That morning, Chairman Delaney's old yet experienced eyes discerned something during breakfast.

It seemed like his dear granddaughter was quite upset with his dear grandson-in-law. She often glared at the young man and pouted, only to receive a teasing grin and a wink in response.

"Lettie, want more bread?"

"Eat it yourself."

"Lettie, want more tea?"

"Drink it yourself."

"Lettie, I wanna tie your pouty lips with a ribbon."

"...shut up."

While Chairman Delaney happily savored the creamy lentil stew Ruediger made for breakfast, he couldn't help but observe the pair.

His granddaughter seemed to be mad, but the red tint on her cheeks and ears, including the way her eyes looked, showed that she was more embarrassed than angry.

At the same time, his grandson-in-law seemed to enjoy her reaction as he continued teasing her. He wasn't offended or anything as he willingly accepted her scowl.

Then, the elderly man concluded this was just an adorable marriage dispute.

Perhaps, his grandson-in-law was quite overboard with... ahem, private matters. After all, their current interaction reminded him of his beloved late wife.

Lariette's grandmother also tended to be so endearingly upset when he tried pushing his luck. Of course, most of the time, he pretended to regret, only to repeat it.

Chairman Delaney hummed softly, and his countenance brightened. Lariette and Ruediger noticed his happy look, but neither of them knew what was on the elderly man's mind.

After breakfast, the three of them moved to the usual lounge. They chatted for a little while until it was time to go. The clock continued ticking, and now showed a quarter past ten.

Chairman Delaney sent Lariette and Ruediger off to the front door. He smilingly hugged each of them while reminding the pair to stay warm and healthy during the cold winter days.

"Don't forget to send your apartment photos," the elderly man said with a grin, "The staff here will put on the Christmas decorations soon too."

Chairman Delaney knew that Lariette and Ruediger planned to get a Christmas tree and some ornaments today. Thinking of the coming holiday season made his old heart giddy.

Lariette grinned, clearly infected with the joy radiating from her grandfather. Then, she elbowed Ruediger's arm.

"We'll do that. He'll do all the hard labor, tho. I'll relax and order him around."

Throwing Lariette a meaningful look, Ruediger smirked, "Of course. I won't ever let my dear baby do any hard work. She can just sip some tea and order me around."

"...shut up."

Chairman Delaney burst into laughter. He squeezed Ruediger's arm, happily giving him some encouragement, "It's okay, it's okay. She won't be upset for long."

"I know, Grandpa. But it's fine," Ruediger nodded. Mirth glinted in his emerald eyes, "My dear Lettie is adorable being pouty too."

"Who's being pouty? Humph! Grandpa, bye!"

Lariette hugged Chairman Delaney again before turning around, running to the truck. The cool breeze tousled her long hair. Ruediger's chuckles echoed from behind.

Within a few minutes, the pair finally left the residence. The elderly man couldn't help but laugh again as he stood there, watching the truck speeding down the driveway.

Lariette sat comfortably in her seat, nestling in the warmth of the truck. Crossing arms over her chest, she openly stared at Ruediger, whose focus was on the road.

Then, his teasing voice rang.

"My handsome face enamors you again, huh? Wanna kiss me? I'll park by the curb."

She huffed, "More like I wanna strangle you."

"Oh?" he glanced at her, one brow raising, "Wanna spice up our bedroom? Should we look for some... items? Your pick."

She narrowed her eyes, "Now I feel like throwing you down a cliff."

"My dear sweetheart, are you that eager to collect my life insurance?" he smirked.

She poked his waist, "How about you get more before I do that? I'll be the richest widow on the planet."

"Only if a shaman can tie me up to you. What do you think?"

Blinking, Lariette's lips and eyes twitched before she finally laughed out loud. Her giggles rumbled in her chest. She reached a hand, randomly pinching Ruediger's arm.

"On second thought, I don't want that. People will think I'm crazy fighting with my ghost husband. You'll stick to me like glue, anyway. And I can't show off my handsome but annoying husband."

Ruediger chuckled lightly, joy imbuing in his voice, "Yeah. Annoying you is my exclusive right. No one can have it."

Lariette smiled, her eyes sparkling. A lovely rosy tint reddened her cheeks. She coyly said, "Yeah, yeah. I gonna annoy you so much too in return."

After half an hour, the pair arrived at the home center known for its enchanting Christmas collections. This place was near Ruediger's recording studio and the lake park.

They planned to have lunch at Renato's restaurant[01]. They hadn't visited there much.

Lariette shuddered once she was exposed to the chilly wind outside. She wrapped the coat tighter around her, desperate for more warmth.

Ruediger patted her head gently as he led her to the main entrance. He said jokingly, "I think we should bundle you up like a penguin next time. You won't feel cold anymore."

She hissed, "You just wanna laugh at me, right? I'm no penguin."

"Oh? You saw through me," he smirked, not at all remorseful.

Lariette huffed. Grabbing Ruediger's hand, she declared, "Be prepared. I'll buy so many things on your card."

"Yes, yes. You can swipe my card as much as you like," he replied, happily indulging her.

The pair went to the area displaying various kinds of plastic Christmas trees. Rows of evergreens were lined like an army of festive soldiers, waiting for their new homes.

They were not the only ones there. A few other customers were browsing for Christmas trees as well. Most of them were young couples.

Lariette was immediately drawn to a tall Fraser fir with dense, dark green needles. Smiling, she tapped its trunk, "Eddy, look. Look at how charming it is."

With one hand under his chin, Ruediger circled the tree slowly, "Hmm, not bad. But that one's taller."

Lariette glanced at where he was pointing. She mused, "Taller doesn't mean better. This one is cozier. It'll be perfect for our apartment."

Ruediger stopped beside her, "But that one has height. Presence, my dear Lettie."

Lariette laughed. She nudged his arm, "Hey, we're not buying a Christmas tree for a ballroom. No need for a tall or giant one."

He crossed his arms, pretending to think it over. Leaning closer to her ear, he whispered, "Why don't we rent a ballroom? Do you like that?"

"You're impossible, Mr. Billionaire. Behave," she huffed, rolling her eyes openly.

Ruediger chuckled. Lifting one hand, he pulled her closer by the shoulder, "Fine, fine. Your tree wins. But I get full creative control over the star on top, okay?"

Suspecting some mischief, Lariette narrowed her eyes. She had already prepared her fingers near Ruediger's waist, ready to pinch him if he fooled around.

"Tell me first. What kind of topper you wanna choose?"

Realizing danger, he took a step back, "A pouty angel girl. Ouch!"

Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough. Her crab claw quickly twisted his waist.

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Reference:

1 - Chapter 259