Chapter 523 Albert Arrives Too Late This Time
The light cast a shadow across the man's face, rendering his features obscure and mysterious.
Noticing Yvette's gaze, he approached with measured, deliberate steps. His presence brought her a peculiar sense of security—he was the man she had been longing for.
Yvette's heart raced as her body tensed. It had been too long since she'd seen Albert. In this moment, her heart swelled with the exhilaration of someone who had survived a catastrophe.
Despite her exhaustion and weakness, she summoned all her strength to sit up, her eyes fixed intently on the man standing in the doorway, ready to welcome him.
"Albert," she began, but the word caught in her throat as her smile froze. In an instant, she realized the man before her wasn't Albert at all—it was David!
Her expression shifted from excitement to shock, her eyes filling with disappointment and disbelief. The anticipation that had filled her heart moments ago turned cold. 'Why David? Why him?' she thought.
"Yvette," David called softly.
Though his voice was gentle, it sent a chill down her spine. Yvette bit her lip, realizing her illness must have affected her perception. She had always been able to distinguish between Albert and David at a glance, yet somehow she'd been mistaken.
Breathing shallowly, she feigned composure and turned away. "Why is it you?" The coldness and wariness in her voice was unmistakable.
David, seemingly having anticipated this reaction, sat unfazed at the edge of her bed. His eyes revealed concern and worry. "Are you alright? When I heard you were missing, I came looking for you."
He maintained his gentle, sincere demeanor, but when Yvette met his gaze, she saw the tumultuous emotions lurking beneath the surface.
"Don't be so tense, Yvette." David suddenly rose from the chair and moved closer to the bed. Leaning with one hand on the mattress, he reached for her clenched fist. "You'll dislodge the IV if you keep gripping like that."
His fingers were cool, as if carrying the biting chill from outside, making Yvette shudder. She instinctively withdrew her hand. "Don't touch me."
David's hand froze awkwardly in mid-air. He gave a self-deprecating smile that never reached his eyes, staring at her with a gaze clouded by dark thoughts.
"Fine, I won't touch you," he said softly. "I'll have someone help you home."
Yvette eyed him warily. "Home? Where exactly?"
"To our home, of course. Back to our family of four." David's eyes grew distant as he lowered his gaze. "We can continue our happy life together. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"No, it wouldn't!" Yvette met his intimidating stare with determination. "A family of four is me, the children, and Albert. It's always been him I've loved. The children are his. I belong with them!"
David's composed expression crumbled at her words, anger flashing in his eyes. His fists clenched until his knuckles turned white, his body trembling slightly as he fought to control his emotions.
Taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, David spoke through what seemed like an invisible vice gripping his heart. "Yvette, do you realize your father's situation has already upset all the Valdemar Group shareholders? Right now, everyone thinks you're dead, which is why they aren't causing trouble. The moment you return, Albert will become just another person with the Valdemar name, stripped of all power."
Yvette remained unmoved. "I never loved him for his power anyway."
David's eyes filled with resentment. "Why couldn't it be me?"
"David," Yvette lowered her voice, avoiding his question. "Will you let me go back to Albert? Please?"
Fighting to contain his emotions, David's voice betrayed his bitterness. "I used to think if I stayed by your side long enough, you'd eventually see my worth. But even now, when I'm better equipped to protect you and the children, your heart still has no place for me—it's all him."
"Do you know how cruel you've been to me, Yvette?" A predatory gleam flashed in David's eyes, as if he might lunge forward and tear at her vulnerable throat. "I would sacrifice everything for you. What about you?"
His cold laugh, though quiet, sent chills down Yvette's spine.
Swallowing hard, she suppressed her fear and feigned calmness. "Love isn't about companionship or protection. Love is simply love. Don't you understand that?"
"Of course I understand! How could I not?" David's pain and anger peaked as he leaned forward. "This is the last chance I'm giving you. Since you refuse, there's nothing left to discuss."
Suddenly composed, he looked at her dispassionately. "Yvette, I asked for your opinion as a courtesy. But your opinion won't stop me from doing what I intend to do."
He stood up slowly and made a call. "Have Yvette brought home."
Terror flashed across her face. "Where are you taking me?"
"Home," David replied curtly.
Yvette shook her head frantically. "I won't go with you!" She reached to remove the IV from the back of her hand, desperate to escape this dangerous situation.
She felt that even being with Felix and Gabrielle would be safer than staying with David. At least they needed her as leverage to negotiate with Albert.
Before her fingers could reach the IV, a strong hand seized her wrist. His hand was pale, with prominent veins and knuckles.
Yvette trembled uncontrollably. "How did you know I was here? Is the Hayes family trading me to you? What did you promise them?"
"Nothing of the sort." David's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Albert was trying to save you." He let out a derisive laugh. "This time, he's the one who was too late."
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