Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 277

Chapter 277: Can I Witness a Gallant Sir Ruediger?
<.Back to the present, Nathaniel’s apartment.>

The heroic tale that led Ruediger and Nathaniel to meet for the second time, thus propelling them to become friends despite the age difference, earned applause from the others in the dining room.

Tristan exclaimed, sounding satisfied and amazed, “I was still so young back then when it happened. Mr. Nate and Mr. Rudy were my dream heroes!”

After sipping her drink, Elsie chimed in, “They even appeared in the news. I think there’s still an article somewhere on the internet.”

“Wow~ Daddy and Uncle Rudy are heroes! Right, Michelle?”

Lorianne looked from Nathaniel to Ruediger, wide-eyed in admiration. Michelle sang the same tune, luring hearty giggles from the little one’s mouth.

Amazed, Lariette shifted her eyes from Nathaniel to Ruediger beside her. As if sensing her gaze, he looked at her, his lips quirking into a smirk.

Ruediger lowered his head, whispering by Lariette’s ear, his voice low and sensual, “Why? In awe with me? I can be a gallant knight, you know?”

Lariette pursed her lips, aware of how warm Ruediger’s breath fanning her ear and neck. Her cheeks flushed, she said, “Then, can I witness a gallant Sir Ruediger on horseback later?”

“Hmm… How about on a bike?” Ruediger raised one of his brows, teasing Lariette, “I haven’t gone on a ride in months. Maybe we can go somewhere nearby.”

Lariette’s eyes widened slightly. She knew Ruediger owned a superbike, but she hadn’t seen him riding one. He said he kept it at his previous residence before moving into her apartment.

“Okay, that’s a deal~”

Even though the tale had reached its end, Lorianne was still excited to hear more. She kept asking Nathaniel, to which the man answered while cradling the little one on his lap.

Everyone resumed eating and chatting, filling the air with lighthearted laughter. When the plates and bowl were cleared, they moved to the living room.

There, Lorianne’s attention fell on the paper bags of gifts brought by Lariette and Ruediger. Elsie and Michelle excused themselves to the kitchen before Tristan tagged along to get desserts.

Nathaniel sat on the couch as Lorianne happily checked the paper bags placed on the coffee table. Ruediger headed to the other seat. He lightly held Lariette’s fingers, telling her to sit beside him.

“We weren’t sure what to get for you three,” Ruediger said while sitting down. The couch cushion sank under his weight.

“We think you’re not lacking any household appliances,” Lariette resumed on Ruediger’s behalf as she settled on the seat next to him, her gaze falling on Lorianne, “So we got other things.”

“You should just come empty-handed,” Nathaniel smiled faintly, helplessness imbuing his lips, “Still, thank you, Rudy, Lari. Lorrie looks so happy.”

Lorianne looked from Nathaniel to Ruediger and Lariette. Her chubby cheeks had a hint of a blush. Her round, warm brown eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Thank you, Aunt Lari, Uncle Rudy. Can I open the gifts?”

Lorianne’s soft voice echoed. Her heart thumped with excitement upon seeing the boxes tied with ribbons. She wondered what her daddy’s friends brought for them.

“Of course, you can,” Nathaniel reached out a hand, gently stroking Lorianne’s tiny head, “Let’s wait until Mommy is here, okay?”

“Okay~”

Ruediger smilingly watched Nathaniel and Lorianne’s interaction. The warm, beautiful sight washed over his heart with relief. The soft light in his eyes mirrored his feelings.

Nathaniel looked livelier and more joyful than ever. As his friend for over a decade, Ruediger asked nothing more than this. He was also glad to hear Nathaniel and Elsie were mending things between them.

Lariette, whose gaze shifted from Nathaniel and Lorianne to Ruediger, drew a gentle smile on her lips. She couldn’t peek into his mind, but she believed he was happy with his best friend’s current situation.

‘Elsie is a good lady. She fits Nate so well.’

Earlier, Lariette mentioned the dress she bought from Annelle Style when talking to Elsie. The lady was beyond excited, saying she was glad to know Lariette adorned it for her marriage registration day with Ruediger.

“You should come again later. Ah, but please let me know first. I’m glad to show you around the boutique myself.”

Lariette quickly took Elsie’s offer. The latter also suggested bringing Madeline along. Even though she didn’t have a close relationship with Ruediger’s cousin, she still knew him from their times in Norvonna.

“Everyone, desserts are here!”

Elsie returned, followed by Michelle and Tristan. They brought trays of desserts and drinks, all befitting the cool autumn night. Lorianne exclaimed, she quickly slid down from Nathaniel’s lap.

Plates of nutty pecan pie bars and mini caramel dipped apples, as well as hot vanilla rooibos tea and pear ginger mocktail, were served on the coffee table. Nathaniel removed the paper bags, placing them beside the couch.

As the hour shifted, Nathaniel and Ruediger left the living room, heading to his home office. Elsie and Lariette let them be, knowing the men might have an important yet private discussion.

“Did you know Vincent tried to approach me?”

Nathaniel’s voice had a hint of concern once he brought up the topic. He glanced at Ruediger who had just stepped inside the room, shutting the door close.

A frown marred Ruediger’s forehead, displeased by what he had just heard. Striding to the seating area, he said, “Their stocks still plummet. No doubt, they’re trying to get new investors.”

Ruediger no longer paid close watch to news related to Alvord Corporation, but he was still aware of the dire state the company was in. The shareholders kept pressing Matthew to step down from his position while the People’s Century Party was still under scrutiny.

Nathaniel lowered himself on the single couch. He crossed one leg over the other. His brown eyes wandered to Ruediger who sat opposite him.

“Rudy, you really won’t reclaim your lost position there?” Nathaniel raised his brows, wondering if Ruediger suddenly changed his mind. He understood his friend’s stance on this issue.

“I don’t need them,” Ruediger stated, his voice firm, “Even if I’m a beggar on the streets.”

They had shredded and trampled on his dignity. He would rather die than plead for their help.