The colder air carried a heavy sense of winter as autumn drew closer to its finishing line. The city seemed to be blanketed in a soft, white mist under the overcast sky.

Aside from the turmoil on Monday, the following weekdays passed without any hitch.

Lariette saw news about the storm of change in Alvord Corporation. She had also heard it beforehand from Ruediger during one of their conversations.

Finally, after his numerous failed attempts to save himself, Matthew Alvord was demoted from the chairman position. His successor was another key figure in the conglomerate.

The fact that the person was on the opposing side certainly stung the arrogant man more.

Lariette thought with a satisfied and vengeful heart, 'Serves him right!'

Matthew and Vincent most likely wouldn't come to bother Ruediger again, much to Lariette's delight. But she knew they had to be vigilant, just in case the Alvords still planned to counterattack.

Ruediger seemed more relaxed after the meeting that drew a clear line between him and the Alvords, something Lariette was grateful for. He mostly stayed home like usual, but she noticed some new changes.

Ruediger talked on the phone to Edmund about Edenia Avenue more openly now, even when Lariette was beside him. He projected a more serious side, compared to his usual laid-back ways.

She couldn't help but tease him, saying he sounded so much like the domineering CEOs on the TV dramas. He often replied to her with a loving look and a peck on her lips.

At the same time, he spent more time cooking and baking. He made sure to feed her with more balanced meals every day, including making cookies and pastries.

Lariette asked Ruediger once, confused by the big batches, "Why did you bake so much? We're only two people. We can't finish everything."

He smiled at her meaningfully, "To stop you and your colleagues from being the walking dead. Sweets can destress us, no?"

She laughed once she heard his answer.

Throughout the week, Lariette brought berry streusel bars, Greek yogurt fruit tarts and double chocolate zucchini bread to school. All were quite healthier choices of desserts compared to the common ones.

Her exhausted colleagues cried in joy, some even exaggerating that these desserts were their beacon of light before winter break began.

Without having a need to say, her capable househusband received more praise than usual. They also reminded her not to let any vixen snatch this good man.

Her reply made them laugh.

"He's not worth keeping if he lets someone else steal him from me."

Finally, the weekend arrived.

As planned, Lariette and Ruediger would head to Chairman Delaney's residence at noon. Instead of only having lunch with him, they would stay the night.

The elderly man was beyond happy once he heard the pair's change of plan.

"Of course! Come and stay here! Let's have more fun, hehe. The house's all ready to welcome you too."

Hearing how delighted her grandfather was, a semblance of regret and guilt pricked into her heart. She made a mental note to spend more time with him.

When Lariette told Ruediger how Chairman Delaney responded and about her worries, he gently comforted her. Only sincerity was imbued in his voice.

"Maybe we can try staying two or three nights in a month at the very least. After all, distance isn't an issue."

All of them lived in the same city. Even though the pair didn't visit the elderly man every weekend, arranging some time to stay with him was still doable.

For example, doing it every two weeks. Of course, only if there was nothing important that suddenly sprang up.

Lariette and Ruediger didn't pack much as they left the apartment, heading to Serenade Hills, where Chairman Delaney lived. The elderly man had everything necessary prepared, including clothes in their sizes.

As Lariette sat beside the driving Ruediger, she looked out of the window, watching the blurred fragments of the city as the truck rolled down the highway.

"I wonder when the first snowfall will be," she murmured, but enough to reach the man.

Ruediger briefly looked at Lariette, his gaze landing on the back of her head. Returning his eyes to the road in front, he reached a hand, gently patting her head.

"Maybe in a week or two. Why? Can't wait to make a snowman?"

Giggles spilled from Lariette's lips. Retrieving her eyes from the window, she turned to look at Ruediger, whose attention was on the road. Still, she saw a smile on his lips.

"That, too. But I think more of our first snow date, my dear."

Ruediger chuckled, amused and happy with what Lariette had just said. He reached for her hand, grazing his fingertips on her soft palm before interlocking their fingers together.

"I look forward to it, too, my love," he paused, seemingly thinking of something serious before he resumed, "Mm... I wonder how you look if you fall flat on the snow."

She swatted his hand, "Hey! Don't jinx me!"

"Hahaha!"

The bantering pair finally reached the Serenade Hills. The clock turned to eleven-twenty.

The guard at the frontmost gate easily allowed them entry before Ruediger drove further inside, going to Chairman Delaney's mansion.

The residence was just like usual, enveloped by peace as if it didn't stand in the bustling city. The surrounding garden was still vibrant in green, with only a few trees bare of even a leaf.

Ruediger parked the truck in the front yard like usual. But because they would stay the night, one of the staff would move the vehicle into the garage later.

Lariette and Ruediger walked to the front door. An older male staff member greeted them. What he told them in the latter half surprised the pair.

"Welcome, Lady Lariette and Master Ruediger. The chairman is in his study. Master Declan and Master Rafael are here today."

Lariette blinked, and then she subconsciously turned to look at Ruediger. She couldn't help but wonder why Declan and Rafael came here suddenly. They even met their grandfather in the study room instead of the lounge.

Noticing the slight frown on her forehead, Ruediger squeezed Lariette's hand gently. He told the staff, "We'll go there by ourselves. You may leave."

After dismissing the staff, Ruediger and Lariette walked down the familiar hallway, going to Chairman Delaney's private study upstairs.

Without the pair realizing it, the three men were discussing something important.