Chapter 507 Is It True You're Lifting the Ban on Me?
In the spacious, sterile office, Vincent stood before the imposing mahogany desk, his expression focused and grave as he gave Albert a respectful nod.
"Mr. Valdemar, the meeting begins in fifteen minutes."
Albert lifted his head from the computer screen, rubbing his temples in a futile attempt to ease the tension that had settled there like a persistent ache. His brow furrowed with irritation and fatigue as he drew a deep breath, his long fingers drumming a rhythmic pattern against the desktop.
"Fine," he replied curtly.
Vincent noticed Albert's distracted state and glanced at the computer screen, realizing his boss wasn't working at all—instead, he was researching pharmaceutical compounds once developed by the Swift Group. The pieces fell into place immediately.
"Sir, if you're not feeling well, I could postpone today's meeting," Vincent offered with genuine concern.
Albert considered this for a moment, then met Vincent's gaze with renewed determination. This meeting concerned the Valdemar Group's surgical hospital project—too crucial for both his future and the company's expansion to be delayed.
"No," Albert said with a slight shake of his head. "We proceed as scheduled."
Though worry flickered in Vincent's eyes, he nodded professionally. "Of course. Please let me know if you need anything."
Albert leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, steadying his breathing as he prepared to face the upcoming challenges. Vincent watched him with quiet concern before slipping out of the office.
In the conference room, Vincent made final preparations, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he meticulously reviewed every detail on the screen. Soft conversation drifted in from the hallway as two men entered, their faces bright with knowing smiles.
"The recent changes at the Valdemar Group have been quite fascinating," one remarked. "I thought this Mr. Valdemar was just playing the devoted husband for show, but it appears to be genuine."
"Indeed," his companion agreed with a chuckle. "Who would have expected such devotion from the Valdemar dynasty? That kind of dedication can't be faked—working grueling hours by day, conducting investigations by night. I'm amazed his body can withstand the strain."
"He's pushing himself to the limit, that's certain. The exhaustion shows, despite his efforts to hide it."
The men fell silent when they noticed Vincent at his workstation. He maintained his professional composure, appearing oblivious to their conversation while continuing his preparations. Internally, however, their words resonated deeply. If outsiders could see what Vincent witnessed daily as Albert's assistant, the truth was undeniable—Albert's love for Yvette had transformed from abstract emotion into something tangible and consuming.
Vincent silently renewed his commitment to help Albert find her.
As the meeting concluded and participants gathered their materials, Albert rose to leave but noticed Vincent's hesitant expression—the look of someone wrestling with important news.
Albert's jaw tightened as he strode toward his office, Vincent following closely behind. Once inside, Albert turned with characteristic directness.
"Speak."
Vincent hesitated briefly before saying, "There was a call while you were in the meeting."
Albert's frown deepened as he read the anxiety and uncertainty in his assistant's demeanor. This wasn't routine business.
"Who?" Albert's voice carried an edge of warning.
"Ms. Swift."
Vincent paused, studying Albert's reaction carefully. Violet's audacity in calling had surprised him, but he hadn't dared make the decision alone.
"If you prefer not to take it, I'll decline on your behalf," Vincent added quickly.
Albert's expression hardened like winter stone. "Put her through."
Vincent swallowed hard and retreated from the office. Albert sank heavily into his chair, massaging his temples before answering the phone.
Violet's trembling voice emerged from the speaker. "Albert..."
Albert's jaw clenched as he fought to contain his disgust. He remained silent, letting her fill the void with her self-serving lamentations.
"Albert, how can you be so heartless? After everything we shared, have you truly forgotten it all? Do you know what I've endured lately..."
Her voice cracked with manufactured emotion. "I'm living like a hunted animal, hiding in shadows while everyone despises me. When people recognize me from that video, they humiliate and abuse me..."
"I'm a woman, Albert. That kind of footage destroys us completely, leaving scars that never heal." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I'm truly terrified."
Albert's laugh was sharp and merciless, his voice dripping with contempt. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? How dare you call me?"
After a long pause, Violet's voice returned, smaller and more pitiful. "I'm not... I just want to survive."
"You think you have any dignity left to survive with?" Albert's words cut like glass.
Instead of answering, Violet continued her rehearsed sob story. "I've suffered unimaginable torment—beaten, humiliated, forced into that degrading video. I may have no dignity left, but that's their fault, not mine!"
"As if your sins aren't numerous enough," Albert snarled. "You've orchestrated your own downfall."
The thought of Yvette's current suffering—all traceable to Violet's machinations—made Albert's hands itch to wrap around her throat.
Silence stretched between them before Violet spoke again, her tone shifting to calculated coldness, emotions suddenly reined in with startling control.
"Albert, is it true you're lifting the ban on me?"
Albert's expression turned glacial, his eyes darkening to obsidian as a storm of pure malice gathered in their depths. His voice, when it came, was razor-sharp.
"That's only because your life or death means nothing to me. Whether I crush an insect depends entirely on my mood."
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