The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 109

"What do you mean by that?" I scowled at Yvonne, feeling uneasy by her uncertain answer.

"I-I told Jared about it," she stammered.

"You told him?"

It seemed like I wasn't even the first to know about Xavier's situation. Realizing this, I couldn't help but laugh.

"He's really such a great father to Xavier."

Yvonne grew visibly uneasy. "Cole, don't misunderstand. I'm just… I'm just used to it."

"Forget it." I couldn't be bothered to argue over who she called first. "Call Jared now and tell him to keep his mouth shut."

He had just gotten out of prison, and I wasn't sure if resentment might drive him to spread the news. When a man was truly desperate, there was nothing he wouldn't do.

…

The students who attacked Xavier were quickly identified. When the principal heard that my child was injured, he personally came to apologize.

"Mr. Joplin, we're really sorry. We've failed to educate our students properly. We're sincerely sorry about this," he said, even though I didn't spot a shred of remorse on his face.

"Is this how sincere you are?" I asked, finding the assortment of fruits on the table absurd. "Do you think we're short on fruits?"

"No, that's not what I meant!" the principal sputtered. "I just wanted to offer some compensation to Xavier."

"Have you seen his condition?" I asked, glancing at the bullies and their parents—who seemed unremarkable. Meek and submissive as they were, they left all the talking to the principal.

"No, we don't dare to."

Xavier was rushed to the hospital by a teacher. In fact, he hadn't suffered much despite taking on four people alone. He even broke one of their noses, so they were technically even.

If I hadn't been persistent…

I could sense the principal's gaze on me. "Mr. White, go ahead."