Chapter 755 The Price of Belief
Yunice hadn’t noticed Wyatt’s return. The moment he reappeared, he caught sight of his wife chatting animatedly with a man he didn’t recognize—a man who looked cultured, refined, and far too comfortable talking with her.
Mr. Wyatt’s internal alarms blared to life, every nerve on high alert. He moved in silently, looming behind Sauron like a dark guardian, his presence oppressive, eyes sharp as blades.
Sauron was mid-thought, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. “…That tension between life’s fragility and art’s eternity was captured so vividly in your design—”
“Fragile things don’t usually hold up well,” Wyatt cut in abruptly, his voice stiff. Snatching a glass of juice from a passing waiter, he shoved it into Yunice’s hand. “Ms. Saunders, have something to soothe your throat.”
His gaze flicked to Sauron, cold and deliberate.
Yunice: “…”
She took the glass, shooting Wyatt a warning glare.
Sauron hesitated, then gave a genial smile, picking up his thread. “Especially that light installation in the third section—”
“That was my idea,” Wyatt interjected again, lips curving in a humorless smile as he met Sauron’s gaze. “Do you want to discuss it with me?”
Yunice kicked him under the table.
This time, Sauron clearly felt the weight of Wyatt’s sour hostility. He paused, pushed up his glasses, and glanced between Yunice’s embarrassed expression and Wyatt’s blatantly possessive stance. Realization dawned.
He chuckled, retreating gracefully. “It seems Mr. Wyatt has some family matters to discuss with Ms. Saunders. I won’t intrude. Ms. Saunders, I look forward to continuing this conversation another time.” He nodded politely to Yunice, then tossed Wyatt a knowing look that said, "I get it," before slipping away with a stifled laugh.
Wyatt grunted, somewhat appeased by the man’s tact.
Once Sauron was gone, Yunice exhaled sharply and pinched Wyatt’s arm. “Wyatt! Can’t you behave with a little more composure?”
He gave her a look of mock offense. “I’m not composed?” If he hadn’t been, he would’ve done far worse than glare.
Just then, a loud pop! echoed through the hall. Confetti cannons fired, showering the room in glittering streamers.
Among the cascade, a cardboard shell hurtled toward Yunice. She had barely registered surprise when Wyatt seized her arm and, in the next second, spun into a swift kick. The object went flying across the room.
Through the rain of ribbons, Yunice’s gaze lingered on his tall frame, a sudden flutter stirring in her chest. After all these years… still breathtaking.
The moment passed, and the host called everyone over to cut Mindy’s cake. Yunice started forward, but her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen—her hospital was calling.
She answered, and the urgent voice of the surgical director came through. “Director, a highly complex case just came in. None of us are completely confident. Can you come? I know it’s your daughter’s birthday, but this is critical—life or death.” His voice was taut with apology, yet mostly with urgency.
This wasn’t the first time Yunice had faced such a choice. She decided instantly, turning toward Wyatt. “I have to go to the hospital. They need me for surgery.” Her eyes flicked toward Mindy, her voice soft with guilt. “You’ll have to celebrate with her without me. I…” She didn’t finish. Wyatt already understood.
Emergencies never waited. More than once she had been summoned in the middle of the night, plate of food left untouched.
Seeing the worry written on her face, he said firmly, “Go. I’ll have the driver take you. Don’t worry about Mindy. She’ll understand.”
Her expression tightened with guilt, but she didn’t hesitate further. She turned and left.
Laurie came up beside Wyatt, watching him stare after Yunice’s retreating figure. She sighed. “Doctors… They give most of their lives to strangers, and in doing so, neglect their own families. For those waiting at home, it can be cruel.” She worried aloud whether Wyatt might grow resentful with time.
But Wyatt’s voice was steady, resolute. “This is Yunice’s belief. I support her. She’s a woman with ideals, and living like this fulfills her. As for Mindy… she’s a sensible child. She’ll understand her mother. And when Yunice isn’t here, I’ll be the one to fill that gap.”