He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 764

Ever since Yardley developed severe insomnia, he had picked up the habit of having a drink before bed to take the edge off. But tonight, he hadn't touched a single drop. It was glaringly obvious—he didn't trust her. He suspected she had spiked his drink.

And she had.

She had hoped to use their proximity to her advantage and capitalize on this rare, isolated time together. But Yardley's guard was up higher than it had ever been. Clearly, the ghost of Scarlett Langley still haunted his every thought.

*Whatever,* Sylvia thought bitterly. *Everything ends tomorrow at the ceremony.*

Thinking about the humiliation waiting for Scarlett, a thrill of anticipation rushed through her. She could hardly wait.

***

The following morning, the Pillar of Eternity award ceremony commenced in all its grandeur at the International Arts Center in Heston City.

This was Scarlett's global debut as an award-winning architect. She had originally planned to wear something understated—a sharply tailored, minimalist suit that perfectly complemented her chic collarbone-length hair. But Julian and Zachary were having none of it. Unanimously declaring it 'not grand enough,' they dragged her to a high-end boutique and bought her a breathtaking gown on the spot.

The dress was a masterpiece in an ethereal moonlight-white. The minimalist, tailored cut hugged her curves, showcasing her slender figure, while the asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline highlighted her elegant collarbones and graceful neck. The skirt cascaded down in layers of airy tulle—not overly dramatic, but radiating an undeniable aura of power and grace.

With a flawless, luminous makeup look, delicate pearl drop earrings, and the exquisite crown her brother had gifted her, Scarlett looked like a living, breathing work of art. It was impossible to look away from her.

"Scarlett, leave. Right now. Don't go up there to accept that award. There's still time to walk away."

He lowered his voice, his tone laced with doom. "Because if you stay, things are going to get so bad that even my influence won't be enough to save you."

The sheer audacity of his fearmongering left Scarlett both bewildered and furious. "What exactly are you trying to say, Yardley? Spit it out."

Yardley cast an anxious, sweeping glance around the room. Taking a deep breath, he leaned in so close she could feel his breath, his voice barely a whisper.

"Tell me the truth. The design you submitted for this award... did you plagiarize it?"