Chapter 1251

Alexander had been preoccupied with work lately and felt terrible about neglecting Lily, especially since she was pregnant. He felt he should be by her side more often. However, recent demands on his time involved not only his company but also a matter of greater importance. He arrived home slightly earlier than usual today, a rare occurrence, but Lily wasn't there.

"Where's Lily?" he asked.

After washing his hands, he went to pick up Galen. The boy seemed to have gained weight.

"Mrs. Russell went out early this morning and hasn't returned yet," Daisy replied.

Alexander frowned. He carried Galen in one arm and used his other hand to call Lily. He vaguely remembered her mentioning a visit to the institute, and wondered if she was still there.

The call went unanswered, which wasn't unusual. Lily often ignored calls while conducting experiments. Alexander sat on the couch, playing with Galen, trying to get him to call him "Papa."

"Who am I?" he asked.

The little boy stared up at him with big, round eyes, patted Alexander's cheeks, and with a bright smile, exclaimed, "Mama!"

Alexander was speechless. "No, that's wrong. It's Papa!"

"Mama! Mama!" Galen chuckled, clapping his hands.

"No, Mama isn't back yet. Call me Papa!" Alexander adopted a serious expression.

How dare this brat defy me at such a young age? he thought.

"Mama! Mama! Hahaha!"

Alexander frowned. He'd never been so frustrated. His word was usually law, both in business and within the Russell family. He never expected to be defeated by a toddler. Still, he couldn't truly be angry with his son.

"Bad boy," he said, playfully flipping Galen over and patting his bottom lightly. He wouldn't actually hit him.

This, however, caused the little boy to burst into tears.

"It's not even painful. Why are you crying?" Alexander was dumbfounded. He picked up Galen to comfort him, when he heard Lily's voice. "Hey, what happened to my baby?"

"Oh, you're back!" Alexander turned, a smile unconsciously spreading across his lips.

"M-Mama..." Galen sobbed, as if terribly mistreated. Lily took him from Alexander, softly asking, "What's wrong, my baby boy?" Before Alexander could explain, Galen pointed a tiny finger at him. "Papa hit me!"

Alexander wanted to scream. That brat! He wouldn't call me Papa earlier, but now he can use the word in a sentence!

"No, it wasn't me! I didn't!" He quickly explained, seeing Lily's surprised expression. While Lily wasn't entirely shocked that Alexander might have playfully disciplined Galen, she was amazed by his clear speech. "Who?" she asked.

Galen pouted and pointed again. "Papa!"

Alexander was speechless. That sounded so smooth!

Lily suppressed laughter, finding the situation hilarious. "Where did he hit you?" she asked.

The little boy hesitated, then pointed to his bottom. "Umm..." He didn't know the word yet, but he'd answered her.