Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Never Forgave Him for Surviving
This was bullshit!

Despite not knowing the truth behind Chairman Alvord’s claim, Lariette was absolutely certain about one thing. If it was true, Madeline and her mother, Felicia, wouldn’t welcome Ruediger with open hearts.

Whatever had happened before, Lariette believed Ruediger that the very young version of him wasn’t responsible in the incident. She had seen for herself how people openly distorted the facts because they couldn’t accept the truths.

The recent example was Stephanie. She was a willing party when having an affair with Leon. But once she was caught, she cried wolf, saying he blackmailed her from the beginning.

Lariette kept her gaze on Chairman Alvord. Curling her hands into fists, she restrained herself from unleashing her anger.

The atmosphere inside the limousine became more suffocating. The luxurious interior, with its pristine leather seats, felt like a cell as Lariette faced Chairman Alvord,

His emerald eyes were piercing cold, but they didn’t waver her belief.

“I don’t believe you, and I never will.”

Lariette stated firmly, not showing even a hint of self-doubt with her declaration. She managed to confine the rage seething inside her from flaring its tendrils out.

Chairman Alvord’s expression hardened. He was not a man prone to outbursts, but the tightening of his jaw expressed his growing frustration.

“Miss Elsher, do you think I would lie about something like this? It’s my wife who I’m talking about, killed by my own son.”

“You accused your own son,” Lariette countered, holding Chairman Alvord’s gaze, “I believe that you’ve spent so many years blaming Ruediger that you can’t see the truth anymore.”

This man could say whatever he wanted, but she wouldn’t believe him.

The young Ruediger would be confined to the mental asylum if he did kill his own mother. He was exiled abroad because he wasn’t a psychopath.

A heavy silence followed. A frustrated Chairman Alvord exhaled, his gaze darkening.

“You’re naive, Miss Elsher. You’re blinded by your emotions. You’ll regret staying by his side one day.”

Lariette clenched her fists, almost snarling as she retorted, “You’ll regret blaming him one day. And I’ll rejoice over the fact you lose your own son over your foolishness.”

Before Chairman Alvord could respond, a sudden commotion blared from the outside, shattering the tension inside the limousine. Voice roses, the sound of hurried footsteps approaching, and then…

“LET HER GO!”

Surprised, Lariette jolted. She abruptly turned toward the voice. Her eyes widened once she saw Ruediger standing outside the limousine.

“E-Eddy…”

Ruediger’s presence was akin to a storm, crashing into the fragile stillness shrouding Lariette.

His crimson locks, the same hue as his father’s, were slightly disheveled. His emerald eyes burned with blazing fury. He breathed heavily, and his shoulders tensed.

“OPEN THE DOOR!”

Ruediger shouted, barely containing his rage. He seemed to hold back from trashing the limousine.

In the heat of the moment, Lariette had forgotten that she called Ruediger before getting inside the limousine. She hurriedly reached for the door handle, cursing once she realized she couldn’t unlock it herself.

“Get me out of here!” Lariette snapped, her eyes sharp on Chairman Alvord. She quickly threatened, “Want me to bang my head? Have fun answering my grandfather.”

Chairman Alvord hissed, but he quickly ordered the driver to unlock the doors. Lariette hurriedly swung the door open, the rush of cool autumn air hitting her skin once she rushed outside.

“Eddy!”

“Lettie!”

Ruediger hurriedly yanked Lariette into his arms, her figure crashed against his sturdy chest. He pulled away slightly, enough to scan her from head to toe.

“Are you alright? Did he harm you?”

Lariette shook her head. Ruediger’s voice was exceptionally low, rough with restrained emotions. His grip on her shoulders was tight, but she endured the pain.

“I’m fine, Eddy. I’m sorry… I’ve made you worried.”

Ruediger breathed out in relief. But before he could calm Lariette, his gaze caught the sight of Chairman Alvord emerging from the limousine.

“You always make a mess of things.”

Chairman Alvord spoke, his frosty voice devoid of affection to Ruediger whom he hadn’t met for years. Standing tall, he was roughly the same height as his eldest son.

Ruediger released Lariette’s shoulders. Stepping forward, he shielded her from Chairman Alvord. His eyes still blazed with fury.

“How dare you approach here! You don’t get to tell her lies about me!”

Ruediger’s voice shivered with rage, but Lariette also sensed pain. She unconsciously held his arm, frantically thinking of how to calm him.

Not because she thought his anger would explode, but because she didn’t want him to face the man who left permanent scars in his heart.

Chairman Alvord tilted his head slightly. Despite standing under the bright afternoon sun, his expression was unreadable.

“Lies? You’ve convinced yourself with that? That you weren’t the reason your mother died?”

Lariette felt Ruediger flinching. His usual cool and composed demeanor was gone. His entire body shivered more than before and his breathing remained uneven.

For the first time, she saw raw, unfiltered grief from the man who always wore a gentle smile on his lips. The same one who tenderly comforted her when she was caught in her fear.

Ruediger parted his lips, his reddened eyes blurry as he spoke, his voice rough, “My mother died protecting me, her son. And you, my father, have never forgiven me for surviving.”

Grabbing Lariette’s wrist, Ruediger turned away. He never wanted to hear whatever else his father would say next. His footsteps were heavy as he brought her away from the place.

Lariette moved her feet, struggling to follow Ruediger’s large strides. He had always matched her pace whenever they walked together, but not right now.

But…

Lariette glanced behind her shoulder, seeing Chairman Alvord still standing outside the limousine. Gritting her teeth, she inwardly cursed him for appearing and causing such a mess.

As abruptly as Ruediger dragged her away, he also suddenly halted in his tracks. They reached the nearby playground without realizing it.

“I’m sorry, Lettie,” Ruediger quickly released Lariette’s wrist, his voice remorseful, “How’s your wrist? I used too much force just now. Let me see. What if I hurt you?”

The barrage of questions about her wrist caught Lariette off guard. Still stunned, she watched Ruediger holding her right hand up, this time his touch was gentle.

“…your wrist is red. I’m sorry… Let me put some ice once we’re home.”

Lariette was still quiet as Ruediger was concerned about her wrist. Somehow, his tenderness now stung her heart with more pain.

“…Lettie?”

Ruediger froze when suddenly Lariette hugged him.

Without warning, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. Her face was pressed against his chest.

Tensed, Ruediger stuttered, “Lettie, w-what… what are you…”

“Let me hug you for now,” Lariette whispered, holding Ruediger tighter, “…please?”

For a moment, Ruediger remained still. He caught anguish from Lariette’s voice. Slowly, he lifted his arms, cautiously encircling around her figure.

The warmth of her embrace cut through the lingering ache left behind by his father’s words. He tightened his grip, as if afraid to let go.

Lowering his chin, Ruediger pressed his forehead on Lariette’s shoulder. He felt his body shiver, mirroring her trembling.

Just for now, he wished that he could be vulnerable before her.