Chapter 545 The Dress CiCi Chose for Yvette
After wrapping up the call, Albert headed back to the living room.
He noticed immediately that Yvette's complexion had improved dramatically. The pallor that had haunted her face earlier was gone, replaced by a healthy flush.
She sat on the sofa reading a picture book to BoBo and CiCi. Both children gazed at her with rapt attention, their eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky. The tender scene melted Albert's typically steely heart.
Hearing movement, BoBo and CiCi looked up simultaneously. "Dad, where are you going?" they asked, noticing his coat.
Following their gaze, Yvette turned to Albert, surprised to see him dressed to leave. "Are you heading out already? Isn't it rather early?"
"It's still early—the gala doesn't start until nine," Albert explained, adjusting his cuffs. "I need to attend a meeting first. I'll come back for you later."
"Alright," Yvette nodded, then asked, "What should I wear tonight?"
"There are several gowns in the dressing room. Feel free to choose one," Albert replied casually.
Yvette hadn't thought much of it, but Vincent, standing nearby, cleared his throat to hide a knowing smile. "Except for the gown you selected last time, sir, everything else has been delivered to the dressing room. All the new seasonal collections have arrived as well—plenty of current styles to choose from."
Yvette froze, suddenly remembering that Albert had arranged her outfit for the previous gala. She had little interest in clothes or handbags and rarely explored the dressing room since returning, only entering to retrieve her own things.
She looked at Albert in surprise, catching his slightly evasive gaze.
Albert turned to Vincent. "Is the paperwork ready? You seem to have time for commentary."
Vincent couldn't suppress his smile. "Everything's prepared, Mr. Valdemar."
Albert shot Vincent a warning glance before turning back to Yvette. "I've asked the stylist to bring over several options. The catalog will be sent to your phone—just choose whatever you like."
"Alright," she replied.
CiCi looked up at Albert, her eyes filled with hope and pleading. "Daddy, next time when I go out with you, can I pick any dress I want too?"
Albert raised an eyebrow. "Of course. But only with Mommy's approval."
"Fine," CiCi pouted. "But Mommy never likes me wearing pretty dresses. Daddy used to buy them for me."
Yvette sighed. "It's not that I don't want you wearing dresses, sweetheart. The ones you choose are impractical and might cause you to trip."
CiCi turned her puppy-dog eyes to Albert. "Daddy..."
Albert felt his resolve weakening at CiCi's adorable expression. His jaw tightened slightly as he made an effort to speak gently. "CiCi, listen to your mother."
CiCi covered her face in exaggerated disappointment.
In the Dressing Room
The stylist had arrived early with several gowns—some she had selected, others chosen by Yvette herself.
Though Yvette was feeling better, she remained weaker than most. Not wanting to exhaust herself, she tried on just a few elegant options, each looking appropriately sophisticated.
Suddenly, the ever-restless CiCi darted into the dressing room, clutching a silver halter gown. "Mommy, I love this dress! Can you try it on for me, please?"
Remembering CiCi's disappointed face earlier, Yvette couldn't bring herself to refuse. She took the dress. "You think it looks nice?"
"You'll look beautiful in it, Mommy!" CiCi beamed with flattery, as if trying to prove her point.
As Yvette changed, she reflected on what had happened earlier. Most of CiCi's extravagant dresses had indeed been purchased by David. He had always been that way—either trying to win the children's affection or demonstrating what a good father he was by granting their every wish.
Albert was different. Whether now, knowing BoBo and CiCi were his children, or before, when he thought they were David's, he consistently supported Yvette's parenting decisions.
It wasn't about pleasing her or putting on an act—he genuinely trusted her approach to raising the children. That trust touched her deeply.
Her thoughts were interrupted by CiCi's impatient voice from outside. "Mommy, are you ready? Can I see now?"
"Yes, yes," Yvette answered, turning to the mirror. She gasped. This was far more revealing than she'd expected!
She stared at her reflection, captivated by the transformation. The silver halter gown shimmered around her like liquid moonlight, clinging to her curves with ethereal grace.
The fabric was light and fluid, accentuating her figure without being restrictive. The silver tone was elegant and regal, casting an almost mystical glow that enhanced her natural allure.
The halter design perfectly highlighted her delicate collarbones and shoulders, striking a balance between sensuality and sophistication.
Yvette turned slightly, watching as the dress moved with her, the skirt catching the light. The most dramatic feature was the open back, where crisscrossing straps revealed glimpses of her smooth skin.
CiCi suddenly pulled back the dressing room curtain, exposing Yvette to both her daughter and the stylist.
"Mommy looks so beautiful!" CiCi exclaimed before running off, shouting, "BoBo! BoBo, come quick! Mommy looks absolutely stunning!"
The stylist's eyes lit up with professional appreciation. "Mrs. Valdemar, this gown is perfect for you!"
Yvette wasn't typically described as sultry, but something about the play of light on the fabric added an irresistible sensuality to her natural elegance.
Feeling self-conscious, she shook her head. "It's too revealing. I'll pass on this one."
"Revealing?" the stylist countered. "The back has those beautiful crisscross straps—it's tasteful! And absolutely gorgeous on you!"
Yvette examined her back in the mirror. The intricate strapping and hints of her slender waist only enhanced the gown's allure.
"I'll wait for BoBo and CiCi to see it, then change," she said softly but firmly.
The stylist sighed with disappointment but took out her phone to snap a photo. At least Albert had requested images of every gown Yvette tried. The picture would preserve the moment.
At The Valdemar Group Conference Room
Albert was conducting a meeting, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his penetrating gaze sweeping over the executive who had just finished reporting.
"I personally discussed this project with their managing director. Why is it still stalled?" His voice deepened with displeasure, causing the executive to visibly tense.
Just then, Albert's phone vibrated. He picked it up and opened the image the stylist had sent him.
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