Chapter 248 The Birthday Gift From Albert
Albert's eyes were like lasers, piercing right through Yvette. She looked away, trying to hide her nerves.
She shook her head, avoiding his gaze. "Just haven't finished packing yet."
"Alright," Albert said, handing her a bottle of water. "Get ready, we gotta head to the site for an inspection later."
"Okay," Yvette nodded, relieved he hadn't caught on to her anxiety.
As they left the hotel, a bunch of locals came up to them, showering them with praise in local accent. Yvette kept thanking them over and over.
The elementary school wasn't far, so they walked.
Albert and the locals led the way, chatting about the school's situation, while Yvette trailed behind.
Passing a store, Yvette hesitated, glanced at Albert's back, and then ducked inside.
The shop assistant greeted her with a smile. "How can I help you?"
Yvette showed her a picture of the birth control pills she needed. "This brand, pink box."
The assistant shook her head. "Sorry, we're out of the morning-after pill."
Yvette sighed. "Okay, thanks."
"We do have condoms, though," the assistant said, grabbing a box from a dusty shelf. "Better for your health than risking it."
Yvette eyed the unfamiliar brand, thinking about what Albert had said to Vincent. She didn't want to go through the pain of losing a child again.
"Alright, I'll take one."
The event went off without a hitch, and the locals were super grateful to the Valdemar Group for funding the school's construction. Even after it ended, they insisted on throwing a small thank-you party at someone's house.
The locals' enthusiasm was a bit much for Yvette, but Albert, usually so stern, accepted their hospitality, making them even happier.
They were seated at the head table, with several jars of homemade wine in front of them.
As soon as the jars were opened, the rich aroma filled the air. It wasn't fine wine by Albert's standards, but it was clear they were giving their best.
The locals were genuine and heartfelt, evident in their toasts.
"Thanks for your support. The kids finally have a decent spot to hit the books."
"Yeah, without Mr. Valdemar, we wouldn't feel safe sending the kids to that old building."
"Mr. Valdemar has a great career and a beautiful wife. Goes to show, good things happen to good folks!"
Hearing the praise, even Albert, who usually didn't drink much, had quite a bit.
The homemade grain alcohol was strong, and Albert was visibly tipsy before long.
Yvette worried he might overdo it but didn't want to spoil the mood, glancing at him with concern.
At that moment, a woman came over holding a child, setting down a thermos, and said to her husband, "Stop making Mr. Valdemar drink. Mrs. Valdemar looks worried, and you guys are just oblivious!"
Albert glanced at Yvette, his expression calm. "I'm good, as long as everyone's having a good time."
With Albert's approval, the group cheered and continued drinking.
Their loud voices startled the child, who looked like he was about to cry.
Yvette, who had been watching the child, quickly got up. "Is the baby scared?"
As soon as Yvette spoke, the child started crying.
Unlike Yvette's anxiety, the child's mother remained calm, smiling as she comforted Yvette. "Don't worry, he's in his mom's arms. He'll calm down soon."
She gently rocked the child, patting him lightly and murmuring words Yvette couldn't understand. The child soon stopped crying.
The crying subsided to soft sobs, with tear-streaked cheeks and curious eyes exploring the world.
Yvette was captivated by the adorable child.
Noticing Yvette's interest, the mother asked, "Do you have kids?"
Yvette was taken aback, a hint of confusion and sadness flashing across her face. "Not yet."
Before Yvette could finish, she felt a gaze on her. She looked up to meet Albert's deep eyes.
Yvette's heart tightened, fearing Albert had noticed her emotions. She quickly composed herself, lowering her eyes to hide her expression.
The woman glanced between Albert and Yvette, patting the child and sighing, "Mr. Valdemar and Mrs. Valdemar are so good-looking. If you have a child, how beautiful would it be!"
Many had said this to Yvette, but Albert didn't want her to be the mother of his child.
Yvette forced a smile, her hands clenched into fists, playing with the child but too nervous to respond or look at Albert, fearing he might lose his temper in front of everyone.
To her surprise, Albert just smiled. "Your child is very cute."
The husband beamed, quickly handing the child to Albert. "If Mr. Valdemar wants, you can hold him for a bit!"
Yvette thought Albert would be displeased, but to her surprise, he took the child.
Though he held the child for only a few seconds, Albert's gentle expression and the way he played with the child left a deep impression on Yvette.
If it were their child, would he be this gentle?
Or would he never let their child be born?
The grain alcohol was not only strong but had a delayed effect. By the time Yvette helped Albert back to the room, he was too drunk to communicate properly.
Yvette undressed him, took off his shoes, and brought a basin of warm water to wipe his body.
Albert frowned, raising his arm to shield his eyes. Yvette quickly turned off the harsh room light, leaving only a bedside lamp on.
Yvette sat by the bed, carefully wiping Albert's body. Albert mumbled, and she leaned in to listen. "What?"
As Yvette leaned closer, Albert suddenly flipped over, pressing her down and kissing her, stopping her from speaking.
Yvette was stunned, instinctively reaching for the condoms, but Albert grabbed her wrists.
Albert, half-squinting, stared into her eyes, suddenly pulling something from his pocket.
The reflected light caught Yvette's eye, and she looked closely.
It was a necklace.
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