Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 47

Chapter 47: You’ll Make Yourself a Fool

Vincent’s accusations stretched Ruediger’s patience thin. He wanted to continue walking and ignoring the former but, he ended up turning around sideways instead.

Lariette’s hand still grasped Ruediger’s, reluctant to let go. She silently watched him berated Vincent.

“Are you deaf? Stop bugging me. We’ve gone on years without seeing each other. Why bother now?”

Ruediger narrowed his eyes, the emerald shine glinting dangerously under the shadows of his bangs. He clenched his jaw taut, trying to hold onto the little patience he had now.

Ruediger wouldn’t deny the first accusation held the truth but, both he and Lariette were aware of it. That was one of the reasons why they agreed to their contract marriage.

As for the second…

Yes, his deceased grandmother left some assets for him, only to be claimed once he got married. Vincent and Madeline had the same arrangements.

But…

No! He never wanted any of the assets!

Whether he did well in life or not, he refused to touch even one cent of the Alvord family’s fortune.

Suppressing his annoyance, Ruediger exclaimed, “Take all those assets for yourself. I don’t want them.”

Ruediger turned around, once again resuming his walk toward the truck. Lariette quickly followed. She remained quiet while still holding the man’s hand.

Unfortunately, Vincent didn’t intend to let this matter go easily. Stepping forward, his words spread in the air, reaching Ruediger and Lariette.

“Aren’t they the truth? You get to make Father angrier and also grab the wealth promised to you. You don’t have much fortune on yourself. You…”

“You’re a disgrace, Mr. Vincent Alvord!”

Both Vincent and Ruediger were stunned, and so did Madeline who trailed from behind. All three pairs of eyes landed on Lariette’s whose gaze zeroed in on Vincent.

“Do us a favor and disappear from our sight. And don’t bother about your brother’s lack of fortune. Have you forgotten who his wife is?”

Lariette spat, her tone sharp and prickly as she stared angrily at Vincent. Without giving the man a chance to retort, she quickly added.

“My family doesn’t favor me but, my maternal grandfather is the Chairman Delaney. You’ll make yourself a fool if you think we covet your family’s fortune.”

Lariette was telling the truth. Neither she nor Ruediger tried to seize any of the Alvord family’s wealth. She also didn’t care about the promised fortune mentioned by Vincent.

“Miss Elsher, don’t interrupt me,” Vincent frowned, displeased with Lariette’s intervention, “I’m speaking to…”

“Mrs. Alvord,” Lariette arched her brows, daring Vincent to refute her, “As my husband’s partner, I won’t allow you to trouble him any longer. Eddy, let’s go.”

Lariette tightened her hand on Ruediger’s, pulling him along toward the truck. The distracted Vincent continued calling for them but, the newlyweds had had enough already.

“Ruediger!”

“Stop, Vincent! Leave now before I call the cops!”

“This is public property, Maddie. The cops won’t do anything.”

“Oh yeah, they can! You’re troubling us!”

Behind Lariette and Ruediger, Madeline stopped Vincent from approaching them. Once again the cousins were engaged in a verbal fight.

But, it was not Ruediger nor Lariette’s problem. After getting into the backseat, Madeline’s staff quickly pulled away from the roadside. The truck swiftly disappeared into the traffic.

Lariette and Ruediger didn’t speak much during their ride back to Lumina Spring. The cafe staff also left them alone as he quietly drove the truck.

Vincent’s sudden appearance just now seemed to sober them up but, not in a good way.

‘I’ve never seen him so upset.’

Lariette glanced at Ruediger, seeing him looking straight ahead as he leaned on the backseat. The lights from the passing lampposts illuminated his features in rhythmic pulses.

Despite knowing Ruediger in less than one month, Lariette could say he wasn’t someone who could easily be agitated.

What happened just now told Lariette the depth of Ruediger’s strained relationship with the Alvord family might be deeper than she expected.

Either way, Lariette didn’t intend to pry into the situation unless Ruediger opened up to her.

Soon, the staff parked the truck in the basement parking. Lariette handed him some money as she thanked him.

“Thank you for sending us home. Here, use it to pay for the cab.”

“…this is too much for a cab fare,” the staff hesitated upon seeing the note.

“Go now. Thank you again,” Lariette waved her hand, urging the young man to accept the money and return to the cafe, “Oh, please thank your boss and all the staff for the great party.”

“Y-yes! I’ll get going now! See you again at the cafe, Lady Lariette!”

The young man hurriedly headed out of the basement, intending to hail one of the cabs frequenting the major road near Lumina Spring. Even if he couldn’t get one, it was also easy to book a cab from the e-hailing app.

With him gone, only Lariette and Ruediger were left there. The silence of the basement parking was heavy.

Looking at each other, none of them spoke as if they assessed each other’s faces.

Until…

The tension in Ruediger’s emerald eyes dissipated as his lips were carved into a smile, leaving only a faint lingering. Gesturing in a direction with a tilt of his chin, he asked Lariette.

“Wanna take a stroll in the park? The night breeze might do us good.”

Lariette blinked, somehow thankful for the suggestion, “I’d love that.”

They headed out of the basement parking lot, going to the park surrounding the residential complex. Not many people were there at this hour.

Lariette and Ruediger walked quietly on the cobblestone trails, lined by the blooming night flowers. The cool breeze was infused with the sweet floral fragrance, dispersing in the air.

Looking at the tall man next to her, Lariette noticed how the lamplight glanced off his deep red wine hair, catching the wavy edges and turning them almost copper in the dim glow.

“Lettie.”

Ruediger’s husky voice retained its usual mellowness, a contrast to how he spoke to Vincent earlier. Halting in his tracks, he smiled faintly at Lariette.

“I’m sorry for what happened just now. It was… surely unpleasant after such a good party.”

Curling up her lips, Lariette shook her head softly, “Why blame yourself when you knew it’s not your fault? That man… your brother who appeared out of nowhere.”

“Because… it’s just…”

Ruediger trailed off, unable to answer Lariette. He didn’t have the courage to verbalize what was in his heart.

Because it seemed easier and natural to put the fault on him rather than anyone else.

Exhaling a sigh, Ruediger raked his fingers through his hair, the night breeze ruffled through the locks. The troubled look on his bleak countenance seemed to intensify with the passing minutes.

“Eddy, what do you usually do when you’re upset with someone?”

Stunned by Lariette’s question, Ruediger stared blankly at her as he parroted her words, “…en? What I usually do when… I’m upset with someone?”

Lariette nodded. The inquiry didn’t come out of nowhere. She just wondered what Ruediger did when such a thing happened because…

Haha, she honed her throwing dart skills because of the annoying people in her life.

Ruediger’s answer was something out of Lariette’s expectation.

“I usually go somewhere tall and quiet, like a hill or something to look at the scenery.”

Blinking, Lariette actually thought Ruediger would opt for something thrilling.

Well, if his choice was that…

Lariette lifted one hand, gesturing somewhere in the sky, “Wanna go to the rooftop? The apartment has a great rooftop garden. Of course! With a great view of the city!”

That place would be perfect for him!