Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 74

Chapter 74: I Don’t Get You For Nothing
Leaning against the backrest of the couch, Lariette pulled her legs close to her chest. She rested her chin on her knees, her eyes still looking at the laptop.

Indeed, this was a very childish yet nasty move from Stephanie’s side. Lariette doubted the former’s mean high school girl behavior ever phased out.

“I’ll think how to deal with her later,” murmured Lariette, faintly audible to Ruediger, “Maybe, she got bribed. Or, threatened.”

“You’re right. Those can be the reasons.”

No matter what, Lariette planned to check how the helper was in cahoots with Stephanie. A few simple questions after presenting this hardcore evidence would be sufficient.

Every staff who worked for the Delaney and the Elsher family knew how well-pampered Stephanie was. Thus, it also meant they were aware that Lariette’s position was beneath the young lady.

None of them had blatantly shown their disregard for Lariette because Chairman Delaney backed her up. But, there were instances of some helpers sneering at her or mishandling her belongings before.

Ruediger nodded once, agreeing with Lariette. He also thought handling the female helper shouldn’t be the top priority.

“Still, we need to inform your grandfather soon. I’m worried she’ll try something again tomorrow. Or, she’ll inform your next movements to that Stephanie.”

“I’ll tell Grandpa tomorrow. I’m worried about that too.”

Lariette understood what Ruediger meant. She disliked imagining how the female helper would sneakily tell Stephanie about her movements.

The Memaid’s Heart was still safe with Chairman Delaney. Lariette would only retrieve it right before she headed to the hall where the ceremony took place.

The female helper should be barred from this villa as early as the next morning. If not, Lariette believed that the former most likely would leak about her true choice of dress and the jewelry set.

Ruediger quietly stared at Lariette, seeing her was still deep in her thoughts. Refraining from sighing, he slowly shook his head, feeling a little helpless.

“It’s already late, Lettie,” Ruediger closed the laptop, his voice carrying a hint of concern, “You should go to bed. You have a battle tomorrow.”

Ruediger’s remarks earned laughter from Lariette. Bringing her feet down from the couch, she stretched out her legs. Her eyes met with his.

“Well, I need all the energy I need for tomorrow. It won’t be a complete shitshow but, some drama will still happen.”

This time it was Ruediger’s turn to laugh over Lariette’s statements. His voice, a deep and rich sound echoed in the bedroom.

Shaking his head in helplessness, Ruediger’s shoulders trembled slightly. He ran a hand through his crimson locks, revealing his entire beaming face to Lariette.

“Don’t forget that I’m your knight tomorrow, milady. You might be capable of throwing some knives out but, try to depend on me too, okay?”

Blinking, Lariette blankly stared at Ruediger. She saw the hint of boyish charm under his rugged features as his lips curled into a grin.

And…

His words strangely felt so reassuring to her.

Drawing her own lips into a smile, Lariette nodded, “Of course. I don’t get myself a reliable househusband for nothing.”

Ruediger spilled more laughter from his mouth, amused by Lariette’s comments. Shrugging, he deliberately boasted.

“Not only this househusband of yours can take care of the house chores well but, he’s also capable of defending you. I can fight well, either using my fist or my mouth.”

“Hahaha! Whoa! That’s so reassuring!”

Throwing her head back, Lariette laughed out loud. Her eyes curved into two crescent moon shapes. She quickly covered her mouth, trying to muffle her laughter.

Lariette had witnessed how smoothly and cynically Ruediger retorted his annoying opponents before. She also remembered when he kicked Damien out of the hospital room during their first meeting weeks ago.

He was indeed so very reliable!

Relief flooded Ruediger’s heart upon seeing the beaming look on Lariette’s face. She appeared more cheerful than usual despite the finding of the pesky pest Stephanie used in her childish game.

“Go to bed, Lettie,” Ruediger gently nudged Lariette, gesturing at the inner room with a tilt of his chin, “I’ll just be outside if you need me.”

“Hehe, okay,” Lariette chuckled, rising to her feet, “I’ll brush my teeth real quick.”

“Take your time.”

Ruediger watched Lariette rush to the washroom. Tearing his eyes away from her figure, he stared at the closed laptop. Thoughts brewed in his mind, undecipherable on his calm face.

‘I should meet Nate early tomorrow. I need to get it before Lettie wakes up.’

Instead of arriving tomorrow as planned, Ruediger learned that Nathaniel was already here. His friend reached this island around ten, just a few hours ago.

Nathaniel stayed at the hotel. He told Ruediger that Jonathan invited him for Stephanie’s birthday celebration but, he turned it down.

“The bellboy looked at me weirdly. All because of you, you know?”

Ruediger laughed when Nathaniel complained to him. He promised to make it up to his friend some other time.

“Eddy.”

Lariette’s voice pulled Ruediger out of his trance. Tilting his chin up, he saw her emerging from the washroom, looking refreshed with her face slightly damp.

“I’ll go to bed now,” Lariette grinned, her eyes sparkling with delight, “Thank you again for the cake and the party. I really appreciate it.”

Lariette couldn’t help but thank Ruediger, Madeline and Chairman Delaney repeatedly. The small yet cozy surprise birthday party made her feel cherished by them.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Ruediger chuckled, his facial features softening, “Let’s have a victory party soon. What do you think?”

Lariette nodded, her smile widening. Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, she uttered, “I’d love that. Well, good night, Eddy.”

“Good night, Lettie. See you tomorrow.”

“En.”

Ruediger’s eyes trailed Lariette as she headed to the inner room. Once she disappeared behind the door, he let out a soft sigh.

‘I hope nothing too bad happens tomorrow.’

As Ruediger remained seated on the couch, Lariette had already lay on the bed. She took out the box and candies she received from Declan and Rafael from her gown’s front pocket.

Lariette hadn’t bothered checking what Declan gave her aside from the mysterious note. Opening the lid, a brooch in the shape of two tulip flowers nestled in the middle of the box.

The petal parts were a dazzling red, inlaid with tiny diamond-like crystals. The brooch wasn’t an elaborate piece yet, Lariette couldn’t deny it was charming to her.

Tulip… Her favorite flower.

Lariette couldn’t help but wonder whether this was a coincidence or Declan, most likely his assistant picked this brooch, especially for her.

“This… isn’t made from real ruby and diamonds, right?”

Lariette didn’t know much about jewelry pieces. She doubted Declan spending so much money on her even though he wouldn’t ever lack it.

Closing the box, Lariette placed it on the bedside table, together with the candies Rafael gave her. Instead of sleeping, once again she read the note left by Declan.

‘Come to me if you encounter any trouble tomorrow. Whether it’s before, during or after the wedding. Happy birthday, Lari’

What did Declan mean?

Did he really… know that she might be in trouble, specifically during the wedding tomorrow?