He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 264

"You, obviously!" Melanie snapped. "You're sitting on fifty million. Don't be cheap."

Sylvia rolled her eyes, reluctantly dialing the number.

***

Meanwhile, Yardley was back in his car, holding Dawn close, his heart aching.

The baby was clearly traumatized by the chaotic VIP lounge, the strobe lights, and the smoke. Her tiny face was streaked with tears, and her voice was hoarse from screaming.

It felt as though Yardley's own heart was bleeding. "It's okay, sweetheart. Daddy's here. Don't be scared. Daddy will protect you."

He rocked her gently, murmuring soft comforts. Sensing his warmth and security, Dawn finally stopped crying. Her large, innocent eyes widened as she stared up at him.

Father and daughter gazed at each other.

A strange, overwhelming warmth flooded Yardley's chest. It had only been a short while since he'd seen her, but her features seemed even more defined. Her dark, expressive eyes, her rosy porcelain skin, and her soft, naturally curly hair made her look like an exquisite little doll. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Unable to resist, he pulled her securely against his chest and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead.

Instinctively, he reached for his phone to call Scarlett, wanting to assure her that Dawn was safe. But he hesitated. If he told her now, Scarlett would instantly demand her back.

He had missed his daughter so much. Holding her now, he felt his entire world melting into her tiny form. He couldn't bear to let her go.

A deeply selfish thought took root in his mind: *I just want one night. Just one night with her. I'll give her back tomorrow.*

Upon arriving, he carried Dawn inside while the driver trailed behind with all the shopping bags.

The butler hurried over to greet them, but Yardley cut him off with a chilling command. "Tighten security tonight. No matter who comes knocking, do not open the gates. If anyone asks if the baby is here, you tell them no."

Yardley reasoned that Scarlett wouldn't track them down this fast. Even if she did show up, the butler would turn her away. He could just lie tomorrow when he returned Dawn, claiming he had only just rescued her.

Scarlett couldn't possibly know the details.

Just one night... He was her father, after all.

The thought of finalizing the divorce and having to beg for scheduled visitation rights made his chest ache with a dull, throbbing pain. He stared down at his daughter's sleeping face, weighing his options, and ultimately surrendered to his own selfishness.