Chapter 168 Returning to Divide the Property
Yvette froze right in the middle of the dance floor, her moves coming to a complete halt.
She shot a surprised look at Albert. "Seriously, Albert, do you even know what I want?"
The mix of surprise and disappointment in Yvette's eyes hit Albert hard. He pressed his lips together. "Just a reminder, we're only in the divorce cooling-off period. We're not officially divorced yet."
"So what?" Yvette's gaze turned icy. "David and I have been tight since we were kids. I moved here and he's been my rock. What's wrong with that?"
Albert's jaw clenched, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.
Every time Yvette mentioned 'David', it felt like a punch to the gut for Albert.
"I'm still your husband. If you need help, I should be your first call," Albert said, his voice low and firm.
Yvette gave him a strange smile. "A wife in a normal marriage would go to her husband first. Clearly, we're not in a normal marriage."
Feeling the argument was pointless, Yvette took a step back and looked up at Albert. "I'm done dancing. I'm gonna find a quiet spot and wait for this ball to end so I can talk to Mr. Hayden Valdemar. Don't worry about me."
Without waiting for a response, Yvette turned and left the dance floor, not caring about the sour look on Albert's face.
Albert stood there, watching her walk away, his fists clenching tight.
As the music stopped, a crowd quickly surrounded Albert.
"David, what did Mr. Hayden Valdemar want to talk to you about?"
"I saw Albert here today too. Did you invite him?"
"Who was that with him? I don't recognize her."
Albert shot them an impatient look. These were all Valdemars, still clueless about David after all these years. David wouldn't show up to such an important event in casual clothes. This was just a way to suck up to Hayden.
Albert smiled mockingly. "I'm Albert."
Their faces changed instantly, surprise giving way to a quick shift in tone.
"Albert, you and David look so much alike, it's hard to tell you apart!"
"You two are twins, after all. You should spend more time together. Albert, you should come back to the Valdemars soon!"
Albert glanced at the speaker, recognizing her as some uncle's third wife, married a few years back. For her to casually say "Valdemars," she wasn't just anybody.
Albert didn't expect them to be polite for his sake. He said in a deep voice, "Alright, I'll think about it."
As soon as he said that, the expressions around him changed, everyone shooting reproachful looks at the one who had spoken.
If Albert really returned to the Valdemars, he'd get a big chunk of Hayden's fortune.
Seeing their sour expressions, Albert felt nothing but boredom.
He despised these profit-driven people, especially since they might have had a hand in Sarah's death.
Albert let out a mocking laugh, not bothering to give them another glance as he turned and walked away.
James and Lisa showed up after the ball ended. They tried to see Hayden, but when they couldn't get in, they stepped aside to wait.
"James! Zora!" Hearing their names, James and Lisa turned around to see a few younger family members approaching.
Given the tense situation, James and Lisa exchanged a look, plastering on polite smiles, though their eyes were wary. "When did you get here?"
"We've been here for a bit, just waiting for you two!" said James's cousin. "James, Albert showed up today. Is there good news? Is he planning to come back?"
James's eyes flickered with surprise, but he kept his cool. He smiled meaningfully and answered vaguely, "He's stubborn. It took a lot to get him here. Albert's young, so please look out for him."
Hearing James's words, their faces soured a bit, but they forced smiles. "It's good he has his own ideas. As long as he's happy."
James gave a fake smile. "I don't force him. It's up to him."
Just then, James spotted Albert out of the corner of his eye. His eyes lit up, and he waved. "Albert, over here."
Albert was already heading their way, so he walked over and stood beside them.
Albert didn't greet anyone, but James didn't mind. He smiled and patted Albert's shoulder. "You totally surprised us! You didn't even give us a heads-up!"
Albert's brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly smoothed it out. "Yeah, it's been a while since I came back. Had to check things out."
James was thrilled. "The Valdemars always welcome you back anytime!"
Lisa looked a bit awkward. She glanced at James several times, wanting to say something but holding back. Now that she wasn't pregnant, if she wanted to fight for the family property, she had to rely on Albert.
Lisa smiled warmly. "Albert, we're all happy you're willing to come back!"
"Really?" Albert raised an eyebrow, his tone thoughtful. "Can you even know if my mom is happy about me coming back?"
Lisa was stunned.
Albert nodded, his words carrying a deeper meaning. "Back then, my mom planned to come back first and then bring us back."
Albert curled his lips, but his eyes were cold. "If I come back, she should be quite happy."
Albert's words caused Lisa to look visibly upset. Albert had always said things that made people uncomfortable, but this was the first time he had brought up Sarah in front of everyone.
Not only did Lisa's face go blank, but James's eyes also darted around nervously.
Albert's gaze swept over the others. Their expressions varied, but they all glanced at James and Lisa several times secretly.
"Since you're discussing family matters, we won't disturb you."
"Then we'll go visit Mr. Hayden Valdemar first."
"We're leaving."
They all had expressions of not wanting to talk about or even know about Sarah's matters.
Albert's eyes darkened.
