When Yardley received the video from his sister, the sight of the women clinging to each other and crying struck a heavy blow to his heart.
He couldn't fathom how his once perfectly fine family had spiraled into this miserable state. Was it truly because he and Scarlett were destined to be incompatible, resulting in endless chaos? Would letting go finally restore peace to his family's lives?
Sitting in his massive executive chair, Yardley stared blankly at the ceiling. After a long moment of agonizing reflection, he concluded that he couldn't drag this out any longer. He needed to finalize the divorce and walk away from this incredibly toxic dynamic.
He couldn't sit by and watch his family drown in this whirlpool, especially Sylvia. Even if she had made horrible mistakes, the price she was paying was too steep—it was practically ruining her life.
Yardley's chest tightened as he looked at Sylvia's battered, unrecognizable face in the video. He remembered promising to always protect her, recalling her once innocent and cheerful demeanor. Seeing her look like a ghost of her former self made him feel physically sick.
At the end of the day, she was the little sister he had cherished the most. No matter how wildly out of line she had been, he bore a massive chunk of the blame. He had failed to protect her and guide her, which ultimately led her down this dark path.
Unable to sit still any longer, he grabbed his jacket and headed out the door, typing a quick text to Clarissa.
Take Melanie and Sylvia to buy some new clothes. Go to Sylvia's favorite boutique, put it on my card. I'll meet you there.
...
Meanwhile, with Scarlett.
Dawn had fully recovered and was discharged from Mercy International Hospital, making the trip from Sutton City back to Bay City.



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