Chapter 552 Yvette is Hayden's Recognized Granddaughter-in-law
Albert had been working late for several days, arriving home only after Yvette had fallen asleep and leaving before she woke. Given everything that had happened recently, Yvette couldn't help but feel concerned.
That night, after tucking BoBo and CiCi into bed, fatigue washed over her. Too tired to return to their bedroom, she settled in beside the children, finding comfort in their soft, rhythmic breathing as she drifted off.
The room grew quiet as night deepened, with only the gentle sounds of the children's breathing and occasional rustling as they shifted in their sleep.
Sometime later, Yvette felt herself being lifted by gentle yet strong arms. Her eyes fluttered open to see a man's silhouette in the darkness. Her body tensed momentarily before relaxing—it was Albert.
He carried her with careful precision, his steps measured and steady as he made his way to their bedroom. Yvette breathed in his familiar scent and felt the warmth of his body against hers, finding security in his embrace. She closed her eyes, allowing him to place her gently on their bed.
"Why didn't you come to bed tonight?" Albert's soft chuckle reached her ears.
"Too tired," Yvette mumbled, her drowsy glare softened by sleep. Her voice carried a languid quality, like a cat stretching in contentment or morning sunlight warming a windowsill—effortlessly alluring in a way that darkened Albert's gaze.
He stared at her intently, his eyes smoldering as he tenderly stroked her hair. Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Yvette pushed his face away, turning her back to him and pretending to sleep while her heart continued its restless rhythm.
Albert's warm, muscular body enveloped her from behind, cradling her slender frame against his chest. "Going to sleep just like that? I finally managed to come home early, and you don't want to..." His voice lowered, tinged with subtle suggestion.
"I don't!" Yvette buried her face in the crook of his arm. "I'm going to sleep."
"I meant, don't you want to talk about anything with me?" he clarified.
"About what?" Yvette asked, momentarily confused.
"What did you think I was asking?" he teased.
Yvette blinked. "Nothing. I'm just too tired for anything right now."
As she spoke, she suddenly remembered that tomorrow was the anniversary of Hayden's death.
"Fine," Albert conceded, releasing her. "Get some sleep then."
She heard rustling as he turned away from her. After a brief internal struggle, Yvette turned back toward him and gently tapped his shoulder twice.
"Grandma called me a few days ago," she began.
"And?" Albert prompted her to continue.
"She said tomorrow is the anniversary of Grandfather's death and wants you to attend." Yvette bit her lip. "Will you go?"
"No," Albert replied firmly.
Yvette nodded and murmured her acknowledgment, saying nothing more. She felt Albert's body stiffen slightly, perhaps surprised by her lack of persuasion.
Another wave of fatigue washed over her. Yvette nuzzled her cheek against the pillow and drifted back to sleep.
Early the next morning, Yvette called Cheryl back.
"Grandma, I asked him, but he still refuses to come," Yvette said, pressing her lips together. "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help."
A soft sigh came from the other end of the line. "The fact that you tried means a lot to me," Cheryl replied. "If he won't come, there's nothing anyone can do about it."
"Yvette," Cheryl called her name. "Even if Albert won't come, please join us. Hayden in heaven would be delighted to know you've returned."
Yvette opened her mouth to decline, but Cheryl continued, "I also need to apologize to you properly. I'll send someone to pick you up shortly."
With Cheryl being so insistent, Yvette could only agree. "Alright, Grandma."
Yvette sat quietly in the car, watching the scenery blur past as they drove to the cemetery. When they arrived, she noticed members of the Valdemar family eyeing her with mixed expressions, whispering and pointing as Cheryl's personal driver escorted her in.
Despite being accustomed to such treatment, Yvette still felt uncomfortable. She composed herself and followed the driver inside.
From a distance, she spotted Cheryl standing before Hayden's headstone, her hand gently caressing the cold marble.
Though Cheryl's expression remained composed, showing little outward grief, Yvette could sense the profound sadness surrounding her.
Hayden and Cheryl had shared a lifetime of love. Even as formidable as Cheryl was—managing the vast Valdemar family affairs while raising their many children—Yvette couldn't help but admire her. Yet at her age, despite having the Valdemar Group as support and so many children around her, nothing could fill the void left by her husband's absence.
Moved by this realization, Yvette approached quietly, standing behind Cheryl without disturbing her moment of reflection.
Sensing Yvette's presence, Cheryl turned around, her still-bright eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You came, Yvette?" Gratitude shone in her eyes as she took Yvette's hand. "I'm glad you're here."
Yvette squeezed Cheryl's hand, silently offering strength. "I promised you I would come."
Cheryl glanced behind Yvette, subtly masking her disappointment, but Yvette caught it clearly. Cheryl had still hoped Albert would appear. Yvette suddenly regretted not trying harder to convince him the night before.
Just then, Mario approached. Dressed entirely in black, his solemn attire contrasted with the contempt in his expression.
"Mother, why bring just anyone here? Aren't you afraid Father will be upset in heaven?" His words were sharp, emboldened perhaps by Albert's absence.
Yvette remained silent, but Cheryl bristled with anger. "Mario, either leave or shut your mouth. This is my grandson's wife, and you have no right to criticize."
Clearly surprised by Cheryl's vehement reaction, Mario's face darkened. "Mother, do you even know who her father is? I'm just trying to spare you and Father's memory from—"
Cheryl held Yvette's hand firmly in hers. Yvette could feel the protective intent radiating from the older woman.
With a commanding voice that embodied the full authority of the Valdemar family matriarch, Cheryl declared, "Yvette is the daughter-in-law Hayden himself accepted. If he were still here, it's your mistreatment of her that would truly upset him."
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