Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire

Ruediger's answer shocked Lariette.

"I'm bored. I feel like stirring some drama within my family now. Will you be up for it?"

Inwardly shaking her head, Lariette wondered what kind of mind Ruediger had. He suddenly came looking for her—showing himself—to offer to be her husband for this plan. 

All for the sake of causing drama?

From the little stories Madeline used to tell her, Lariette had already heard about how unfairly the Alvord family treated Ruediger.

Unfortunately, Madeline couldn't share the details. She only said Chairman Alvord—the man's father—blamed Ruediger for something out of his responsibility.

"Rudy wasn't even a teen back then! Urgh! My uncle is as trashy as my father!"

The mistreatments were bad enough to push Ruediger to live abroad for years. He followed Madeline and his mother after the latter's divorce from the second son of the Alvord family.

'But... He has been lying low all these years. What has changed his mind?'

Lariette quietly lowered her chin, tearing her gaze away from Ruediger's striking eyes. Her bangs obscured her forehead, casting a faint shadow on her troubled face. 

Damien's abrupt appearance and Ruediger's uncanny reason cast doubts in Lariette's mind. She needed to let the shock settle in before taking her time to think properly.

Lariette didn't see how Ruediger's laidback smile drooped a little. Pushing one hand into the pocket of his long khaki pants, he uttered, "If you're up for it, you can contact me through Maddie."

"...huh?"

Lifting her eyes, Lariette's dazed blue eyes collided with Ruediger's clear green ones. His casual smile returned, showing nothing was amiss.

"Miss Elsher, I wish you a smooth recovery. You should rest. That man won't step inside anymore. The security team won't let someone like him come near you again."

"I haven't thanked you," said Lariette quickly, realizing she hadn't conveyed her gratitude for Ruediger, "Thank you for helping me with him."

Turning around slightly, Ruediger let his eyes remain on Lariette's face. His shadow stretched on the white-tiled floors.

"No biggie. It's unfortunate the trash wouldn't take himself out. Well, I hope you'll consider what I've just told you. Get well soon, Miss Elsher."

"I will," Lariette nodded, unsure what else she should say to him, "Thank you again, Mr. Alvord."

Ruediger smiled once more before he quietly walked out of the private room. His languid steps didn't make much noise. He came and went quietly like the summer breeze.

Lariette's eyes followed Ruediger's departure until he disappeared behind the sliding door. 

'What has just happened?'

Shaking her head, Lariette ran her fingers through her long deep brown hair. She sat crouching on the bed, her head jumbled from the storm caused by Damien and the sudden appearance of Ruediger.

'His offer is tempting, but...'

As Lariette was lost in her thoughts, Ruediger had just stepped out of the private ward area. He glanced at the two security standing vigil by the entrance. They were the ones who threw Damien out earlier.

'She'll be safe here. He won't be allowed inside again.'

Smiling faintly, Ruedigier turned to the left side where the elevators were. His steps abruptly halted once his eyes caught the familiar sight of someone.

"Mad..."

"Rudy! What the heck have you done?"

"I just... hey!"

"Come with me!"

Without as much as a greeting, Madeline hurriedly grabbed Ruediger's collar before dragging him with her. The tall and bulky man was powerless in front of his angry yet significantly smaller cousin.

Madeline pushed Ruediger into a waiting lounge on the private ward floor. Luckily, no one else was inside.

"Did you really come and see Lari?" Madeline stared at Ruediger in disbelief. Standing with both hands on her hips, she quickly added, "You didn't answer when I called!"

"Sorry, I put my phone on silence," replied Ruediger calmly as if he wasn't facing a mad Madeline. He sat down on the couch, "Come here. Don't just stand there."

Crossing his right leg on the left, Ruediger leaned comfortably against the back cushion.

Hissing, Madeline ended up rolling her blue eyes. She was shocked when she received a text from Ruediger, informing her that he was on his way to meet Lariette.

Unable to stay still, Madeline made a mad dash from Suit & Tie. She was anxious because Ruediger didn't pick up any of her calls. 

"So, you both have really met? Finally?"

Listening to Madeline's voice laced with doubts, Ruediger nodded once. He tilted his head slightly, his wavy crimson strands lingering above his eyes.

"Damien was here."

"W-what?"

Surprised by Ruediger's words, Madeline froze. She remained speechless when her older cousin nodded once.

That damn trash was here?

What for?!

"He was arguing with Lariette. I arrived just in time. Then..."

Ruediger's husky voice echoed in the quiet lounge as he narrated the story, including his short conversation with Lariette. He frankly mentioned his suggestion to the young lady.

Madeline said nothing, wanting to hear everything before deciding whether to smack Ruediger's head or not. She finally sat next to her cousin, her eyes on his side profile.

"So, I told her to think about it. If she agrees, she can contact me through you."

Unsure of what she should say, Madeline let out an exasperated sigh. Shaking her head, her soft blond curls swayed behind her shoulders.

"I didn't expect he'd come here. Lari has blocked his number."

Madeline was shocked to know Ruediger decided to show himself to Lariette but, hearing about Damien disturbed her more. The cheating scumbag surely didn't come with good intentions.

What Damien had done to Lariette proved Madeline right. Fortunately, Ruediger arrived right on time.

But...

"Seems like you've started taking steps, aren't you?" Madeline glanced at Ruediger, finding her cousin's usually laidback countenance had a hint of worry, "After all these years."

Madeline's words pulled a self-mocking chuckle from Ruediger's lips. Staring down to his hands, he clenched and unclenched them in slow movements.

No one knew how badly he wished to comfort her with a hug earlier. Knowing he would just scare her away, he did everything in his power to douse his desire.

"I wanna give it a try. Even if she tells me to disappear afterward, I'll do it."

Madeline pursed her lips, understanding that Ruediger was very determined this time around. He wouldn't appear in front of Lariette if his resolution was weak.

"I trust you, Rudy, but..." Madeline paused, once again sighing, "Lari is still my priority. If you mess with her, you're done for."

Ruediger nodded, unbothered by Madeline's remark. Smiling faintly, he uttered, "I've owed her so much. It's time to repay my gratitude."

And... to let go of his regrets.

Madeline said nothing anymore. Her brows furrowing, she silently wished everything would be well between Lariette and Ruediger.