"Get out," Jacqueline commanded from the sofa, staring down at Corinne.
Corinne's chest heaved with fury. Glaring with unbridled malice, she hissed through gritted teeth, "Fine! You think you're untouchable because you have a lawyer?"
"You just wait!"
With that, she grabbed Melanie's arm and dragged her out of the villa, looking like a humiliated, defeated villain.
Watching them leave, Talia finally felt a sliver of the heavy anger in her chest dissipate.
But when she turned and saw Jacqueline holding little Dawn, the devastating reality of Scarlett's "death" crashed over her again. Her eyes instantly filled with tears.
"Jacqueline... I am so, so sorry," she choked out. "With Scarlett gone, I'll be your daughter now. I'll be a mother to Dawn. Whatever you need, you call me first."
Chatwin dropped his usual relaxed demeanor, his face solemn and respectful. "Me too. As Scarlett's attorney, I'm at your disposal. I'll provide any legal or personal support you need, entirely free of charge. I am so sorry for your loss."
Seeing their genuine grief broke Jacqueline's heart. She hated keeping them in the dark, but it was absolutely necessary for now.
She nodded gratefully. "Thank you, both of you. If you hadn't shown up, Corinne probably would have staged a sit-in."
Talia frowned fiercely. "Let her try. Just because Scarlett is gone doesn't mean the Flynns can walk all over us!"
"I haven't been sitting idle. I've been digging up dirt on their family. If they ever try to physically take Dawn, I'll destroy them!" She waved her fist, her face flushed with righteous indignation.
Then, she gently took Dawn from Jacqueline and hugged the little girl tight. Thinking of her best friend, the tears spilled over, and she began to sob quietly into the baby's soft hair.

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: He Lost Me to His Best Friend
Why can't these people leave Scarlett alone, damn!...
Really enjoying this novel. 😀...