The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen) novel Chapter 1110

"Aw, come on, let go!" Dorian flailed his arms and legs in the air. "You big meanie, Daddy, let me go!"

Lysander held him aloft, then set him down to one side, his deep-set eyes looking intently at him. "Say that one more time, and I'll tan your hide!"

Dorian paused, his little hands immediately covering his behind, large eyes blinking up at Lysander, lips pursed, refraining from uttering another word.

In that moment, the thought crossed his mind: Daddy is kind of scary when he's mad.

Thalassa, upon hearing Lysander’s words, felt a surge of fear. Swiftly, she stepped forward, embracing Dorian protectively in her arms. Addressing Lysander, she pleaded, “He knows he made a mistake. Please, forgive him this once.”

Earlier, when Atticus had called Lysander a “big meanie” on the phone, Lysander's whole aura shifted, and Thalassa had every reason to believe he was keeping score for a later showdown. Now, Dorian had called Lysander a “big meanie” again, it seemed he was practically handing Lysander a reason to spank Dorian.

The very thought of Lysander spanking Dorian made Thalassa's heart ache. Throughout the children’s growth, she had never had the heart to lay a finger on them. Even the slightest scrape or bump had always sent her into a state of worry.

Her children were obedient, sensible, and polite. They didn't act up without reason.

"Really?" Lysander glanced at Thalassa, then turned his gaze back to Dorian.

Feeling the chill in his eyes, Dorian's little hand tightened on Thalassa's pants, seeking protection and comfort.

Sensing her child's fear, Thalassa gently stroked Dorian's head and softly said, "Dorian, he's your dad. You can't call him a meanie. It's rude and disrespectful. Understand?"

"But Daddy just grabbed me." Dorian nuzzled his head against Thalassa's leg, the picture of injustice.

"Your mom's expecting, and we can't have you bumping into her belly," Lysander said in his deep, resonant voice.

Thalassa looked incredulously at Lysander. He had suddenly grabbed Dorian by the collar and pulled him away from her, not because he was settling scores, but because he was worried about Dorian bumping into her belly?