The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 210

There were very few men in the company to begin with, so I could already predict how popular Chris would be with the ladies.

Clearing my throat as a subtle reminder, I began, "Work hard. Our company doesn't keep incompetent people around."

I deliberately emphasized the last three words. Chris turned toward me, visibly stunned.

"Do you have an issue, Mr. Chris?"

"No. I'll listen to whatever you say, Cole." The moment the words left his mouth, Chris immediately clasped his hand over his mouth. "Oh, I forgot I can't call you that in the office."

"It's fine." I brushed him off. "You just satisfied their curiosity. I wasn't planning on introducing you, after all."

Averting my gaze from him, I turned to the people in front of me and announced, "Meeting adjourned."

I planned to head to the school to see Jonas after the meeting. He had been very quiet lately and seemed to think that I would abandon him. Aside from someone deliberately planting that idea in his mind, I couldn't think of any other reason.

"Cole, where are you going?"

Chris was like a shadow—always in my line of sight. He had done everything he could to make an impression during the meeting earlier, and many of the board members were now seeing him in a new light.

"What is it?"

He couldn't be just a figurehead if Grandma took him seriously.

"Nothing," Chris said. "I'm just checking on you."

"Checking on when I'll be knocked out of the general manager position?"

Still unskilled at masking his emotions, Cole paused and frowned.

"Don't worry," I said. "As long as I'm alive, you'll always be stuck in the vice general manager position."

I couldn't be bothered to treat him like my own kin. I'd only mock or ridicule him if he ever approached me.

…

I didn't tell Jonas I was going to his school. Instead, I went to the surveillance room.

"Are all the surveillance monitors here?"