Chapter 516 He Never Stopped Looking for You
Yvette's body went rigid as the darkness enveloped her, making it nearly impossible to discern her surroundings. Her heartbeat thundered in the silence, as if the entire world could hear her terror.
But that gentle whisper, accompanied by the familiar medicinal scent she recognized, instantly calmed her frayed nerves. Her eyes stung with unshed tears as Clifford's low, soothing voice reached her ears. "Don't be afraid. I'll find a way to get you out of here."
Yvette turned, making out Clifford's silhouette in the darkness. He had grown gaunt and frail, a shadow of his former self. Guilt crashed over her—if not for her, Clifford would never have deteriorated like this. Even now, in his weakened state, he was risking everything to help her escape.
Despite all the unforgivable things Felix and Gabrielle had done to her, she owed her very life to Clifford.
She looked at him with profound gratitude. "Thank you."
In the darkness, she heard Clifford's soft chuckle. "You're always so formal. But I'm glad you're accepting my help."
Yvette's eyes burned with threatening tears as she thought of everything they'd endured. "I'm sorry, Mr. Hayes."
"There you go being formal again." Clifford sounded almost frantic, his words catching as he fought back a cough that could expose their hiding place.
He pressed his hand to his chest, his face flushing red with the effort of staying silent. He couldn't let his weakness ruin this escape—the guilt would destroy him.
Finally managing to suppress the coughing fit, he whispered hoarsely, "If you keep apologizing like that, I might actually cough myself to death."
Yvette frowned, lowering her voice further. "How have you been feeling lately? Are the medications helping?"
At the mention of medication, Clifford froze, unsure how to respond. He didn't know if Yvette understood what his parents had done to her, or if learning the truth would shatter her completely. He could handle her hatred, could live with her never speaking to him again—but he feared the brutal reality might break her spirit entirely.
He wanted to be honest, yet dreaded causing her more pain. Clifford's gaze flickered between Yvette and the shadows, as if searching for an escape route. His lips trembled, but the words wouldn't come.
Finally, he drew a shuddering breath, steeling himself. "Ms. Orlando, if there's any way to make amends, I should be the one taking those tests in the future—"
"I asked if the medication is working," Yvette interrupted. "If it is, then the drugs I've been testing should have some benefit too, right?"
Clifford stared at her in shock. "You know?"
"Yes. It's hard to accept, but it's already happened." Yvette's voice quavered slightly. "I hate them for forcing me to test drugs for you, for secretly terminating my pregnancy. But I also understand that your radiation poisoning is because of me."
"That was my choice—I can't blame anyone for it, and it certainly doesn't justify using you as a test subject!" Clifford's voice turned fierce. "I need to formally apologize to you. Whatever the cost, I will make this right!"
His laugh was bitter. "I thought I had saved you, that when you remembered me, you'd think of Clifford as a good man. But my parents..." His voice faded to nothing.
The weight of the topic settled between them like a stone, leaving them both speechless.
After a long moment, Yvette slowly raised her head, meeting his eyes in the darkness. Her gaze held a complex mix of emotions. "Thank you for not hiding the truth from me. Since you're willing to tell me and help me escape, it shows this isn't what you wanted. Your parents are your parents—you are you."
In the darkness, Yvette's gentle whisper carried a warmth that melted something inside Clifford. He had never been one to run from responsibility, and if he was committed to saving Yvette, he would spare no effort. He would get her off this island, no matter what it took.
"I've already spread word around the island. Soon, decoys will leave disguised as us—they'll definitely follow." Clifford's tone was reassuring. "We may need to stay in this dark room a while longer until I get confirmation. Then we can make our move."
"All right." Yvette nodded. "I trust you completely. I'll do exactly as you say."
"Good."
Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed outside, shattering the room's tranquility. The sound grew closer, seemingly heading straight for their hiding place. The unexpected development made Yvette's entire body tense.
Clifford recognized the danger immediately, his brow furrowing as he listened intently while placing a gentle, reassuring hand on her shoulder. The gesture wasn't intimate, but it gave Yvette a sense of security she desperately needed.
The footsteps approached and seemed to pause right outside their door. Yvette's heart raced, her breathing becoming shallow and rapid. Clifford drew her closer, signaling for absolute silence.
They sat motionless in the darkness, straining to hear every sound. The footsteps lingered at their door before gradually fading away. Only when silence returned did Yvette exhale in relief, her body finally relaxing.
In the darkness, Clifford whispered, "Still frightened?"
Yvette neither nodded nor shook her head, simply saying, "Thank you. I feel better now."
She lowered her gaze, unable to hide her inner turmoil. While she trusted Clifford, this escape attempt had already encountered too many obstacles, leaving her confidence shaken.
After a long pause, her voice carried a note of desperation. "Mr. Hayes, will I really be able to go home this time?"
"I promise." Clifford spoke each word deliberately. "I will personally escort you back to the Valdemar Mansion, back to your husband and BoBo and CiCi. Please trust me—and trust Mr. Valdemar."
Yvette started. "Trust Mr. Valdemar? What do you mean?"
"I've met with him." Clifford's throat tightened as he searched for the right words. "He's been searching for you this entire time."
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