The Russell family isn't about to die out. What's the rush in making babies?’

However, Dominic was Lily’s teacher and had no say in this matter. Besides, he could imagine how Wilfred would happily brag about him having great-grandchildren if the man were still alive.

‘Oh, Wilfred.." Dominic's eyes dimmed when he thought about his departed friend. 'Our short lives are full of endless encounters and separations"

He had not met the right woman since he devoted all his time and energy to learning about herbal medicine. He would have missed her if he did. Therefore, he had always been alone and had nothing else except several manors and countless exotic plants.

‘Oh, yes, I also have several students! They are scattered worldwide, but only Lily would visit me occasionally" Thinking so, he became saddened.

At the mention of her child, Lily suddenly remembered she was no longer alone and was living with a restless, naughty boy. 'He’s full of curiosity. What if.."

"Then you give that to me." Lily pointed at the wilfordi and added before Dominic could say anything, "But I'll leave it here and come and study it when there's a need."

"That's a great idea!" Dominic slapped his thigh and was overjoyed.

"Why didn’t I think of that? Then I can lure her over with the vine and have someone to talk to. Alas, I must be getting old! Even my brain is not functioning well"

"So it's a deal then. You look after it, and if anything happens to it, I'll..."

‘You'll what? Sever your ties with me? Or betray me?" Dominic held his chin up and looked defiant.

Lily revealed a sweet smile. "What are you saying? Am I that kind of person?"

"You-"

Before he could finish, Lily continued, "I just think you must be bored living here alone. Why don't I bring Galen over to keep you company for a few days?’

Dominic looked horrified and waved repeatedly. "No, no, there's no need! Your son is still young and needs his parents. I'm too old for this-] mean, I can't take care of him well. I’m better at taking care of my plants!

"That's right! I'll take good care of the vine, so don't worry. As for your beloved son, you and Alex should look after him yourselves."

Lily noticed Dominic's terrified expression, curled her lips, and was about to say something when she saw a housekeeper hurry over.

"Sir?"

"What’s the matter?" Dominic furrowed his brows and looked upset. "Didn't I tell you not to bother me when there's a guest?"

"It's the young master. He’s waited for quite a while. Are you..." The housekeeper was asking if Dominic wished to see the guest. Surprised, Dominic subconsciously glanced at Lily as she had just mentioned that person.

If Lily had not guessed who the "young master" was, Dominic's glance gave her the answer.

Lily waved and said, "I've been here for quite a while, so I better get going. Go meet your guest."

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1265--Lily went around the garden and saw the housekeeper leading Austin in when she rounded the rockery.

Austin was not wearing a suit and instead dressed casually, looking humbled. Lily raised her brow, quickened her pace, and walked away.

Austin had waited so long at the gate that he fell asleep. When he woke, he noticed that the gate was still closed, and there was no indication that they would let him in. The most puzzling thing was that the red sports car was still at the gate.

‘This doesn’t make sense! Dominic usually doesn't entertain his guests for too long and usually tries to get rid of them within half an hour. However, he's been with the same guest for so long today. That person must be special"

Fortunately, just as he thought he could not go in today, the housekeeper came to tell him that Dominic was ready to meet him.

Thrilled, Austin followed the housekeeper into the compound. However, he felt a chill run down his spine as he rounded the bend in the garden. Austin shuddered and halted in his path as he looked over his shoulder.

Someone flashed past on the other side of the garden and vanished. As too many plants blocked Austin's view, he only caught a glimpse of a figure.

‘Hmmrn.." He knitted his brow and wondered why the person looked a bit familiar.

"Sir?" The housekeeper walked ahead but did not hear footsteps behind her, so she stopped in her path. She looked over her shoulder and saw Austin zoning out.

Austin caught himself and hurriedly replied, "I'm coming!"

He quickened his pace and could not help but look back, but there was no more sign of anyone. Puzzled, he followed the housekeeper into the living room.

Soon after, Dominic shuffled in from the back door wearing his slippers, held up a teapot in his hand, and took two sips of tea. Letting out a satisfied sigh, he gazed up at Austin. "Why are you here again?"

"My grandpa wanted to know how you're doing and told me to pay you a visit," Austin hurriedly answered, "I know you don't like supplements, so I only brought you some tea leaves."

"How good could your tea leaves be? You guys know nothing about them!" Dominic snorted dismissively and sat on a chair, crossing his legs. He looked askance at Austin and said, "Since your grandpa wants to know how I'm doing, why has he sent you, a little brat, over instead of coming over himself?

"My grandpa is old and isn't in good shape as he used to be. He doesn't know how to care for himself and isn't as healthy as you."

‘Austin must be up to something by saying that, isn't he?’ Dominic kept his eyes half closed and put on a sluggish look, purposely not responding to what Austin said.

After two seconds, Austin said, despite himself, "I remember the special pills you made could improve health. Can you give two to my grandpa? I'll pass them to him."

"Tsk!" The older man said throatily and suddenly looked at Austin. "How dare you?"

"You know I only made eight of them. They took me so much effort, energy, time, and money! Now you're asking for two pills just like that? For what? Is your grandpa dying and needs them to save his life?" Dominic was so blunt that Austin blushed in embarrassment.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1266--If treated in such a way by another person, a man like him would have stormed off or lost his temper on the spot, but he dared not do so to the older man before him.

He could only hold back his temper, saying, "Well, you're my grandpa’s brother after all..."

"Wait a minute! We had different moms."

Dominic and Austin's grandfather were half-brothers who were born to different mothers. Due to what happened during the last generation, they had not been close.

It was a difficult time. Although Dominic was the younger brother and deserved to be treated well, Austin's great-grandmother was partial to her son.

Later, when it was time to pass on the family fortune, the woman fiddled with the papers, and everything fell into Austin's grandfather's hands. Left with nothing, Dominic was kicked out of the house to earn a living by himself.

Dominic later went all over the country and gradually became famous.

After all, there was karma. As Austin's grandfather was not made for doing business, the family fortune had dwindled significantly by the time Austin's father took over. They managed to earn a living thanks to Dominic's fame, but Austin’s grandfather had never visited Dominic due to shame.

The man had always sent the younger family members over during festivals.

First, he hoped that Dominic would somehow look after them for the sake of kinship. Second, he hoped Dominic would stop holding grudges and interact more with the family for the sake of the younger generation.

As a person, Dominic was neither cold-hearted nor overly generous. When he was in a good mood, he would meet Austin and answer his questions about medicinal herbs. However, he would not even open the gate for the young man when he felt otherwise.

Having heard his retorts, Austin could tell he was in a bad mood today.

‘Why is he meeting me even though he’s in a foul mood? Did the person he met just now upset him?"

Thinking of the person he glimpsed in the garden, he changed the subject and stopped mentioning his grandfather. "Was someone here just now?"

"Was there?" The older man asked him instead.

"I saw someone in the garden just now," he asked tentatively.

A look of unease flashed across Dominic's face. No longer calm, he asked nervously, "Since you saw them, there is nothing to ask."

"But I only saw the back of the person and could not tell who they were. Since you've stopped seeing patients for years, who-"

"What are you asking so much for? What has it got to do with you? It's none of your f*cking business!" Suddenly losing his temper, Dominic glared at him. "I’m the one who should be asking you questions! Are you telling everyone you're my last student?"

Austin was stunned. 'How did he find out?1

"Who told you that?" He blurted it out.

Thinking it did not sound right, he corrected himself, "I mean, who told you the lie?"

"You know full well if it's a lie!" Scowling, Dominic could roughly guess what it was all about and snorted.

Austin guiltily explained, "How would I dare to flaunt your name around? You did teach me a few things, but they were all basic. I wouldn't dare tell anyone I'm your last student. It's just that-" "It's just that what?" Dominic said impatiently, "Do you dare to say that people have not mistaken you for my last student?"

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1267 --Austin looked helpless. "I genuinely didn’t tell them so. There's nothing I can do if they think that way! I can't keep telling people I'm not your last student every time I meet them, can I?"

Dominic snorted. "Enough of your excuses!"

Austin was making excuses, but he was not entirely in the wrong.

The truth was that the others regarded him as Dominic's last student. Of course, he might have somehow misled them, but he had never precisely made such a claim. Therefore, it might not be technically correct to say that he had been flaunting Dominic’s name.

"You're just the same as your grandpa, incapable yet filled with deviant ideas!" Dominic rebuked him and said no more.

After all, Lily did not say the young man did anything appalling.

Austin didn't think anything of Dominic's reprimands because he was used to them.

He leaned in with a smile and licked his lips. "Since others think I’m your last student, why don’t you take me as one?

Considering I’m your kin and you've taught me before, you might as well make me your student.

"This way, you don't have to worry about me ruining your reputation, and I can even bring it to new heights! Also, none of your students achieved anything. Besides the ones that have wandered around the world, your last student has never shown himself or done anything worth mentioning. It's such a waste of your skills! But if you take me as your-"

"In your dreams!" Dominic cut him off impatiently while waving. "Don’t bother to think about it!"

He scowled and snorted. "With your limited talent, you're not even qualified to be a servant to my students! Don’t think that I've not seen you through. Do you want to tell me you'd like to learn medicine to save people's lives? Do you want to do it for the sake of humanity? Save it!"

"You're simply planning to provide your service to the rich and powerful for money, aren't you? You don't wish to bring new heights to herbal medicine. All you care about is bringing glory to your family!"

As Dominic had correctly guessed what was on Austin's mind, a look of embarrassment flashed across Austin's face. However, the young man soon thought his intention was justified.

"What's so wrong about that? We pour our energy, time, and resources into learning herbal medicine, so what if we make money? Also, while it’s true that I'm trying to bring glory to our family, don't forget that you're also one of us. It's our family you're talking about, and I'm your sibling's grandson by blood, Granduncle!"

Dominic chuckled coldly as his face lost all its gentleness and looked forbidding. "Do not call me that. I have no children and don't deserve to be your granduncle."

"All right, I'm getting tired. Why don’t you go home and take good care of your grandpa? Can someone please show him the door?" He whipped around and went upstairs unceremoniously. It was evident he did not want to say anything more to Austin.

Although he did not want to give up, Austin knew what the older man was like. He worried that if he were to say anything more, he would be barred from entering the house ever again.

He could only stare after the man in resentment. 'Then have some rest. I'll visit you another time."

Hearing no answer from Dominic as he went out of view, Austin let out a sigh of relief. ‘At least he hasn't blacklisted me yet"

Austin left the manor and saw that the red sports car at the gate was already gone.

"Tsk! I wonder what kind of man drives such a car. It's so girlie, no matter how I look at it!"

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1268--‘Just what kind of person has won the old man's favor?’ Austin checked his watch. 'He stayed even longer than I did!"

Back home, Lily parked her car and saw a box in the yard.

The box was neither big nor small and looked like a present from someone. She could smell a strong aroma without getting near it.

"This is?" Intrigued, she pointed at the box and asked.

"Ma’am, Ms. Rollins sent someone to deliver it, saying it's a present for you." The housekeeper hurried over and answered.

"Ms. Rollins? Which Ms. Rollins?" Unable to figure out who the person was, she walked over to the box but did not open it immediately. She would not do that before finding out where it came from.

"The person only said it was from Ms. Rollins and left after leaving a message."

Due to Alexander’s stature, many wanted to send him presents, but he would not accept any. Some people changed their tactics and sent gifts to Lily instead, and she refused to receive them and sent them back.

Over time, these types of presents have become much rarer.

It was not the first time the delivery person simply went away after leaving a message, so the housekeeper left the box in the yard for Lily to decide what to do with it.

"What was the message?" She thought about it and asked.

The housekeeper hurriedly said, ‘The person said Ms. Rollins wanted to thank you for the dress and hoped you'd accept her return gift."

Lily remembered who the person was. ‘Ah, it's Anastasia"

She did not expect the woman to send her a return gift so soon. Knowing it was from her, Lily untied the ribbon and opened the box. She was stunned by what she saw inside.

It was a plant, meticulously and safely packed inside.

Standing aside, the housekeeper was puzzled. ‘Why did Ms. Rollins send something like this as a gift?’

However, after recovering from the initial shock, Lily was overjoyed. She moved around the plant a few times, clearly loving it.

Due to the nature of her work, there were plants everywhere in the house, and the housekeepers knew she loved them.

However, the housekeeper had rarely seen her looking so thrilled before.

"Ma’am, what is it?" The housekeeper asked curiously.

Before Lily could answer, she heard a car approaching and saw Alexander arrive.

Alexander got out of his car and strode over. Seeing her look elated, he felt cheerful as well. ‘What made you so happy?" "Look!"

She beckoned him over and eagerly turned to look at the plant.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1269--‘This is?" Although Alexander could recognize some plants after spending so much time with Lily, he could not tell what this one was.

Lily could barely hide her joy as she said excitedly, ‘This is Agarwood!"

"Agarwood?" Alexander raised his brow and subconsciously repeated the name. He could not remember all the plant names, but he could tell his wife loved it.

"You bought it?" He brushed Lily’s hair behind her ear, leaned in, and kissed her cheek.

Lily did not move away since she had grown accustomed to his intimate gestures, so she leaned close to him. "No, it's a gift from someone."

Her eyes sparkled with joy as she stared at the plant, and Alexander could tell she truly loved it.

"A gift?" Alexander narrowed his eyes.

"Who dares to send her such a gift? Who's so thoughtful to have sent my beloved wife such a wonderful gift?’

Lily was someone who only cared a little about material possessions. She kept the jewelry Alexander had bought her in their boxes and simply wanted her clothes to be cozy and easy on the eyes. The houses and properties mattered to her even less to her.

As Alexander knew little about raw materials and did not know what to give her, he could only give her a card so she could buy whatever she wanted. After so long, this was the first time he saw her getting so happy over a gift.

"It's a gift from Ms. Rollins!" Lily said gleefully.

"Ms. Rollins?" He did not seem to remember the person.

Lily elbowed him. "Cut the act! If you could remember her from her profile photo, how could you not remember who she is now?"

Feigning pain, Alexander palmed his side. "I didn’t immediately think of her, okay? Still, why did she give you this? Did she know you like it?"

Lily shook her head. "I've never mentioned it."

However, Anastasia knew Lily was a perfumer. Even before they met, the woman had heard about Lily.

‘Then take the gift if you like it. I'll send a proper return gift to Ms. Rollins when I’m free."

‘Since Lily likes the plant so much, she should accept it. Sometimes we have to accept gifts anyway"

Lily gave him a look. 'There’s no need. I already gave her a dress, so this is her return gift to me."

"Oh, that was fast." Alexander was surprised that his wife's social skills were not as bad as he had imagined. "Are you talking about the dress you took from her?"

"Uh-huh." Nodding, Lily could not help but lean over the plant to study it closely.

"It looks gorgeous and smells so nice! I wonder where Ms. Rollins acquired such a precious..." After a pause, she thought of something and suddenly looked over her shoulder at Alexander. "It should be legal to keep it, right?"

"What?" Bewildered, Alexander wondered why the plant would be illegal.

"Agarwood is under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. I've always wanted to get my hands on one, but I never got the chance.

Anyway, I heard some people grow them!" Lily cocked her head and studied the plant, seemingly talking to Alexander and herself simultaneously.

Alexander did not know what to say. He noticed her staring at the plant lovingly and somehow grew jealous, pulling Lily into his chest.

"Hey, hey!" Lily was reaching out to touch a leaf when she fell into him and accidentally plucked it off.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 1270--"What are you doing?" Lily could not help but blame Alexander for making her pluck off the leaf. She could not bear to throw it away.

"Isn't it just a pot of Agar...wood? How could you like it so much until I no longer exist?" Alexander shoved his face into hers as if he worried she could not see him.

Lily was surprised and burst out laughing despite herself. ‘What's the matter with this man? He has gotten jealous of other men, women, and even our son. Now he’s getting jealous of a plant?! He has to be the King of Jealousy throughout the entire universe!’

"What are you saying? Didn't I ask you to come over when you reached home just now?" She said laughingly and teasingly as she held the leaf to his nose. "Take a sniff. Doesn't it smell nice?"

He did so and nodded. "Now that I exist, can you tell what's different about me today?"

Hearing this, Lily pulled herself slightly away and looked him up and down. She knitted her brow and thought seriously. She did not find anything different about him, but she ventured to answer to not disappoint him. "You cut your hair!"

Alexander was speechless. 'What the hell? I've been so busy lately that I don’t even have time to cut my hair, and it's long enough to begin to cover my ear. How could she think I had cut my hair? Did I have long hair before this?*

"No!" He looked disappointed.

"You changed your necktie!" Lily made another guess.

"No!" Alexander stopped her, deciding not to let her continue. "Look." He cocked his head and showed her his long neck. The reddish mark on his neck looked striking as he had a great body and smooth skin.

Lily gasped and leaned in to study it.

Pleased, Alexander grinned before she said, "It’s September. How could the mosquitos still be so nasty?"

Alexander was disappointed. He licked his lower lip and asked, "You think a mosquito bite caused this?"

"Is it not?" Lily thought that was what it looked like.

"Don't you think it looks like a..." He noticed Lily's innocent gaze and decided not to tease her. "You're right. It's a mosquito bite."

"Apply some cream to it later. It's a small bump, but it's quite red. Don't touch it with your fingers, okay?" She was somewhat concerned.

"Okay." Alexander pointed at the plant before him and instructed the housekeeper, "Move it to the garden at the back. If not-"

Lily cut him off, "No, no! None of you can touch it. I'll do it myself."

She carefully held up the pot and turned to walk toward her small garden while Alexander gazed after her helplessly and was worried.

Although pregnant, Lily would not stop working whenever she saw such precious plants. Alexander shook his head, felt his neck grow itchy, and subconsciously scratched it.

He thought about what Edward had told him. "Two days ago, I got bitten by a mosquito, and Olivia insisted the bite scar was a hickey and scratched my face! How could she wrong me like that?"