He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 217

A second later, Chatwin burst out laughing. "You two are entirely too in sync..."

Scarlett rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Let me pay. We can consider it a celebration for your newfound freedom."

Julian offered a soft smile. "Thank you. But even if you're the host, I'm footing the bill."

Chatwin jumped in. "Alright, cut it out, both of you. Dinner is on me tonight. We'll celebrate Julian's freedom, and consider it an early celebration for yours too, Scarlett. Deal?"

The three of them burst out laughing, the heavy tension in the air evaporating instantly.

Soon after, they piled into Julian's Cullinan and headed straight for the Stellar Club, owned by Gordon Wyatt.

Gordon was Chatwin's cousin, and the two had been close since childhood. The moment Chatwin had called, Gordon had arranged a massive feast and brought out some of his most prized vintage wine.

What he hadn't expected, however, was for Chatwin to walk in accompanied by Scarlett, Julian, and Talia.

Gordon was visibly shocked. He quickly pulled Scarlett aside and whispered, "Babe, I've got a bit of a buzzkill situation for you... Yardley is here. He's in the private room right next door, drinking by himself."

Scarlett's expression instinctively darkened.

Gordon glanced toward the adjacent room. "Do you want to go in and see him, or...?"

"No," Scarlett refused instantly.

Before Scarlett could even react, Yardley had her pinned against the wall. The heavy stench of alcohol hit her face, making her gag. She raised her fists, her eyes blazing with anger. "Yardley, stop acting like a crazy drunk! Let go of me!"

"Scarlett..." His voice was low, raspy, and dangerously tender. "I knew it. No matter how much you bare your claws, you still care about me deep down. Did Gordon tell you to come get me? I... I'll take you home right now."

Ignoring her resistance, he grabbed her hand, fully intending to drag her away.

She fought back with everything she had, ripping her hand from his grasp. "You're delusional! I just happen to be here for dinner. Let me go!"

Desperate to get away, she turned to run.

But Yardley wrapped his arms tightly around her from behind, burying his face in her neck. His hot, alcohol-laced breath brushed against her ear. "Don't go. I was wrong. I know I was wrong, Scarlett. Honey, everything was my fault. I didn't know where to draw the line. I completely misjudged Sylvia, and I neglected you and our daughter."