He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 705

In a flash, Yardley suppressed his annoyance, his expression smoothing into a mask of polite indifference.

"I appreciate the offer, but there's no need to worry about my private life. If you have time, you should focus your energy on Sylvia."

"She's having a terrible year. Maybe it's just a streak of bad luck, but I'm sure she'll get through it eventually."

Craig smiled and nodded.

"Of course, of course. Sylvia is my daughter. I would never let her suffer."

"I've been tied up with work lately and admittedly neglected her. But don't worry, I'll be keeping a very close eye on her from now on."

Yardley gave a curt nod.

"Good. Please take her home and ensure she gets proper care. It would be wise to increase security around her as well, to prevent any more... accidents."

Craig agreed warmly, patting Yardley's shoulder with overly familiar affection.

"Not a problem. I'll make sure she's perfectly safe."

"Yardley, you should come by the house more often. I've got a fantastic collection of vintage wine in the cellar. We could share a bottle."

"Plus, my two sons are around your age. You should get to know them. It would be good for you."

Yardley was a good half-head taller than Craig.

In the past, their interactions had been strictly professional.

And while Schmidt Properties was successful, it was a minnow compared to the leviathan that was the Flynn Group.

So, despite Craig being older, he had always deferred to Yardley, treating him with the deference an employee shows a boss.

Yardley didn't hate Craig, but he didn't particularly like him either.

They were only interacting now because of Sylvia.

In fact, Yardley had been the one to call Craig, specifically urging him to step up and act like a father to Sylvia during this crisis.

What struck Yardley as odd, though, was that Craig had been extremely cold when he first answered the phone.

Yet, shortly after, he had shown up at the hospital with Corinne to collect Sylvia, completely changing his tune.

She had originally planned to work at his company, keeping him close, but her recent brush with death via prank had derailed everything.

Life was suddenly impossibly hard.

Sylvia was practically choking on her own misery. All she wanted was to bury her face in Yardley's chest and sob until she couldn't breathe.

But his aloof, hot-and-cold attitude left her utterly bewildered.

"Your father is here to pick you up. There's no need for me to drive you."

"The company is swamped with preparations for the thirtieth-anniversary gala. Go back to the Schmidt estate and focus on your recovery."

"The position is still yours. Whenever you're fully healed, you can come into work."

After delivering his emotionless instructions, Yardley strode off down the corridor.

Corinne and Craig exchanged a loaded, meaningful look.

"Wait for me!" Corinne suddenly called out, hurrying after Yardley.