He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 341

Yardley's jaw clenched. He closed the distance between them in two long strides, his hand shooting out to grip Scarlett by the throat while his other hand lunged for the phone.

Scarlett choked back a gasp, the sudden pressure cutting off her air. But her reflexes were faster. In a flash, she shoved the phone deep into her pocket, shielding it with both hands.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Yardley's eyes. He loosened his grip, stepping back but keeping her trapped in his space. He was fighting to keep his explosive temper in check, leaning in so close she could feel the heat of his anger.

"Scarlett," he warned, his voice a dangerous, low rumble. "This happened years ago. There is no reason to drag it out into the light now. I am my mother's only son. I will not stand by and watch her go to prison."

He lowered his voice even further, his tone laced with a lethal edge. "Besides, I've seen the footage. My mother wasn't the only one in that room. It involves several prominent families. Are you really willing to make enemies out of half of Bay City's elite over this?"

Scarlett looked at him, her lips curling into a mocking smile. "Who's dragging it out? You and your mother!"

"You two don't even have the decency to be ashamed of what happened. Instead, you wear it like a badge of honor. You threatened me, and she threatened my mother, using the most vile, despicable tactics imaginable!" Her voice shook with suppressed fury. "That was the greatest humiliation of my mother's life! She finally found the courage to walk into this precinct and clear her name. I don't care if I have to wage war against the entire world—I am getting her justice!"

Yardley ground his teeth. He wanted her to back down, to realize the sheer scale of the mess she was making. But Scarlett stood her ground, radiating absolute fearlessness.

He felt like he was losing his mind. He had just found out that Dawn wasn't his biological daughter, yet here he was, still trying to reason with her. He had been more than accommodating. If she kept pushing him, kept backing him into a corner, he couldn't guarantee what he would do next. He was at his breaking point. How could she stand there so righteously? Didn't she feel an ounce of guilt?

Scarlett glared at him, utterly bewildered by his accusations. "What are you even talking about? Do you hear yourself right now? I have lived my life with a clear conscience. The only ones playing dirty are the Flynns!"

Blinded by rage, Yardley grabbed her throat again, pinning her in place. "Are you really not the least bit guilty when you look at me? Why did you change our daughter's last name? Why do you refuse to let me see her? Why were you so desperate for a divorce? Answer me!"