The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 83

"You're aware, aren't you, that Cole has been married before?"

"Grandma," I instinctively cut in, already anticipating where this was headed.

"Do you know he has two children?"

"Yes, I do, Mrs. Joplin Senior." Lorraine's voice was calm and steady, even as Grandma's sharp gaze bore into her.

I could feel the tension rise as Grandma's demeanor grew more serious.

"This is between us, Grandma," I said firmly, trying to steer the conversation.

"And what? Am I not supposed to ask questions? How can you just keep seeing someone without knowing the full picture?"

I sighed, knowing there was no stopping her once she set her mind to something. She was determined to tell Lorraine the truth.

If I had known this was Grandma's attitude, I wouldn't have brought Lorraine to her birthday party.

"You bring a guest here, and this is how you treat them? Is this what I taught you?" Grandma's voice carried its usual authority, making me instinctively glance at Lorraine.

"Please don't say anything you shouldn't," I warned.

"Cole, are you telling me what to do?" Grandma raised her cane, clearly threatening to bring it down on me.

Before she could act, Lorraine suddenly smiled. "Cole, why don't you go ahead for now?" She blinked at me, signaling with her eyes that I should go fetch something.

Though I still felt uneasy, it was better than leaving her alone with Yvonne. This conversation between Grandma and Lorraine was bound to happen sooner or later.

"Grandma, be polite to the guest I brought," I said firmly before leaving.

Grandma let out a cold snort, then turned to face Lorraine as soon as I was out of sight.

"You've got some nerve," Grandma said, her tone sharp.

Attending a birthday party without any real status or connection—what a bold move.

"Do you really like Cole that much?"

As someone who had seen countless people in her lifetime, Grandma wasn't one to believe in love or romance. To her, it was all nonsense.

Lorraine smiled politely. "Cole and I are getting to know each other better," she replied calmly. Her demeanor was steady and composed. She answered only what was asked, and she did so in a neither servile nor overbearing manner.

"How much?" Grandma asked suddenly.

Lorraine froze, only realizing what she meant after a moment.