Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 76

Chapter 76: Do As You See Fit
Waking up at ten, Lariette drowsily walked out of the inner room. Her footsteps were light as usual but, unsteady as she dragged herself to the seating area near the balcony.

Lariette didn’t see Ruediger anywhere but, the faint sound of water splashing and hitting the floor from the washroom told her where he was. He might have just woken up like her.

“Haa… So sleepy…”

Sleep still clung to Lariette because of how late she went to bed last night. After rubbing her eyes, she blinked against the morning light streaming through the opened balcony doors.

Lariette stood right at the entrance to the balcony, throwing her gaze out to the beach. The warmth of the sunlight touched her face as the breeze brought along the salty air.

At ten, the sun was already high enough to cast its dazzling golden glow across the water, leaving hypnotic shimmers on the surface.

‘Not enough time to bring Maddie and Eddy to the isle. Maybe tomorrow.’

Lariette still had places she wanted to show Madeline and Ruediger around, one of them was the tiny island nearby. Mostly unoccupied, the isle offered a divine secluded retreat.

‘Sleepy…”

Moving away from the balcony door, Lariette threw herself on the couch, sinking into the plush cushion. Her head tilted, she saw the sky outside through half-lidded eyes.

Somewhere in the background, Lariette heard the water stop running in the washroom. Perhaps, Ruediger had done showering.

When the man emerged from the washroom, his emerald eyes caught the figure lying on the couch near the balcony door. Raising his brows, he wondered when she woke up.

“Lettie, still sleepy?”

Ruediger’s voice echoed above Lariette’s head. Without opening her eyes properly, she nodded and let out a low hum. The man’s chuckles followed before the sound faded in the background.

“Should we tell your grandpa now? I saw him already awake when I returned from my run.”

Speaking from the walk-in wardrobe, Ruediger’s deep and rich voice traveled to Lariette. The enclosed space added a slight echo to his words, sounding a little muffled at the end.

“We better be,” Lariette replied, drowsiness hinting at her voice. Propping herself up, she slowly rose from the couch, “Let her be busy with the wedding.”

Lariette hadn’t forgotten about the female helper who sneaked into their bedroom last night. To be on the safer side, she would pull some strings to send the maid to join the team assisting the wedding.

Ruediger stepped out of the wardrobe after changing into loose denim pants and a white baggy shirt. He let his crimson locks freely cascade behind his shoulders, allowing them to air-dry.

Seeing the sleepy look on Lariette’s face incited chuckles from Ruediger. He gently patted her back, “Go and wash up. I’ll wait here.”

“Okay…”

Lariette dragged herself from the couch, heading to the walk-in wardrobe first to retrieve a few items. She saw Ruediger sitting on the couch with the laptop on his lap.

As always, he looked effortlessly casual and relaxed.

Blinking, Lariette slightly shook her head. She quickly disappeared inside the washroom.

Chairman Delaney was admiring the garden when Lariette and Ruediger found him later. No other person was around him. As for Madeline, she was still sleeping.

“Good morning, Lari and Eddy,” Chairman Delaney smilingly scanned the two people’s faces, a smile playing on his lips, “Slept well, en?”

Lariette nodded, followed by Ruediger. She immediately raised the subject, “Kinda. Actually, we have something to tell you, Grandpa.”

Chairman Delaney slightly tilted his head, questions swirling in his eyes. Ruediger brought out a tablet, showing the video to the elderly man while Lariette waited to explain later.

“Does this mean…”

Narrowing his eyes, Chairman Delaney stared at Lariette and Ruediger after watching the video. Despite being old, his mind could tell something was wrong with the female helper.

Lariette and Ruediger exchanged a glance. The former leaned closer to her grandfather, quietly explaining further about the issue.

Chairman Delaney’s next response was…

“Let’s do as you see fit.”

Chairman Delaney agreed with Lariette. They could handle the female helper some other time, not when everyone was busy with the wedding. Also, it was better not to raise suspicions.

Thus, Chairman Delaney hastily called the villa manager. Without explaining anything, he showed the video to the middle-aged man and ordered a few helpers, including the suspect to be sent to help with the wedding.

“Handle it discreetly,” was what Chairman Delaney reminded the villa manager before sending him away. The man nodded, understanding it was a serious matter.

“I need to be there at two,” said Chairman Delaney once the manager left, referring to the ceremony, “You, Eddy and Maddie can come later. It won’t start until three anyway.”

As the grandfather of the bride, Chairman Delaney had to show his presence early even before the wedding began. His elder son, Adam and his family would meet him there.

“Okay, I’ll do that.”

Lariette readily agreed. She knew Samantha and Jonathan would be upset because as one of the Elshers, she had to be there early to show support to Stephanie.

“As for that, I’ll give it to you before I go,” Chairman Delaney curled his lips, mischief flickering in his eyes, “I know it’ll upset your mother and Phanie, but… you may do as you plan.”

“I appreciate that, Grandpa.”

Lariette felt bad for getting her grandfather in this plan but, she needed him. At the same time, she reminded herself that she was just getting what was rightfully hers.

After spending some time with Chairman Delaney in the garden, Lariette and Ruediger returned to the bedroom. Right before they reached it, the man uttered something that caught her attention.

“I have something to show you, Lettie.”

Curious by what Ruediger meant, Lariette waited on the couch as he went inside the walk-in wardrobe, only to come out with a huge, black box tied with a white ribbon.

“What’s that?”

Ruediger simply smiled while placing the box on the table, his movements careful. A slight sheepiness laced the smile on his lips, unlike his usual relaxed ones.

“You said you’d wear the black dress but, I still got another gown for you. Well… please look at it first.”

Surprised by Ruediger’s remarks, Lariette’s sapphire eyes shifted from his face to the box. She slowly reached for the ribbon before once again looking at him.

Ruediger nodded softly, silently urging Lariette to continue. With a nervous smile, she carefully untied the ribbon before lifting the lid of the box.

An ethereal dress in the color navy blue was reflected in Lariette’s eyes.

“Eddy, this is…”

Ruediger chuckled when Lariette ever so carefully brought the dress out of the box. She held the gown high, allowing her to take a full look at the dress.

The strapless dress had an asymmetrical high-low neckline. The bodice features intricate lace detailing while multiple layers of tulle make up the skirt, creating a voluminous and flowy effect.

“Eddy…” Lariette’s voice had a slight tremor, her eyes brightening as she returned her gaze to Ruediger, “This is perfect with my necklace.”

“It’s great if you like it.”

Ruediger’s whole face beamed with delight, happy to get Lariette’s approval.

“Really! It’s gorgeous! Thank you!”

Lariette’s happiness was enough for Ruediger. He threw Nathaniel’s nagging from this morning far away.

Well… his friend’s annoyance was valid. After all, he only picked one dress among the many the former had to bring here.