Chapter 446 Classmate's Banquet
Ingrid's sense of entitlement instantly annoyed Yvette.
She was about to snap back when BoBo and CiCi peeked out from behind her.
BoBo spoke up firmly, "Even if you're our aunt, you should ask our mom before taking any pictures!"
"Yeah, Ingrid, are you trying to start a fight with our mom?" CiCi, usually sweet and innocent, frowned in displeasure.
Ingrid realized she had been too impulsive after the kids' reminder. She was here to apologize, not to make things worse with Yvette. To get closer to Clifford, she had to put aside her grievances with Yvette and come to apologize.
Ingrid took a deep breath and forced a smile. "My tone was wrong, Yvette. I'm sorry to you and the kids. Please don't take it to heart."
Yvette was even more puzzled by Ingrid's behavior. "Ingrid, what are you really here for today?"
"I'm really here to apologize!" Ingrid cleared her throat. "I was wrong before. I hope you can be the bigger person and not hold it against me."
"I accept your apology," Yvette said, tilting her head. "Now you can leave."
Ingrid's face changed slightly, and she quickly explained, "Actually, there's one more thing. A friend of mine is having a party and wants to invite you and the kids."
"Why would your friend's party involve me?" Yvette pursed her lips. "I don't need to attend a stranger's party."
"It's not a stranger, not at all!" Ingrid got anxious when Yvette refused. "My friend's kid is a classmate of your kids. They're quite close."
Ingrid glanced at Yvette, BoBo, and CiCi, who remained unmoved. She added, "It's a girl named Niamh. She said she is a friend of your kids!"
BoBo and CiCi exchanged a look of excitement at the mention of Niamh.
Yvette said, "Regardless of who it is, if I'm not familiar with them, I don't plan to take the kids. Ingrid, please leave my house, or I'll call security or the police."
"Yvette!" Ingrid was even more desperate. "It's a place with kids. I won't cause any trouble. It's really just for the kids to play with Niamh. There are lots of fun things at the party..."
Yvette was about to refuse, but when she looked down, BoBo and CiCi were looking at her with hopeful eyes.
Yvette hesitated, and CiCi asked, "Mommy, is Niamh inviting us to play?"
Before Yvette could respond, Ingrid jumped in, "Yes! I told Niamh I'm your aunt, and she said she wanted you to come to the party. It's really fun. You can ask your mom to take you!"
"Mommy," CiCi asked expectantly, "can we go?"
BoBo noticed Yvette's hesitation. "Mommy, if it's not fun or you think we've had enough, we'll be willing to come home."
Yvette's refusal got stuck in her throat. Even BoBo wanted to go, so Niamh must be a good friend.
Ingrid said, "Oh, Yvette, I swear I won't cause any trouble this time. Just let your little ones have some fun."
Yvette's expression softened slightly.
Albert sat in the car, relaxed and comfortable. His face was calm, with a slight smile. His dark eyes, like deep lakes, reflected the scenery outside the window.
In the passenger seat, Vincent was updating him on the hospital situation. "Marcus is already prepping. The progress is way faster than we expected. He's really a pro."
Albert's gaze wandered over the passing scenery outside the window. He nodded calmly. "Keep me posted."
"Will do." Vincent turned off his tablet and looked back at him. "What about Mrs. Valdemar? How do you plan to handle things for her?"
"I've set up a party with Marcus in a couple of days. I'll bring her along." Mentioning Yvette, Albert's eyes softened slightly.
"Mrs. Valdemar should be pleased. Marcus is a big name in the medical field."
Albert smiled slightly but said nothing.
Back home, Albert put down his coat, and a servant immediately took it to hang up. Seeing Yvette coming to greet him, Albert looked around. "Where are the kids?"
Yvette replied, "The kindergarten has a field trip to the fire station today. They'll be home a bit later. I was just about to go pick them up."
Albert checked his watch. "Let the driver pick them up. I need to talk to you."
"Hmm?" Yvette was puzzled. "What is it?"
Albert asked seriously, "How's your studying going?"
"I'm still working hard," Yvette said, her lips tightening slightly with a hint of bitterness. "I've been out of the field for too long, and a lot has changed. The responsibility of a doctor is significant. I can't be careless."
"There's no rush." Albert's words were firm, and Yvette sensed a hint of reassurance.
Albert continued, "We've almost finalized everything. Luken is opening a new hospital."
Yvette was surprised. "A new hospital?"
"Yes, with Marcus leading the project. It's already in preparation. You can work there."
"Marcus?" Yvette was unsure if she heard correctly. "The Marcus I know?"
"Yes." Albert saw Yvette's visible tension and smiled. "Don't worry. Once you're in, you can learn as you go."
Yvette felt conflicted. "Is that really okay?"
"Of course." Albert's eyes held a hint of a smile. "The Valdemar Group is investing in it."
Yvette was momentarily stunned.
Albert added, "I don't understand the medical details. I've arranged a party with Marcus. You can discuss the specifics with him then."
"Oh." Yvette nodded, trying to process Albert's words. "When is it?"
"The day after tomorrow afternoon."
Yvette bit her lip, feeling torn. "Can we change the date? The kids have a classmate's party they really want to attend. If it's not possible, I can have the nanny take them, and I'll go with you."
"A party?" Albert raised an eyebrow. "Whose?"
Without thinking, Yvette replied, "A classmate from kindergarten named Niamh."
"Alright." Albert nodded. "We'll change the date."