He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 718

"As long as you're willing to let her spend time with me, I promise you, she will be exceptionally well taken care of."

Scarlett didn't agree immediately, nor did she refuse. She gave a noncommittal nod.

"I'll think about it. I need to discuss it with my mother first."

She had a strong suspicion that Franklin's sudden bout of grandfatherly affection had an ulterior motive.

Until she figured out exactly what he was playing at, she wasn't going to make any promises.

-

At the neighboring table.

Corinne sat with her silverware suspended in the air, not having taken a single bite of food.

Watching Franklin and Scarlett laughing and chatting, watching him personally serve her food, Corinne felt like her lungs were about to explode.

She grabbed Melanie's arm aggressively.

"Look at her! Just look at that little tramp, cozying up to your father!"

"Why won't she just go away?! She divorced your brother, and yet she's back, sitting at the main table! Acting like she has the right to dine with the chairman!"

Melanie ground her teeth.

"I know! Yardley marrying her was the worst luck this family ever had!"

"Dad hasn't smiled at us in years, but look at how happy he is talking to her! It's infuriating!"

Clarissa pursed her lips, leaning in closely.

"When I went over to toast earlier, I overheard Dad saying he wants to officially recognize her daughter. He even offered to buy the kid a yacht..."

"What?!"

"Do not piss her off right now. If she actually forces you all to apologize publicly, we'll be the laughingstock of the city!"

Unlike Melanie's reckless temper, Clarissa possessed a cold, calculating rationality.

Catherine, who usually blended into the background and avoided conflict at all costs, murmured softly, "I think Clarissa is right."

Fuming, Melanie glared at the picture-perfect scene of Scarlett and Franklin chatting, but realizing the truth in her sister's words, she forced herself to sit back down.

Having finally finished toasting the executives, Yardley—slightly flushed from the alcohol—made his way over to Scarlett.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire room, he bowed slightly, extending a gentlemanly hand to escort her to the stage.

The host's voice boomed over the speakers.

"Next, please give a warm round of applause to welcome the executive director representing our most vital financial partner, AM Capital!"