Lariette had totally detached herself from the storm that was the aftermath of Stephanie’s ruined wedding. She knew Chairman Delaney received calls here and there yet, the more serious events happened on the Elsher family’s side.
So many things occurred within the sa day. All of them were out of everyone’s expectations.
If the wedding went well as planned, all of the guests should be having fun in the reception hall until late at night. Unfortunately, it never happened.
When the Elsher family and relatives were busy doing damage control, Lariette and Ruediger hosted Nathaniel and Tristan for dinner that night. Madeline and Chairman Delaney also joined them.
Nathaniel had to return earlier to the mainland than scheduled due to a surprise visit by his adoptive parents. Thus, the change in their dining plan.
Chairman Faulkner and Mrs. Faulkner arrived in Velondia later this afternoon, flying all the way from Norvonna. They deliberately kept their intention secret only to hear Nathaniel was away.
Upon learning of the change, Lariette suggested to Ruediger about inviting Nathaniel and Tristan for dinner.
"It sounds a bit rushed but, they can co for dinner here. What do you think?"
Ruediger was pleased with Lariette’s proposal. Without wasting ti, he extended the invitation to Nathaniel. The latter quickly agreed.
Chairman Delaney’s mood brightened upon receiving Nathaniel and Tristan as guests that night. Lariette was glad to see her grandfather being busy with another matter not related to Stephanie’s ruined wedding.
Sitting in the dining room with a clear view of the beach, the five people enjoyed a spread of feast. The faint clinking of cutleries was drowned under their conversation.
Chairman Delaney excitedly asked Nathaniel about Faulkner Investnt, including his unexpected friendship with Ruediger.
"I wasn’t the only one surprised," Chairman Delaney exhaled a sigh, his voice hinting at awe, "I heard you’re quite reclusive, Mr. Nathaniel. No wonder you accepted the wedding invitation. Turned out, because Eddy is your friend!"
Chairman Delaney heard from Mr. Silvera that Nathaniel actually said no to the wedding invitation, only to belatedly reverse his decision.
The timing coincided with Ruediger and Lariette’s marriage two weeks ago.
Nathaniel slowly chewed his bite of food, not being in a hurry to answer Chairman Delaney. Through his observation so far, he could tell the elderly man had a degree of care toward Ruediger.
Which was sothing pleasing. Despite Ruediger and Lariette’s marriage being a contractual one, Chairman Delaney treated the young man well.
After swallowing his food, Nathaniel said, "To be frank, that’s the reason. Rudy is like my own younger brother. I ca because he rarely appeared in such events."
Slowly shifting his eyes from Ruediger to Chairman Delaney, Nathaniel replied calmly. He had no qualms about being truthful about why he suddenly accepted the invitation.
"Oh! Young man, that Silvera lad will be insulted if he heard that."
Laughing faintly, Chairman Delaney was amused by Nathaniel’s honesty.
Mr. Silvera would be offended if he ever learned the real cause behind Nathaniel Faulkner’s appearance at the wedding.
Hahaha!
That Silvera brat boasted to the guests that he managed to invite the CEO of Faulkner Investnt to his son’s wedding!
He would be constipated if he knew the real reason! Served him right!
Lariette shook her head in helplessness at the sight of Chairman Delaney’s joyful face. Still, she was happy with the current happy ambiance enveloping them tonight.
Madeline and Tristan focused on eating while listening to their conversation. Lariette herself didn’t speak much.
"So, how did you two et in Norvonna? Can you tell this old man?"
Chairman Delaney’s question piqued Lariette’s interest. Her sapphire eyes quickly darted from Nathaniel across the table to Ruediger sitting beside her.
Oh!
How did they et?
Lariette was intrigued from the beginning but, she didn’t dare to ask Ruediger yet. He only told her that his friendship with Nathaniel began over one decade ago
She wouldn’t let go of this chance if any of the n were willing to share.
Unfortunately, Lariette’s wish didn’t co true.
Curling up his lips, Nathaniel said, "Chairman Delaney, I will tell you later in exchange for another dinner in the future. What do you think?"
"Then, I won’t say a word until then," Ruediger swiftly chid in, his husky voice had a hint of amusent, "I’m sorry, Grandpa."
Blinking, Chairman Delaney swept his gaze from Nathaniel to Ruediger. Both n wore the sa expression with a smirk hanging on their lips.
"Hahaha! You two are the sa ah. Truly can beco brothers! Very well! Let’s have another dinner soon."
Bursting into laughter, Chairman Delaney was easily entertained by Nathaniel and Ruediger’s antics. Surely, sothing was amusing at the beginning of their friendship.
Lariette was inwardly disappointed but, she didn’t intend to press on the issue. She glanced at Ruediger who resud eating. As always, his table manners were impeccable.
"Lari, do you have any plans for tomorrow with Eddy and Maddie? Your brunch with Mr. Nathaniel here is canceled already."
Chairman Delaney’s question pulled Lariette’s focus to him. Blinking, her mind took a second to process her grandfather’s words before she nodded.
"Oh, we’ll go to the usual isle, Grandpa," Lariette put down her knife and fork, paying attention to Chairman Delaney, "I wanna show Eddy around the place. Maddie loves the isle from her first visit."
Upon the brunch cancelation, Lariette wasted no ti suggesting an activity to Ruediger and Madeline. She planned to bring them adventuring to one of her favorite tiny islands around Azure Bay.
"That’s great. Don’t forget all the necessary supplies, including food. Oh, have you inford the port that you need a boat?"
Chairman Delaney understood what Lariette ant. During the few tis she visited Azure Bay, she wouldn’t miss going to the tiny island.
The isle was visible from Azure Bay. Because tourists rarely visited the tiny islands, they could be the perfect retreat for anyone who wished for solitude.
"I have," Lariette grinned, a playful glint flickering in her eyes as she glanced at Ruediger, "We don’t need an operator. Eddy said he can pilot the boat."
"Really?" amazed, Chairman Delaney stared at Ruediger with questions in his eyes, "That’s so great!"
"Rudy can captain a boat," Nathaniel chid in, sharing a little detail about Ruediger with Chairman Delaney, "Sotis we go fishing. I leave manning the boat to him."
A chuckle slipped from Ruediger’s lips. He was still calm in the face of Chairman Delaney’s awe and Nathaniel’s praise.
"I learned from an uncle back in Norvonna. Before I t Nate, I always went fishing with that uncle. Of course, that’s a story for another ti."
Winking playfully at Chairman Delaney, Ruediger took a sip of his drink. Once again the elderly man laughed. The rry sound bounced off the walls.
"Seems like I’ll hear many interesting stories next ti. Okay! We better set our next dinner soon!"
Lariette arched her brows, thinking how easily Ruediger and Nathaniel baited her grandfather for another al ti together. Still, this was great.
She also couldn’t wait to hear those stories.
Drifting her eyes to Ruediger’s side profile, a thought crossed Lariette’s mind.
What would she learn next about him?
But, first, let’s enjoy the isle trip!
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