Chapter 548 Albert Still Came
In a secluded alcove of the banquet hall, members of the Valdemar family huddled together, their faces etched with worldly cynicism. The atmosphere hung heavy around them, pregnant with the promise of an approaching storm.
Sabrina, her expression darkening with each passing moment, finally broke the tense silence, swirling the wine in her glass.
"Albert has absolutely no respect for the Valdemar family anymore," she spat, her furrowed brow betraying her obvious displeasure.
"Quite right," Mario, Albert's uncle, chimed in, his fingers tracing the cool surface of his glass as if cataloging every slight Albert had ever delivered. "In our day, we showed nothing but deference to our elders. We wouldn't have dared show even a hint of disrespect."
"You're both missing the point," Sabrina scoffed. "Albert has thrown this family into chaos for that woman, and it's all because you've been too permissive! Mario's right—when Father was in charge, none of us would have dared behave this way."
"When Father was in charge?" Bishop's face flushed with anger. "Albert showed Father nothing but contempt—never at his side when needed, staying away from the family for years. And yet Father left him the lion's share of both property and shares! If we're talking about permissiveness, Father—"
"Bishop! How dare you blame Father?" someone interrupted.
"Let's not point fingers at each other," Sabrina cut in, her eyes glinting with frost. "It's all that Yvette's fault! I actually tried to win her over, but she's completely ungrateful!"
Mario's eyes flashed with barely concealed viciousness. "You're all too naive. That woman is hardly innocent—she's clearly after Albert's money and position."
"Her tactics are certainly effective. Faking her death multiple times with her illegitimate children, yet still managing to capture Albert's heart."
"Who knows what underhanded methods she's used!"
The group continued their animated discussion, seemingly intent on venting all their recent frustrations about Albert. Yet they all understood the reality: these accusations would remain behind closed doors—none of them would dare speak this way to Albert or Yvette's face.
"A woman like that needs to be taught a lesson," Mario fumed, nearly slamming his glass onto the floor in frustration.
Sabrina gave him a measured look, her lips curling into a cold smile. "I'd advise you all to keep your hatred and complaints private. Don't actually target his wife."
"He's completely bewitched by that woman! As his elders, it's our duty to maintain the family's integrity," Mario declared, his gaze sharp as a blade. "How can we allow the daughter of a murderer to remain within the Valdemar family?"
"Albert's truly lost his mind. He's always been obsessed with his mother Sarah's death, and when it's revealed that Yvette's father killed Sarah, the matter just... disappears? Doesn't he care? How can he still call her his wife?"
"You haven't seen how he treasures her," Sabrina shook her head. "He threatened me with consequences just for offering her a drink!"
Sabrina's indignation drew a knowing smile from Kurt, Albert's cousin. "Have you all forgotten what happened to those insignificant old-timers who tried to undermine Yvette behind the scenes?" he asked pointedly. "Do you all want to end up like that too?"
Kurt's words cast a pall over the group, each member suddenly subdued, eyes downcast.
They all remembered how several distant Valdemar relatives, emboldened by small "privileges" once granted by Hayden, had kicked Yvette when she was down. They'd all been banished to inhospitable foreign outposts.
Their fate was common knowledge, and everyone feared the same could happen to them. They'd maintained their positions only through their closer connections to Albert, though everyone knew Albert placed little value on family ties.
The group exchanged uneasy glances, their tirade finally exhausted.
Sabrina, clearly annoyed but aware she'd started the conversation, awkwardly changed the subject. "Shouldn't Father's war comrade be arriving soon?"
"Any minute now, I expect."
"Come on then, let's go greet them."
Watching Sabrina storm away, Yvette turned to Albert with concern in her eyes. She opened her mouth, but hesitated, unsure what to say.
Albert looked down at her, noting her unspoken thoughts. "What is it?" he asked softly.
Yvette blinked, choosing her words carefully. "You're still part of the Valdemar family. Making too many enemies won't do you any good."
Under Albert's surprised gaze, she continued, her voice barely above a whisper: "Sometimes I wonder if all our hardships stem from creating too many adversaries."
The surprise in Albert's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a gentle look. "I'm only trying to protect you," he explained quietly.
As his wife, he felt obligated to defend her position within the Valdemar family.
"I know," Yvette replied, her eyes bright with concern. "But Albert, all I want is a safe, peaceful life with you and our children."
Given her current health condition, which could deteriorate at any moment, she didn't know if she'd ever fully recover. The toxins in her body were like a time bomb suspended in midair, ready to explode without warning.
She truly just wanted to live well with her family, treating each minute as if it might be her last.
"Yvette," Albert gazed down at her, his eyes darkening with emotion. "I'm doing this for you."
"And I'm thinking of us and our children," she replied, meeting his gaze steadily, willing him to understand.
Albert remained silent, his eyes fixed on her lips, which gleamed invitingly under the cold overhead lights.
"Are you suggesting I should let them treat you however they please?" he finally asked.
"That's not what I meant, Albert."
Before she could elaborate, Albert straightened, his expression becoming distant. "Enough. Get your purse. We're going home."
Yvette started. "What? Now? Weren't we supposed to meet Grandfather's war comrade?"
"Not anymore."
Seeing Albert turn to leave, Yvette had no choice but to follow.
The car sped through the night, with Yvette clutching her seatbelt nervously. She glanced at Albert, whose sharp profile was intermittently illuminated by the red brake lights of cars ahead, his emotions unreadable.
Upon arriving home, Albert walked silently through the door and instructed Beatrice: "Help Yvette to the bedroom."
Yvette froze, and Beatrice looked confused but didn't dare disobey.
As Beatrice escorted Yvette, she kept glancing at her face, trying to read her expression.
Yvette kept her eyes lowered, her feelings hidden.
Finally, Beatrice couldn't contain her curiosity. "Mrs. Valdemar, what's happened with Mr. Valdemar?"
Yvette pressed her lips together, her eyes betraying a flicker of emotion. "I believe he's angry with me," she admitted quietly.
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