After dinner, Chairman Delaney mentioned going for a stroll in the yard. He patted his bulging tummy happily, satisfied with all the dishes made by his grandson-in-law and his granddaughter.

The hour was still early, slightly past eight.

"It's colder tonight, Grandpa," Lariette blinked, quite worried about letting Chairman Delaney go outside when the sun had long set, "You still wanna stroll in the garden, en?"

Over the years, her elderly grandfather's ability to withstand the cold weakened gradually. She couldn't help but think it might trouble his old body.

Ruediger smiled gently, trying to alleviate her concerns, "A brief walk will be fine. Let's bundle Grandpa up in layers. It's better to get fresh air."

Chairman Delaney openly raised his thumb at Ruediger, and then grinned at Lariette, "Your grandpa here isn't that delicate. Come! We'll go to the greenhouse. It's warmer there."

Acknowledging that she shouldn't be too hard on her grandfather, Lariette relented. As Ruediger mentioned, a brief walk in the cold wouldn't pose any threat, especially when they bundled the old man in layers.

"Let's get our coats. Grandpa, you should wear a scarf too."

"Yes, yes~"

They left the dining room. The home staff would clear the table, including washing what needed to be cleaned.

After everyone was safe in thick coats, Lariette and Ruediger led Chairman Delaney to the yard. The first gust of cold air bit into their skin, sending shivers down their spines.

"It's fresher than I thought," Chairman Delaney laughed, "Staying indoors all day makes me moldy."

The entire yard was bathed in the soft lights of the garden lampposts. The three of them walked on the cobblestone pathways with lush hedges on the sides.

The moon hid behind the dark clouds, shyly peeking from one corner. Tranquility enveloped the upscale neighborhood as if it wasn't located in the middle of a bustling city.

Lariette held Chairman Delaney's arm as they walked slowly, her grip gentle and reassuring. His cane thumped on the pathway, creating a regular tapping echo. Ruediger walked two feet behind them.

After a few minutes of walking, they finally reached the greenhouse. Bright lights washed away even the darkness in the corners. The plants inside thrived, and their lush greenery added life to the surroundings.

"Oh... my back. Tsk, these old bones of mine."

Grumbling, Chairman Delaney rubbed his back once he sat down on the garden chair. Lariette smiled in helplessness, and then she massaged her grandfather's shoulders and back.

"Grandpa, you're not the same fit young man who climbed the mountains," Lariette said teasingly, referring to her grandfather's favorite hobby when he was younger.

Chairman Delaney chuckled, reminiscing about his prime years, "Hehe, I still remember how handsome and strong I was back then. Your grandma fell in love with my muscles."

Ruediger leaned closer to Lariette, whispering, "Sounds like someone I know."

Lariette, "..."

Glancing at the man, she saw him smiling cheekily with words written clearly on his face, "You're indeed your grandma's grandchild. You love my muscles, too."

Lariette was speechless. She glared at Ruediger, only to receive a wink in response.

Ahem.

Then, the pair sat with the elderly man at a round garden table standing in the middle. The greenhouse was very peaceful. One could easily fall asleep due to how tranquil it was.

"...Grandpa, why are you looking at me like that?"

Blinking, Lariette thought she saw it wrongly. But she felt something was different from the way her grandfather stared at her.

Ruediger said nothing. He knew what the elderly man wanted to bring up.

This issue was related to Lariette. She might not be as surprised as they were worried about, but she wouldn't be totally indifferent either.

Chairman Delaney exhaled a sigh. He put on a smile, but the corners of his lips only curled slightly. He unconsciously tightened his grasp on the cane handle as his eyes remained on Lariette.

"Aren't you curious why your brothers came to see me today?"

Lariette's brows raised slightly once Chairman Delaney mentioned Declan and Rafael, not expecting that. Their visit did pique her curiosity, but she didn't think too much about it.

But...

A realization dawned on her.

"Grandpa, you won't bring this up if it's not important. What is it? Is it related to me? Or... the Elsher family? That's why Dec and Ray came to meet you?"

Lariette had stayed away from anything involving the Elsher family for months.

As they respected her wishes, Declan and Rafael also no longer mentioned anything related to the family during the rare times they exchanged messages.

Certainly, she wouldn't be dragged back into a family drama, right?

The frown on Chairman Delaney's forehead deepened. He took in the worry on Lariette's face, and then took a deep breath before he finally spoke again.

"Dec told me that he's investigating the switch that happened during your birth[01]."

Lariette froze, her eyes widening. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Then, the initial surprise was replaced by countless questions crossing her mind.

"Dec... he's investigating the switch? But what for?" she paused, and unconsciously straightened her back, "It happened over twenty years ago. Wasn't it accidental?"

The first time the Delaney and Elsher families' representatives found Lariette in Moonville Village, they explained the baby switch to her. Then, she learned more about it after entering the Elsher family.

The final verdict stated that the switch was accidental.

Lariette didn't know how both families investigated the issue back then, nor did she care much. At that time, her only thought was to integrate into her biological family.

And now, Declan reopened the case?

What for?

Chairman Delaney sighed, "That's what I thought too. But your eldest brother said, there's no harm in looking into the matter again. What do you think?"

Lariette pursed her lips, taking a moment to ponder. Her bangs obscured her face as she lowered her chin. Her hands folded together, gripping each other.

"The switch happened so long ago. Whether it's accidental or actually done maliciously by someone, I don't think it matters now."

Yes. It no longer mattered to her.

But...

Why did she feel otherwise?

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Reference:

1 - Chapter 273