Chapter 576 David and Violet's Collaboration
David's House
David sat on the sofa in his stark living room, the air around him thick with tension that seemed almost tangible. His eyes held the depth of midnight, unreadable and distant, while his fingers unconsciously traced the edges of his phone, gripping it like a lifeline.
When Violet's call came through, David answered without preamble. "Where's what I asked for?"
"What's the rush?" Violet's laugh carried a sharp edge. "When are you going to make arrangements for us?"
David's expression darkened with impatience. "Where's what I asked for?"
"Cold as ice," Violet scoffed. "You really are Albert's brother—cut from the same cloth."
The comparison hit David like a match to gasoline, igniting something dangerous in his voice. "I don't have time for small talk. I'll say this once more—get me what I need, and fast."
His tone carried an unmistakable warning that made Violet retreat. "Fine. I've already sent everything to your assistant Efrain. Get it from him."
"Good." David moved to end the call, but Violet's voice stopped him.
"David, let me remind you—we're partners now, not enemies."
David's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Whether we partner up depends entirely on your sincerity."
The implication hung heavy between them: disappoint him, and their alliance would crumble before it began.
Violet swallowed her irritation, softening her approach. "Trust me, I have exactly what you're looking for."
"We'll see," David replied with cold amusement before cutting the line.
The room returned to its oppressive silence. Bare walls stretched around him, broken only by a single window where moonlight filtered through half-drawn curtains, casting pale shadows across the floor.
Everything seemed frozen in time except for David's measured breathing and the weight of his thoughts, deep as an ocean trench.
A knock at the door broke the stillness, followed by Efrain's voice. "Mr. Valdemar."
David's gaze snapped to the entrance. "What is it?"
"Ms. Swift's investigation files have arrived. I've compiled a summary—would you like to review it now?"
David raised an eyebrow. So Violet hadn't been bluffing after all. "Come in." He switched on a nearby lamp, flooding the room with harsh white light.
Efrain entered carrying a thick stack of documents, approaching with the careful deference of someone who understood his employer's volatile moods. "Mr. Valdemar, here are the investigation results you requested."
David accepted the files and began scanning the contents while Efrain waited in respectful silence. The only sounds were rustling pages and David's occasional sharp intake of breath as he absorbed the information.
Suddenly, David's brow furrowed. "Yvette's condition is this severe, and Albert has no idea?"
"That's correct," Efrain confirmed. "Ms. Orlando's situation is quite serious. According to Ms. Swift's data, her symptoms appear to be suppressed by some kind of medication. Since she stopped going to Doyle's clinic and sought treatment elsewhere in secret, it's been nearly impossible to detect."
"Where is she getting treatment?" David's voice was carefully controlled.
Efrain leaned forward, flipping through several pages before pointing to a specific section. "She's been seeing one of her former professors—not for examinations, but for medication based on her previous medical history and current symptoms. The drugs are likely masking her true condition, which explains why Mr. Albert Valdemar hasn't noticed anything wrong."
As he spoke, Efrain watched David's face carefully, trying to gauge his reaction. David appeared calm on the surface, studying the documents with clinical detachment before looking up with an expressionless mask. "Is this everything?"
"Yes, Ms. Swift's files are quite comprehensive, including Ms. Orlando's medical records and prescriptions from when she was held by the Hayes family. However, it seems Ms. Swift is still withholding information—she hasn't revealed everything."
The unspoken questions lingered: How did Violet obtain such detailed records? Why would the Hayes family cooperate with her? There were clearly more layers to this story.
David let out a cold laugh, the harsh light casting sharp shadows across his features and making his expression even more unreadable.
His fingers traced the clinical text as he spoke with deceptive calm. "Understood."
Watching David's aura of loneliness and detachment, Efrain felt a pang of sympathy. He knew the depth of David's feelings for Yvette, had witnessed the kind of devotion that most people only read about in novels. As a man himself, Efrain recognized that David's love was something rare and profound—a once-in-a-lifetime kind of passion.
"Mr. Valdemar," Efrain said gently, "please don't despair. There has to be a solution. Perhaps Ms. Swift wants to partner with you because she knows how to help Ms. Orlando."
David looked up, genuine confusion flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Assuming David was still processing his grief, Efrain continued earnestly, "I'm certain that with your care and support, Ms. Orlando will pull through this. She's lucky to have someone who cares so deeply."
David said nothing, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Efrain gazed at him with profound respect, marveling at such pure, unwavering devotion. Even though Yvette had returned to Albert with her children, David's feelings remained unchanged. If true love existed in this world, surely this was it.
Then, unexpectedly, David chuckled—a sound that carried an unmistakable edge of mockery.
David's eyes met Efrain's with an almost playful glint. "Want to hear a story?"
Caught off guard by the sudden shift, Efrain nodded. "Of course, sir. I'm listening."
"When I was a kid in the countryside, I used to feed a stray cat..."
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