Chapter 1419

"His allowance won't cover the teapots. Why not use it to buy him toys instead?"

Dominic interjected on the boy's behalf. Lily nodded.

"You're right. Then I'll deduct his allowance for two years."

Galen's lips pursed; tears welled in his eyes. He'd accepted a one-year deduction, but Dominic's intervention doubled the punishment.

"B-But..."

Dominic, hesitant to further intervene, feigned a cough, his gaze darting to the open showcase as he searched for an excuse.

"It's not entirely his fault! I didn't lock the showcase properly. Even if he didn't break the teapots, thieves could have stolen them!"

He then raised his voice, scolding the staff, "Look at this! Didn't I instruct you to keep the showcases locked? Such a simple task! Do you still want your salaries this month? Do you still want your jobs?"

A maid, tidying the area, responded quickly, "Sir, we did lock the showcase. I checked."

The maid felt unjustly reprimanded.

"Nonsense! Why would it be open if you locked it? Are you suggesting a toddler unlocked it?" he scoffed.

"Well..." The maids insisted they had locked it.

"Who knows how he opened it?" Dominic's question prompted Lily to examine the showcase lock. It was a simple, common hasp lock; however, if properly secured, it would be difficult for a toddler to open. Even with a key, Galen wouldn't know how to use it.

After careful examination, she looked thoughtfully at her son. Startled by her gaze, the already upset boy took two steps back.

"Galen, come here!" Lily called, beckoning him.

Unsure what awaited, Galen hesitated, suspecting trouble. He pouted, glancing pleadingly at Dominic.

Dominic's heart ached at the sight of the boy's teary eyes. "Never mind," he said quickly. "Perhaps the maid made a mistake. Don't put your child on the spot."

The maid was speechless.

"I'm not putting him on the spot. I'm trying to understand what happened."

Lily beckoned again. "Galen, don't make me repeat myself."

Fearful, the child mustered his courage and ran to her.

"Mommy..." He clung to her legs, hoping to avoid further reprimand.

Lily pointed at the showcase lock. "Did you open this?"

Galen looked up, his brow furrowed in thought, then nodded.

"Really? Really? I don't believe it!" Lily crossed her arms, skeptical. "This was locked. Even I can't open it without a key. How did you do it?"