Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 134

Chapter 134: My Househusband Should Take It Easy Today
Alaric had just returned from the hospital after clocking out. Worrying about her, he decided to drop by Stephanie’s apartment to check on her.

Despite not approving Stephanie’s decision to stay in the apartment alone instead of their family home, Alaric voiced nothing. He understood that his younger sister needed some time alone.

But…

Never did he expect to see his former friend, the one who took advantage of his naive younger sister, here.

‘Isn’t that… Leon’s car? He’s here?!’

Once Alaric saw Leon’s car parked in the basement parking lot, he rushed to Stephanie’s apartment unit. His blood boiled from the suppressed rage, more so when he saw his former best friend in the living room.

“Phanie! What did he mean by Monday? He forced you into something, right? Why did you let him inside anyway?”

Alaric bombarded Stephanie with question after question once Leon disappeared. A deep frown marred his forehead. His voice had the remnants of his anger toward the man.

“A-actually…” Stephanie stuttered, still surprised by Alaric’s sudden appearance. She began to fidget with her blouse, “There’s something… I asked Dec to keep from everyone…”

Alaric narrowed his eyes upon hearing their eldest brother’s name. He recalled how upset he was when Declan was busy with whatever was wrong with Lariette on the island last week.

Why did Phanie mention Dec? What had happened without his knowledge?

Alaric exhaled a deep sigh. Pushing Stephanie to sit on the couch, he demanded, “Spill everything you’ve told Dec. What are you hiding? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Stephanie knew there was no use concealing the issue any longer. She had to be truthful if she wanted to avoid marrying Leon next week.

ARGH!

She thought she could ruin him before he brought up the marriage topic!

His plan blindsided her instead!

“E-Eric, you know… Leon, he tried to blackmail me…”

Stephanie began, her eyes glazing with tears as she sat beside Alaric, hoping to get out of this damn situation soon.

“What? Blackmail you? How?”

Under Alaric’s dark gaze, Stephanie told him everything about Leon’s plan, including how he would frame her as an accomplice in the incident that fell on Lariette.

The sky outside the apartment was bright but, the atmosphere inside was massively heavy and thickened with tension.

*****

<.Lumina Spring Apartment.>

Lariette was blissfully unaware of what kind of trouble swept Stephanie off guard, nor did she care. She slept peacefully that night with no worries plaguing her mind.

The next morning, Lariette woke up early, wanting to join Ruediger in cleaning the apartment. She insisted on helping him despite him reassuring her it was fine if she wanted to sleep in.

“You’re so diligent! My househusband should get to take it easier too. Let me help you today.”

Ruediger held back from laughing once he heard Lariette’s cheeky remark. Thus, they formed a team of two. They didn’t take a long time to complete it because the apartment itself was always tidy.

Lariette and Ruediger spent the afternoon watching a classic cartoon movie. Commentaries and laughter echoed in the living room, highlighting their shared enjoyment.

They didn’t eat much for lunch because of their dinner plan with Nathaniel and his parents tonight. Madeline couldn’t join them this time.

At six-fifteen, Ruediger drove his beloved truck with Lariette by his side, heading to Seacastle.

“I haven’t come here in ages,” Lariette said once they entered the vicinity of Seacastle, “Maddie and I usually go to Coral Drift.”

Ruediger glanced at Lariette, arching his brows as his lips formed a smile. He had heard about it from Madeline before.

“Should we go and have a picnic there?” asked Ruediger, trying to grab a chance to do more activities together with Lariette, “Before the summer break ends.”

“Hehe, sure,” Lariette quickly agreed, liking the idea, “If we have free time.”

Ruediger continued driving along the winding coastal road. The golden glow of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of amber, violet and ruby.

Lariette threw her gaze out of the window, looking at the sea which stretched endlessly beyond the cliffs. The waves crashed against the rocks below, the echoes harmonizing with the seagulls’ distant cries.

“Can I open the window?” Lariette turned to look at Ruediger, wishing to take in the salty air from outside.

“Sure.”

Ruediger reached for the dashboard, turning off the air-conditioning system before winding the windows on their sides. The cool and salty breeze immediately blew inside the truck.

“We’ve just left the island but I missed it already,” said Lariette, a soft smile gracing her lips, “This place is pretty too.”

Ruediger glanced at Lariette, his emerald eyes reflecting the evening sky. His lips wore the same soft smile as hers.

“The view from Nate’s terrace is great. Oh, have I told you he has a beautiful garden of lavender and hibiscus? He planted them himself.”

“Really? That sounds wonderful!”

Ruediger nodded upon Lariette’s exclamation. As he rounded a bend, he told her to look at the cliff where a grand villa perched atop. Its expansive glass windows caught the last golden rays of the setting sun.

Lariette raised her brows, thinking how scenic Nathaniel’s cliffside villa would look with the surrounding flower garden. She never thought the CEO of Faulkner Investment was an avid gardener.

Indeed. The man’s flower garden was splendid. Lariette saw it even before Ruediger drove past the gate where two bodyguards patrolling the area.

Slowing down on the driveway, Ruediger pulled up at the usual spot where he parked his truck whenever he came here.

“There they are,” Ruediger chuckled, his eyes watching three figures coming out of the main entrance, “Come on, Lettie. Seems like they’re eager to meet us.”

Unbuckling the seatbelt, Lariette pushed open the door before getting out of the truck. Her feet landed on the soft grass.

Ruediger beckoned at Lariette to follow him, his smiling countenance seemed to reassure her. Walking by his side, she took slow yet steady strides to Nathaniel and the pair beside him while carrying a paper bag.

“Welcome, Rudy and Lari,” said Nathaniel, even addressing Lariette with her nickname, “It’s your first time here. This is my parents.”

Andrea and Russell greeted Lariette before introducing themselves to her. She did the same. The husband and wife’s warm gesture helped to ease her concern.

Lariette handed the paper bag to Andrea, saying it was a visiting gift. The middle-aged lady happily accepted it.

“We’re surprised to hear Rudy has gotten married,” said Andrea, her voice soft and tinged with joy, “You’re such a lovely lady, Lariette.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Madam Faulkner,” Lariette smiled, somehow feeling sweet in her heart, “I’m honored to meet you and Chairman Faulkner today.”

“Please, no need to be so formal,” Russell waved his hand, laughing faintly, “You’re Rudy’s wife. Just call us like how he does it.”

“Uncle Russell and Aunt Andrea are right,” said Ruediger. He lightly touched Lariette’s back, smiling gently at her, “Make yourself comfortable, Lettie.”

“I will do that, thank you… Aunt Andrea and Uncle Russell. You may call me Lari.”

Russell and Andrea smiled approvingly. Nathaniel urged all of them to get inside. The last rays of sunlight sprinkled on their backs as they disappeared behind the door.