Chapter 550 Reconcile with Chery l
A brief silence hung over the phone line.
Only the soft hum of static filled Yvette's ear as she pressed her lips together, giving Cheryl time to process what she'd just learned.
After what felt like an eternity, Cheryl's voice returned. "Yvette, I was wrong," she said, her voice trembling, sounding older than usual.
Yvette felt a sting behind her eyes, unsure if it was for the injustice she'd suffered or for this long-awaited vindication.
"Grandmother, I understand it must be difficult to comprehend why I kept the truth hidden for so long," she took a deep breath. "I didn't tell you because Albert wouldn't have believed me. If I'd told anyone else, he would have thought I was using his family to manipulate him. I couldn't bear the thought of him hating me, much less resenting the children because of it."
"And now? Does Albert believe you?" Cheryl asked.
"He trusts me, which is why I can finally speak the truth," Yvette said softly. "I hope you can trust me too, and understand what I've been through."
"Yvette," remorse colored Cheryl's voice, "I misjudged you. You've always been a good person. I don't expect forgiveness, but please, don't hate me."
Yvette lowered her eyes, suppressing the emotion welling up inside her. "I've never hated you."
"Thank you for saying that," Cheryl sighed, seemingly on the verge of saying something more, but holding back.
Sensing Cheryl's hesitation, Yvette gently prompted, "Was there something specific you wanted to discuss with me today?"
"Yes. I heard about what happened at the party," Cheryl paused before continuing. "Albert's aunt was completely out of line, and I apologize on her behalf. When she returns, I'll have a word with her and the others."
Yvette knew Cheryl wouldn't have called without reason, but she also knew that Cheryl's admonishments would have little effect. The Valdemar Family was powerful and wealthy; they wouldn't easily accept a woman from an ordinary background, especially with the complicated history between their generations. Yet with her fragile health, all Yvette wanted was a peaceful life with Albert and their children. She had no interest in fighting family battles.
"All right," Yvette responded simply.
"You're a good person, Yvette. The Valdemar Family situation is... complicated. I'm grateful that your love for Albert has made you so accepting of everything," Cheryl said.
"Grandmother, as long as you and Albert understand my loyalty has never wavered, that's all that matters."
Cheryl's voice brightened with relief. "Everyone knows how considerate you are. Actually, Yvette, there's something else I wanted to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"After what happened at the party, I fear Albert will distance himself from the family even more. Next month marks the first anniversary of Hayden's passing. I'd like his favorite grandson and his wife to attend the memorial. But you know Albert's temperament..."
"You want me to convince him to come?" Yvette asked.
"Yes. Would that put you in a difficult position?"
Yvette hesitated, unwilling to make a hasty promise. "Let me think about it, and I'll get back to you."
"That's fine. I won't pressure you. I just hope he'll come."
"I understand."
After hanging up, Yvette fell into deep thought.
Last night, Albert had drunk himself to sleep on the sofa. He'd left for the office this morning without a word to her.
He was clearly upset with her. They'd already clashed over the party incident, and now she was supposed to convince him to attend Hayden's memorial? She couldn't imagine how he'd react.
Yet Cheryl had a point. As Hayden's favorite grandson and the one entrusted with the Valdemar Group, how could Albert not pay his respects at the first anniversary of his grandfather's death?
Yvette found herself caught in a dilemma.
Yvette waited up for Albert until late.
Even after she'd tucked the children into bed, he still hadn't returned. Her anxiety deepened, but she didn't dare call him, fearing it would only worsen the tension between them.
Her body, still weak, couldn't withstand staying up too late. She curled up against the headboard and eventually drifted off.
Around midnight, a faint rustling sound from outside roused her from her light sleep.
Checking the time, she saw it was past twelve. Had Albert finally returned?
Yvette opened her phone to find a picture Beatrice had sent an hour ago—Albert standing by the liquor cabinet, reaching for a bottle of whiskey.
He was drinking again? Yvette was certain now that he was truly angry with her.
An hour had passed since the photo, yet he still hadn't come to bed. Had he passed out on the sofa or floor? Even with the warmth of the house, he could catch a chill sleeping out there drunk.
They seemed to have reached that familiar impasse where communication failed them.
Rubbing her eyes, Yvette sat up and strained to hear any sounds from outside, but there was nothing.
Could he really have drunk himself to sleep?
The thought became unbearable. Finally, she rose and made her way toward the living room.
As she reached the doorway, the scent of alcohol greeted her. Stepping cautiously into the living room, she found herself looking directly into a pair of intense, dark eyes.
Albert was slouched on the sofa, a tumbler of whiskey in his left hand. The amber liquid caught the light as ice cubes clinked softly against the glass. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and the top buttons of his white shirt were undone, revealing taut muscle and the expanse of his collarbone.
Hearing her approach, he looked up through the dim light, his posture languid but his gaze predatory.
Yvette froze where she stood, caught in his piercing stare.
"It's late. Why aren't you in bed?" she asked awkwardly, then added, "You didn't come to bed last night either. Are you planning to sleep out here again?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them—they carried the resentful tone of a neglected wife.
Albert's eyes remained fixed on Yvette, taking in her white nightgown that clung softly to her body, the long, slender legs partially visible beneath the hem—alluring in their subtle revelation.
His penetrating gaze seemed to see right through her.
Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Yvette unconsciously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
The gesture darkened Albert's eyes instantly. "Yvette."
"Yes?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
