Chapter 594 Yvette's Importance
The conference room was thick with tension. Every face around the table bore the unmistakable weight of anxiety and concern as all eyes fixed on Albert.
Under their collective scrutiny, Albert remained perfectly composed. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, a hint of defiance playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Mr. Valdemar, your early return and absence from the conference has caused significant disruption to the company," one executive finally broke the silence, his tone edged with disapproval. "This project was your initiative, with substantial resources invested. Now you're treating it as if it's completely inconsequential!"
Like a stone breaking still water, one voice quickly triggered others.
"Indeed, Mr. Valdemar. We respect your choices, but this feels like you're making a mockery of the situation. This is a company project, not your personal playground," another added sharply.
"Mr. Valdemar, both Eldoria Branch and the medical forum have expressed considerable dissatisfaction with your absence. Once trust is damaged, it's extremely difficult to rebuild," a third voice chimed in.
Albert's expression remained impassive as his gaze swept across everyone present. The murmurs and whispered complaints immediately died down.
"If I didn't understand the importance of this meeting," he said coolly, "I wouldn't have postponed other commitments and invested significant time in Eldoria to handle this matter."
"If you understood its importance, you wouldn't have entrusted such a crucial meeting to someone as junior as Vincent," someone countered.
Albert's demeanor shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing as he identified the speaker.
"Vincent's capabilities are evident to everyone," he said, his voice dropping dangerously. "Don't redirect your frustration with me onto him."
The executives exchanged glances, recognizing the rare instance of Albert defending someone—a clear indication of Vincent's standing with him.
"Your actions undermine company protocol, Mr. Valdemar. Other employees will question your authority. This doesn't bode well for your future leadership of the company," another brave soul ventured.
Several colleagues shot the speaker incredulous looks—of all criticisms to level at Albert, questioning his leadership ability was perhaps the most absurd.
Despite his relative youth, Albert possessed an unmistakable gravitas and competence that commanded respect throughout the organization. Even those who disagreed with him ultimately yielded to his authority.
Albert straightened slightly in his chair, his face a perfect mask of control. "I'll say this once. I returned home because my wife fell ill. This entire project was initiated for her benefit. If anything happened to her, this project would mean nothing to me."
A heavy silence fell as everyone exchanged knowing glances. It was common knowledge what Yvette meant to Albert—he had repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice the Valdemar Group itself for her sake.
Seeing that his point had landed, Albert continued, "I arranged for Vincent to attend in my place, and I've been remotely monitoring the proceedings throughout. As for Eldoria Branch and the forum expressing dissatisfaction..." His lips curved into a cold smile. "Who else but the Valdemar Group—who else but me—could secure this project?"
That single statement rendered the entire room speechless.
Despite the Valdemar Group's exclusive capability to complete the project, Albert couldn't ignore the professional courtesy he'd breached by missing the meeting. There was damage control to be done.
When Vincent called, Albert answered immediately. "You're back?"
"Yes," Vincent confirmed, airport announcements audible in the background. "As instructed, I've screened the key attendees and arranged meetings for this evening. Should we use the usual venue?"
"Well done," Albert glanced at his watch. "It's still early. Get some rest first, then meet me directly at the venue tonight."
"Thank you for your consideration, Mr. Valdemar."
"No, thank you," Albert replied, his tone sincere.
Vincent stopped in his tracks, surprised. In all his years working for Albert, he'd rarely heard expressions of gratitude from his employer.
Vincent had always considered his service to Albert as simply fulfilling his professional obligations, earning the trust and substantial compensation he received.
Yet hearing Albert's thanks genuinely moved him.
"Just doing my job," he replied with a smile.
"That's all for now," Albert was about to end the call when Vincent asked, "How is Mrs. Valdemar doing?"
"She was already much better when I returned," Albert answered. "She said she hadn't slept well and was just exhausted."
"That's a relief," Vincent couldn't help adding, "It's fortunate you went back."
Albert raised an eyebrow. "Fortunate?"
"Yes, Mrs. Valdemar must have been pleased to see you returned for her."
Albert's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Indeed."
In the private dining room, Albert rose to his feet, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. Around him sat equally well-dressed men, all key figures from the Eldoria conference.
Raising his glass, he addressed the room with a penetrating gaze.
"Gentlemen, I owe you an apology," he said, his deep, magnetic voice filling the space without being raised.
His expression conveyed regret, but with an underlying firmness that was unmistakable.
The attendees exchanged glances, but no one dared interrupt.
"I sincerely apologize for missing the conference," Albert continued. "My wife suddenly fell ill. I understand my absence caused inconvenience, and for that, I am truly sorry."
Though Vincent had already explained the circumstances, Albert deliberately reiterated his reasons.
Everyone present was aware of Albert's legendary pride, and the shrewd businessmen understood that this apology wasn't for himself or the Valdemar Group—it was for Yvette.
If word spread that he had abandoned such an important project and so many stakeholders over what might be perceived as a minor health issue, people might not dare criticize Albert directly, but they would certainly gossip about Yvette behind closed doors. Eventually, such rumors would reach her ears.
Albert raised his glass and drained it in one smooth motion.
Seeing this, the others felt compelled to follow suit. With a subtle gesture from Albert, the waitstaff refilled everyone's glasses.
After several rounds, the leading figures were visibly affected by the alcohol, while Albert remained remarkably composed.
When the server approached to pour another round, several men quickly waved their hands in protest. "No more, please! We can't handle another drop."
One of them, his face flushed with intoxication, pointed at Albert. "Mr. Valdemar, no wonder the Valdemar Group is so damn successful under your leadership!"
Albert raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The man grinned sloppily. "Strong head for liquor and devoted to your wife! That's the recipe for fortune right there!"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
