He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 824

Staring at Jacqueline's shattered expression and Scarlett’s gentle smile in the photograph, Yardley’s heart violently contracted.

A wave of self-disgust washed over him. His family was acting like absolute monsters. Even if he wanted custody, he needed to give Jacqueline time to process her daughter's "death." Pushing her into a corner now would only end in a disaster he’d regret for the rest of his life.

"Jacqueline... please, calm down," Yardley said, taking a deep breath to suppress the tearing pain in his chest. His tone softened considerably. "I only came today to check on you and Dawn, and to discuss a few things. I swear I didn't have any ulterior motives. I didn't expect my mother and sister to show up and turn this into a circus. I should have kept them in line."

He paused, his gaze lingering on the photograph once more. His voice grew quiet and exhausted. "I'll get them out of your hair. As for Dawn... take some time to think. My lawyer will be in touch."

Without waiting for a response, Yardley turned and stormed out of the living room. He grabbed Corinne, who was still wallowing on the floor, and hauled her roughly to her feet. Shooting a lethal glare at Melanie and Sylvia, he snapped, "Are we leaving, or are you waiting for the cops to drag you out?"

Realizing they had lost, Melanie and Sylvia reluctantly scurried after him. The group slinked away from the Magnolia Villa in disgrace.

Jacqueline watched their retreating backs with frigid disdain before slamming the front door shut. The moment the lock clicked, a triumphant, knowing smile spread across her face.

Right on cue, her phone rang. She answered it, her lips curling into a grin. "Did you catch all that on the cameras?"

"I did," Scarlett replied. "Mom, are you okay? Seeing you and Corinne throwing punches scared me half to death! I was so worried you’d get hurt."

"She's so happy. Julian’s been playing with her non-stop. I’ll take a video and send it to you in a bit," Scarlett assured her softly. "But Mom, you have to be careful living alone at the villa. Stellan has men stationed discreetly around the perimeter, but just to be safe, try not to go out unless you absolutely have to."

After exchanging a few more reassurances, they hung up.

Hearing Dawn’s angelic laughter echoing through the room, Scarlett couldn't help but walk over to them.

Dawn looked up, her big eyes darting between Scarlett and Julian. Suddenly, she waved her chubby little hands and happily blurted out two words that neither of them saw coming.