Chapter 415: The First Snowfall
Instead of surprising him, these messages only incited his disgust and the excitement of a predator.
Ruediger’s fingers moved deftly on the touchscreen keyboard, replying to Edmund’s texts with one simple reply. The light of the screen and the table lamp flickered across his face, highlighting the sneer on his lips.
[Ruediger: Ignore him. Tighten our watch on the old man]
Edmund’s response came in the next second, stating he understood. Without replying to it, Ruediger put the phone back on the bedside table.
Even after Ruediger achieved his goal of dethroning Matthew Alvord from his high position, he remained vigilant. Despite being cornered against the wall, he understood the sly old fox wouldn’t admit defeat easily.
He had to always be on guard.
’How bothersome.’
Ruediger thought of the people he still planted around Matthew after the day he revealed his identity as Mr. R. Through them, he learned that the old man tried to investigate Lariette’s past before her return to the Elsher family.
’Heh... If only he knew I’ve brought his so-called trusted PI to my side.’
Ruediger had long known about Matthew’s past cooperation with the former detective, Luke. After being expelled from the police force due to various bribery cases, the latter established a private investigation agency.
Despite being greedy, Luke’s ability was considerably excellent. Aware of how troublesome the middle-aged man could be, Ruediger collected substantial evidence against him before blackmailing the former detective to his side.
Luke was powerless before Ruediger. The disgraced former detective informed him of Matthew’s request as soon as the old man contacted him[01].
If Ruediger didn’t think of forcing Luke to his side... Matthew would most likely learn that Lariette was the little girl from two decades ago.
Fortunately, everything the sly old fox received was fabricated information regarding her past. Even if he contacted another private investigator, only failure awaited him.
But...
Ruediger’s brows furrowed as he recalled Edmund’s messages. He wondered why Vincent dared take a step to reveal Matthew’s current move.
’Trying to butter me up? To create an illusion of him siding with me?’
Exhaling a sigh, Ruediger pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind. No matter what Vincent’s motive was, he wasn’t the least bit interested.
The younger man might try to get on his good side or attempt to atone for his previous mistakes, but he didn’t care. Their relationship was already worse than strangers.
Aside from having the same blood, they had nothing else in common. The childhood memories they used to share were no more than faded fragments in their lives.
’Just forget it.’
He no longer wanted to care about the father and son duo. His people would handle them if they tried to cross the line.
Ruediger drifted his eyes to the sleeping Lariette by his side. The mockery on his lips faded as it softened into a gentle smile.
Reaching out a hand, Ruediger gently caressed Lariette’s head, feeling how soft her brown locks were. Then, he slowly moved it down to her face, tracing his thumb on her cheek.
As if she was drawn to his touch, she hummed softly while rubbing her face against his coarse palm. A slight chuckle spilled from his lips.
Warmth surged from the depths of his heart, reminding him of how fortunate he was because of her. As the New Year was closely approaching, he believed more colors would dye the canvas of his life.
’Before Christmas... I’ll tell her.’
That night, Lariette and Ruediger had dumplings with soup for dinner. Then, they moved to the living room.
Because Lariette had napped long enough after coming back from the party, her refreshed state of body and mind allowed her to stay up. Instead of holing herself up inside the study room, she piled the coffee table with stacks of papers and pens.
While Lariette was busy grading the exam papers, Ruediger sat on the couch while reading a book. The scratching of her pen and the flipping of his book filled the air.
The living room clock ticked steadily, marking each passing minute until it reached the eleventh hour. Outside, the city seemed unusually hushed.
Sitting on the couch, Ruediger shifted his gaze from the book to Lariette, who sat cross-legged on the carpet before the coffee table. A light smile curved on his lips as he heard her sigh.
She had been sitting there for over two hours. Parting his lips, he asked her softly as if he didn’t want to startle her, "Still so many? Why don’t you continue tomorrow?"
Lariette replied with a hum before glancing behind her shoulder, "Almost done. Eddy, go to bed first if you’re sleepy. I’m still wide awake."
Knowing that he didn’t take a nap like her, she felt bad for keeping him up. He was already busy with baking and socializing the entire day.
"It’s okay. I’m good," Ruediger put the book down before standing up. Looking at Lariette, he said, "I’ll get you some tea."
"Okay~ Thanks, honey."
Lariette resumed marking the paper while Ruediger busied himself in the kitchen. He returned with two mugs of chamomile tea, still steaming hot.
After thanking him, she took a few sips of the tea, feeling more refreshed inside. She had just wanted to say something when she noticed his gaze was drawn toward the closed glass doors of the balcony.
"Eddy?"
Was there something interesting there?
Blinking, Ruediger gestured at the balcony with a smile, "Lettie, look outside."
"Mm?"
Perceiving the touch of excitement in his voice, Lariette finally turned toward the glass doors. Unable to see anything, she walked closer while holding the mug.
Then...
"It’s snow! It’s the first snowfall!"
Lariette exclaimed, her sapphire eyes lighting up. She heard Ruediger chuckle as he approached her.
"Yes, it’s the first snowfall," he said, his tone indulgent.
Tiny white flakes drifted lazily from the sky, glimmering under the glow of the balcony lights. They melted as soon as they touched the balcony railing, yet more kept falling, a soft and endless flurry.
Without hesitation, Lariette put the mug on the nearby table before sliding the door open. A rush of cold air swirled in, tousling her loose brown locks.
It was the first snowfall!
Finally!
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