Standing before the closed door, Lariette still thought about Declan and Rafael's sudden visit today. Curiosity piqued her heart, wondering why they were here.

It was clear that the brothers had come without telling their grandfather. If not, the elderly man would notify her beforehand just for a heads-up.

Lariette hadn't seen Declan and Rafael in months. They did text her a few times, asking about her well-being, but her replies were always perfunctory.

Still, she silently applauded them for not crossing her boundaries, including forcing her to do things according to their preferences.

Although Lariette didn't feel like meeting Declan and Rafael, she wouldn't go out of her way to avoid them either. There was no reason to.

It would be a different story if the other Elsher family members were there, because they were more prone to causing trouble.

"Lettie."

Ruediger called her softly, luring Lariette out of her trance. She also felt him squeezing her hand as if trying to comfort her. She looked up to meet his gaze.

"I'm fine," she smiled, pressing her thumb on the center of his palm, hoping to reassure him, "I'm just curious. Let's get inside."

"Mm."

Ruediger lifted his other hand, knocking on the door twice. After a moment, he reached for the handle and pushed the door open, followed by a soft click.

Lariette saw Declan and Rafael sharing the three-seater couch as Chairman Delaney was settled on a single settee. Three pairs of eyes looked at her and Ruediger.

"Lari, Eddy, come in," Chairman Delaney smiled, beckoning them to come closer.

Lariette and Ruediger stepped over the threshold, walking past the door. They greeted Chairman Delaney before giving Declan and Rafael a polite nod of acknowledgment.

"How have you been?" Rafael was the first to ask, a stiff smile hanging on his lips as he stared at Lariette, "Either way, you look great."

"I'm quite busy with work, but it's nothing troublesome. How about you, Ray? And Dec?"

Lariette looked from Rafael to Declan as she sat on the two-seater couch opposite them. Ruediger silently took the seat beside her, and his gaze assessed the brothers.

Declan replied, his tone calm, "I'm good. It's almost the end of the year, so I'm busier than usual. It's getting colder, isn't it? You and Ruediger, don't forget to stay warm always."

Rafael chimed in, "I'm resting for now. I'll prepare for the next tournament after the New Year break. Dec's right. You two, think of your health."

Lariette glanced at Ruediger and saw the faint smile on his lips. He softly patted her waist in the back, the gesture hidden from the others. Then, she returned her gaze to Declan and Rafael.

"We'll do that, thanks. You both should follow what you preach too. It'll be bad if anyone falls sick."

"...okay, I'll remember."

"Ahem, me too."

Chairman Delaney said nothing as he watched his precious grandchildren. Despite how awkward their interaction was, his old heart was full of warmth and his gaze softened.

Then, the elderly man shifted the topic, hoping to alleviate the remaining awkwardness in the air. His mellow eyes fell on his granddaughter.

"I remember, you said the final exam begins next week, right? You can rest easy once the winter break starts. Luckily, Eddy's here to keep an eye on you."

Lariette pouted, recalling when Ruediger and Chairman Delaney teamed up before[01]. She glared at the two men.

Whenever her grandfather insisted that she looked tired and had lost some weight from her busy schedule, her husband quickly sang the same tune. He even tattled on her!

"Who keeps an eye on whom? Grandpa, my colleagues told me someone might steal him from me. I'm the one who needs to be more vigilant."

Chairman Delaney burst out laughing while Ruediger chuckled softly. The latter understood what Lariette meant. She mentioned the exchange to him the other day.

"Lettie, didn't you say I'm not worth keeping if I let someone steal me away from you?" Ruediger arched his brows, mirth glinting in his eyes.

"It's good that you remember," Lariette squinted her eyes, huffing, "I'll kick you out real quick if you do that."

Ruediger laughed again, this time more heartily. Chairman Delaney joked, saying he was glad that his granddaughter wasn't easy to bully.

Declan and Rafael just quietly watched their youngest sibling glaring at her husband. They also saw the helpless yet doting look in the man's gaze.

Even though they rarely met their sister, they knew her life had turned so much better. Despite feeling regretful for their past actions, they were sincerely happy with the changes.

Ruediger was an unshakeable support to Lariette. Declan and Rafael believed she wouldn't feel totally sad and hopeless if one day, she learned what they had just discussed with their grandfather earlier.

After the brief teasing episode, Declan and Rafael asked Lariette about her Christmas plan, to which she answered truthfully. They respected her decision to have a small celebration with Ruediger this year.

Certainly, this year's holiday celebrations would be the happiest she had had compared to the previous ones.

"We can still send you gifts, right?" asked Rafael, a little hesitant as he was afraid Lariette would quickly turn it down. His usual haughty act before her had long ceased to exist.

Lariette pondered for a moment, and then she smiled, "You can. I'll send gifts to you and Dec, also Cee."

Despite not having a close relationship with Celina, Lariette still remembered the lady's support and encouragement. She hoped to get something good for the raven-haired beauty.

Upon hearing Lariette's answer, Rafael inwardly sighed in relief. Declan also seemed happier. This was enough for them.

After chatting for some time, a helper came to inform them that lunch was ready. The hour had shifted to half past twelve.

Lariette supported Chairman Delaney as they left the study. The three men followed from behind, going to the dining room.

A delicious aroma wafted in the air, arousing their appetites. The kitchen staff went all out today.

Sitting in the dining room, Lariette quietly thought this situation wasn't that bad. She enjoyed the food while listening to the conversation. She also chimed in from time to time.

Still, she wondered what made her brothers visit their grandfather.

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Reference:

1 - Chapter 342