He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 574

“I’ll transfer the deed for Orchard Villa to Dawn. And I will personally transfer 1% of my own equity to her as well. My lawyers will draft the paperwork.”

“But when the police get here, you have to tell them we’ve reached a private settlement. And I need your word that you’ll never use this to threaten my mother again, nor will you drag the press into it.”

In the end, Yardley couldn't stomach taking away his mother's only source of security. He chose to bleed his own assets instead.

It didn't matter, he reasoned. The equity and the property would eventually go to his daughter anyway. Putting it in Dawn’s name now wasn't a total loss.

“Deal.”

Scarlett felt no thrill of victory. She only felt a bone-deep exhaustion and an icy detachment.

“Yardley, the restaurant's security cameras caught everything. I’ll be keeping a copy of the footage as insurance. Don’t try to play games with me. You know exactly what I’m capable of now.”

He gave a tired, defeated nod. “Fine.”

The police arrived moments later. Scarlett stuck to the agreement. After taking brief statements and confirming that both parties were settling the dispute privately, the officers left.

What was supposed to be a simple dinner out had just cost Yardley a luxury property and a massive chunk of equity.

The Flynns had completely lost their appetites. With their tails between their legs, they retreated to Flynn Manor.

The second they walked through the door, Corinne threw herself onto the sofa and wailed.

She felt cursed. It was just one disaster after another lately. She couldn't even go out for dinner without sparking a multi-million dollar catastrophe.

Thinking about how much her son had just lost because of her made her cry even harder.

“All of you, just keep your heads down. Stop causing trouble.”

“I am going to finalize my divorce with Scarlett as quickly as possible. Until the ink is dry, do not provoke her.”

“If this happens again, I will not protect any of you. I’m at my breaking point. Just… give me some peace.”

His breathing was heavy and labored. Dragging himself up, Yardley walked out the front doors of the estate.

He got into his car, sinking into the plush leather seat, desperate for just five minutes of quiet.

Suddenly, the passenger door flew open. A soft, warm body threw itself into his arms, and a second later, the sound of weeping filled the cabin.