Chapter 544 Sharing Mommy: Maybe He Needs Her Too
"Why were you holding my mommy's hand?" BoBo's tone carried the unmistakable edge of a child's indignation.
Doyle froze momentarily before breaking into a rueful smile. He rarely saw such childlike expressions on BoBo's face. The boy was trying to appear mature, yet his bottom lip jutted out in an unconscious pout, his face a portrait of hurt and disapproval.
Looking at the boy's expression, Doyle's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Yes, I did hold her hand, didn't I?"
This admission only fueled BoBo's fire. "You're my dad's friend! How could you do that? Why were you holding her hand? I saw you!" His small fists clenched at his sides.
Doyle burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "BoBo, you're exactly like your father!"
"Like him how?" BoBo eyed him suspiciously.
"Equally entertaining!" Doyle caught his breath and explained, "Your mom needed help getting out of bed. I'm a doctor—I was supporting her. Would you rather I'd let her struggle on her own?"
BoBo blinked, seemingly realizing his reaction might have been excessive. "Supporting her?"
"What else? Did you honestly think I'd try to steal my best friend's wife?" Doyle bent down, gently tapping BoBo's cheek with his index finger. "Rest assured, your dad loves your mom so much that no one could ever come between them. Got it?"
This was something BoBo could agree with. He nodded, turning to follow his family, but couldn't resist glancing back. "How are we alike? You said it was entertaining."
"You're both sensitive and possessive," Doyle replied with a grin.
BoBo's face scrunched in partial understanding before CiCi's voice echoed down the hallway. "BoBo, you're so slow! Why haven't you caught up yet?"
"Coming!" BoBo called back, breaking into a run.
Watching the boy dash away, Doyle shook his head with amusement. "It's like Albert has a mini-me. Look at that same stubborn streak."
The soft glow of dusk enveloped them as Albert guided Yvette and their children home. Noting Yvette's improved spirits, a subtle smile played across his features.
"How are you feeling today?" he asked.
Yvette nodded. "Much better. Dr. Cunningham certainly knows what he's doing."
Albert arched an eyebrow. "He's well aware of the consequences if he couldn't help you recover."
Yvette's smile faltered slightly, though she didn't let Albert notice.
Vincent, who had been on the phone behind them, approached Albert with a slight bow. "Mr. Valdemar, your aunt has called several times."
Albert didn't look up. "And?"
"She's asking why you haven't returned her calls," Vincent hesitated. "She insists that you and Mrs. Valdemar attend tonight's gala."
Albert had received his aunt's first invitation call, but his patience with the Valdemar family had worn painfully thin. He had no desire to attend their event or face their hypocritical pleasantries. His reconciliation with Yvette had caused quite the stir among the Valdemars, and any civility from him only encouraged their attempts to persuade him to leave her.
"Tell her I'm not coming, and neither is Yvette," he said firmly.
"Very well." Vincent nodded, turning to relay the message when Albert stopped him.
"Wait. Don't bother telling her anything. Just ignore it."
He felt no attachment to the Valdemar family; his only concern was protecting his mother's and Hayden's portions of the estate. The family's image and honor were matters he neither cared for nor respected.
Yvette looked at him with concern. "Are you declining because of me? Won't this affect your position at the Valdemar Group?"
"It won't," Albert's voice was resolute. "Nothing will impact my standing there."
His importance to the Valdemar Group was beyond question.
Vincent shifted uncomfortably. "Mr. Albert Valdemar, this particular gala will host one of Mr. Hayden Valdemar's former comrades—his closest friend before he passed. Your absence might be... inappropriate."
Vincent stopped himself, noticing Albert's darkening expression. He instantly regretted mentioning this in front of Yvette.
"If I'm the reason, you should go," Yvette said softly. "Would you like me to accompany you?"
"No need," Albert frowned. "Your health isn't strong enough for a full evening event."
"It's fine," Yvette shook her head. "Just arrange a place where I can rest. I'll accompany you to meet your grandfather's comrade, then I can excuse myself."
Albert considered this, his hesitation evident.
CiCi, who had been half-listening while munching on a snack, piped up. "Mommy, if you go to the party with Daddy tonight, will you still come back to tuck us in?"
"We might return quite late," Yvette smiled. "You'll probably be asleep by then."
"We can wait for you!" CiCi declared earnestly. "Ms. Everly said we don't have school tomorrow because it's Saturday, so we can stay up later tonight!"
Albert explained gently, "If it's very late and you're already asleep, we'd have to wake you up."
"That's okay!" CiCi grinned. "Then we can fall back asleep cuddling with Mommy!"
Yvette gave her an indulgent look. "We'll try to come back early."
Albert feigned displeasure as he looked at CiCi. "So you want Mommy to sleep with you two—what about me? Am I supposed to sleep all alone?"
CiCi's face fell, clearly having overlooked this complication. "Oh, right."
She sighed dramatically, turning to consult with BoBo. "BoBo, we can keep each other company, but Daddy would be all by himself. He'd be lonely. Maybe we should let him borrow Mommy sometimes?"
BoBo looked uncomfortable. "Don't you want Mommy to sleep with you?"
"Of course I do!" CiCi pouted. "But we all want company, and doesn't Daddy too?"
Albert and Yvette exchanged glances, both struggling to contain their amusement at the children's innocent discussion.
BoBo considered this, still reluctant. "But we're kids. It's normal for us to need someone."
CiCi blinked, looking from BoBo to Albert. Suddenly, she slapped her thigh in revelation. "Oh! Daddy, BoBo and I need Mommy because we're children. You're so grown up—do you still need someone to sleep with you too?"
Albert's smile froze on his face.
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