Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Work Your Charms Well on Him, Okay?

“Don’t your hands get tired? You keep holding the bouquet.”

Ruediger’s teasing tone lured giggles out of Lariette’s lips. Tearing her eyes away from the tulip bouquet to the driving seat, her gaze fell on the relaxed posture of the man driving.

“Did Maddie tell you about my favorite flowers?” Lariette arched her brows, wondering about the answer, “I love tulips. Hehe, they’re so adorable.”

Both Madeline and Damien knew which flowers Lariette favored the most. Unlike her friend who cared for her preference, the cheating scumbag never paid attention to it.

During the rare few times Damien got Lariette flowers, all of them were red roses. At first, she assumed it was because the meaning behind them but, she eventually learned it was because Damien didn’t care.

He had never cared about her hobbies and interests.

Ruediger glanced at the smiling Lariette, his emerald eyes gleamed softly. Tapping one finger on the steering wheel, he uttered, “Will you believe me if I said I just knew?”

“Hahaha!”

Her heart tickled by Ruediger’s remark, Lariette burst into laughter. The merry echo of her giggles resonated alongside the soft music played by the truck’s audio system.

“Hehe, then, your guess hit the right mark.”

Lariette’s response was laced with her laughter, humoring him. Ruediger curled up his lips.

“I’m honored to receive your compliment, milady.”

Lariette brought the bouquet closer to her lips, trying to muffle her laughter. Her sapphire eyes curved like two crescent moons, glinting softly above the velvety tulips.

For some reason, she believed the duration of their contractual marriage would be fun.

Ruediger’s truck speedily moved across the expressways, heading to the northeast of Avaloria City. The newlyweds’ destination was Serenade Hill where Chairman Delaney lived.

Serenade Hill was two districts away from Eldoria Heights, the Elsher family’s main abode. The short distance between them allowed Lariette to visit her grandfather often when she still lived with her parents.

Throwing her gaze outside the windows, Lariette uttered, “Grandpa thinks I’m coming for a visit like usual. He’ll be surprised if he knows I’m bringing my husband along.”

Ruediger’s lips melted into a smile. He loved hearing Lariette saying the word ‘husband’. Looking at his wedding ring, its blue sparkle was reflected in his emerald eyes.

“Are you going to tell your grandfather the truth about our marriage?” asked Ruediger, his voice soft, “Or, will you hide it from him?”

Ruediger’s question pulled Lariette’s attention from the view outside to him. Instead of answering him immediately, she quietly stared at his side profile.

The sunlight filtered through the windows, accentuating his crimson strands. Despite only knowing him for a short time, she couldn’t deny he made her feel comfortable enough to speak her mind.

Lariette wondered if the reason was because Ruediger’s thoughtful manners reminded her of Madeline.

“Grandpa is a sharp man,” Lariette finally spoke after a period of silence, “He’ll think something’s going on once he knows we’re married.”

Lariette used to bring Damien along when she visited Chairman Delaney. Her grandfather had reservations about the young man but, he treated Damien civilly to maintain peace.

Damien was eager to be on Chairman Delaney’s good side yet, the elderly man kept him at arm’s length.

“Does he treat you well, my dear?”

Chairman Delaney used to question Lariette about her happiness being with Damien a few times, to which she always gave positive responses.

Ruediger tilted up his chin, drawing a smirk on his lips. He calmly yet confidently uttered, “I believe he’ll like me. Trust in your husband to make your grandfather accept me, alright?”

Blinking, Lariette silently stared at Ruediger for a few seconds before laughter escaped her lips. Her shoulders trembling, once again she covered her mouth with the bouquet.

“Hehehe, work your charms on my grandpa well, will you?”

Ruediger chuckled, the tone low and seductive. Lariette bit her lower lips, sensing the heat emanating from her cheeks.

Soon, Ruediger and Lariette arrived at Chairman Delaney’s residence. The truck was stopped at the main entrance of the gated community.

“Young Miss Lariette, please head inside.”

“Thank you.”

The guards quickly granted entrance to Ruediger once they saw Lariette. They knew she was one of the cherished granddaughters of Chairman Delaney.

The elderly man was well-respected in the community, from fellow residents to the staff. He treated them all with regard despite being one of the most influential figures in Velondia.

Chairman Delaney was renowned for his compassionate and firm heart. He didn’t discriminate against the rich and the poor while not letting anyone manipulate him.

“Oh, that’s Grandpa.”

Lariette pointed in a direction as Ruediger slowed down the speed of the truck, moving on the long and wide driveway. They had just passed the bodyguards’ post.

A three-story grand manor stood imposingly in the middle of the vast courtyard, displaying its glory. A tall wrought-iron black gate fenced around the compound, separating it from the other luxurious mansions in the neighborhood.

An elderly man sat in the pavilion of the front garden, accompanied by a middle-aged man dressed in a suit. Their eyes followed the movement of the truck.

“Let me grab the gifts I’ve prepared,” said Ruediger as he unlatched the seatbelt.

Lariette blinked, glancing at the man, “When did you prepare gifts?”

“A few days ago.”

Winking at Lariette, Ruediger turned to grab a paper bag from the backseat. Lariette unconsciously backed away, aware of their distance shrinking when he extended one arm to the backseat.

For a fleeting moment, she recalled when his calloused palm held her waist during the photography session just now. Her back also felt small grazing over his broad and sturdy chest.

“Tada,” Ruediger smiled, showing the black paper bag with marble-like prints, “I have to bring something on my first visit. Hopefully, your grandpa will like it. It’s not worth thousands of dollars tho.”

Understanding Ruediger’s meaning, Lariette tried to reassure him, “Grandpa appreciates anything. He’s not fussy whether the gifts are expensive or not.”

During Chairman Delaney’s birthday banquets, Stephanie often made a grand display of gifting the most luxurious present she could find.

The guests always commented on how thoughtful she was to her grandfather, making Lariette feel small because she wasn’t well-versed in picking expensive gifts. Her allowance also was limited.

One time, Lariette presented Chairman Delaney with a hand-knitted cardigan. Stephanie smiled mockingly while the guests whispered how impudent Lariette was.

But, what happened next wiped the sneer off Stephanie’s face and shut the guests up.

“Thank you, my dear Lari. This is just like the cardigan your grandma made for me. Sadly, it went missing. I’ll treasure this gift dearly.”

Chairman Delaney smiled warmly at Lariette while thanking her for the gift. After he wore the cardigan over his pristine and luxurious suit, he embraced his granddaughter for a long hug.

Appreciating Lariette’s reassurance, Ruediger enveloped her hand in his broad palm. His emerald eyes gleamed with a comforting solace.

“Isn’t he someone you look up to? I believe your grandfather’s compassion and warmth are what led you to be close to him.”

Nodding quietly, Lariette returned Ruediger’s smile. Relief flickered in her sapphire eyes.

“Let’s go. Time to meet your new grandfather-in-law, husband.”

Chuckles escaped Ruediger’s lips, “Okay, my wife.”

The newlyweds finally emerged from the car. Being so close to each other, they approached the pavilion where Chairman Delaney was waiting for them.