Chapter 547 Support
Albert glanced at his watch as the meeting finally concluded, running later than expected. He dialed Vincent's number.
"Have you arrived?" he asked, his voice calm but expectant.
Vincent, who had already departed for the Valdemar Mansion before the meeting ended, responded promptly, "Mr. Valdemar, I've picked up Mrs. Valdemar as requested."
"Good. We'll take separate routes. See you at the venue."
"Understood."
As Vincent helped Yvette into the car and was about to close her door, Albert's voice came through the still-connected line. "Wait," he said, his tone deepening slightly.
"Yes, Mr. Valdemar?"
Albert's voice remained neutral, betraying no emotion. "Is she upset?"
Vincent paused, looking up at Yvette who was adjusting her evening gown with a composed expression. Sensing his gaze, she turned and offered him a polite smile, though her eyes held a hint of puzzlement.
Vincent closed the door and reported back, "No, Mrs. Valdemar seems to be in good spirits."
"Good." Albert ended the call without further inquiry.
Vincent pocketed his phone and settled into the front passenger seat, unable to suppress the smile tugging at his lips. "Mrs. Valdemar," he ventured, "are you disappointed that Mr. Valdemar didn't come to escort you personally?"
Vincent figured Yvette's good nature would allow such a question in Albert's absence.
Yvette gave him a surprised look. "Why would I be disappointed?"
"It's Mr. Valdemar," Vincent chuckled softly. "He was concerned you might be upset that he didn't come himself."
Yvette smiled. "I'm not so easily bothered."
"Indeed, you have a wonderful temperament," Vincent replied, emboldened enough to add, "It's Mr. Valdemar who cares deeply about your feelings, though he's reluctant to let you know."
Yvette pressed her lips together thoughtfully before responding, "Thank you for telling me. Now I know."
Albert strode into the venue with purposeful steps, having arrived later than Yvette. Ignoring those approaching with drinks, he scanned the room, searching for her familiar figure.
His gaze was quickly drawn to Yvette standing amidst the crowd, radiant as a rare bloom in full flower. Though her pale apricot gown wasn't a color that typically commanded attention, on her it possessed a distinctive charm.
The dress was elegantly simple, its skirt swaying gently—lightweight yet regal. On Yvette, it struck a perfect balance between classical beauty and modern simplicity. The understated color enhanced her complexion, making her skin appear even more delicate and smooth.
While not as provocative as a silver halter gown might have been, this dress added a subtle grace to her presence. Albert's eyes traveled to her feet, where she wore matching flat shoes adorned with small, exquisite pearls that sparkled like distant stars.
"Yvette," Albert said, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
She turned at the sound of his voice, meeting his gaze.
Albert walked toward her with confident strides, as if he commanded the very space around him. His features were sharply defined, his presence impossible to ignore.
'He's here,' Yvette thought, her heart quickening imperceptibly.
Albert wore his impeccably tailored black suit paired with a meticulously pressed gray tie with subtle patterns. The tie complemented his suit perfectly, his entire ensemble both understated and elegant.
But Yvette's gaze fixed on Albert's tie, unable to look away. "That tie..." she said, her eyes widening in surprise.
Albert raised an eyebrow, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Your gift to me."
Yvette blinked in confusion. "But I returned it, didn't I?"
Albert's expression shifted to one of realization, his eyes dancing with amusement. "So it was indeed meant for me."
Yvette caught on quickly and looked up at him. "Then you already knew I had bought this tie for you?"
Albert had expected Yvette to be embarrassed at being found out, but instead, she turned the tables on him.
She tilted her chin up slightly. "Did you ever wonder why I never gave it to you?"
A flicker of discomfort crossed Albert's face. After a moment's consideration, he admitted, "I thought you might have intended it for David. He wore this exact tie during an interview, mentioning it was a gift from his wife and children."
'So many misunderstandings between us,' Yvette reflected silently, her lips curving into a smile. "Well, at least you saw the tie and knew it was meant for you."
"And bought it to wear it," Albert added.
Yvette nodded, feeling a surge of happiness. She opened her mouth to speak when a woman's voice called out from nearby.
"Albert, Yvette!"
They both turned to see Sabrina, Albert's aunt, approaching with a warm smile and two glasses of wine.
"Yvette, dear! I'm Albert's aunt—we haven't seen each other in ages. Seeing you safe and sound is such a relief to us all. Come, we must toast to celebrate your return," Sabrina exclaimed enthusiastically, pressing a glass into Yvette's hand before she could respond.
Sabrina guided Yvette's hand to clink glasses with her own, then promptly drained her glass.
Yvette found herself in an awkward position. Sabrina was her elder, they had already clinked glasses, and Sabrina had finished her drink. By all social conventions, Yvette should drink as well.
But her health condition made alcohol inadvisable.
As Yvette hesitated, a large hand suddenly took the glass from her. She turned to see Albert draining her wine in one swift motion.
His angular face tensed, his piercing gaze fixed on Sabrina's glass. "Aunt Sabrina," he said, his tone revealing his displeasure, "Yvette is still recovering and shouldn't be drinking alcohol."
Sabrina's smile faltered. "I just wanted to properly celebrate Yvette's return. Albert, dear, your attendance tonight suggests you still care about your responsibilities to the Valdemar Family."
Albert scoffed, contempt evident in his eyes as he cut her off. "I'm here for Grandfather, not for the Valdemar Family."
Sabrina took a deep breath. "Albert, I came to extend an olive branch to you and Yvette."
"An olive branch? Is this how you do it?" Albert set the empty glass down on the table with a sharp clink, his movements decisive.
Done with pretenses, he coldly stated, "Tell everyone in the Valdemar Family that anyone who dares harm her will answer to me personally."
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