The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 91

"He's just a kid. Making mistakes at his age is… understandable." Yvonne's voice trailed off, her guilt evident.

She had seen the injury on Lorraine's leg—it wasn't minor. The doctor had said she was running a fever too, which only made things worse. Even Yvonne couldn't deny Xavier had gone too far.

"But he's our child, Cole. You've made your point. Maybe you should let him go now?"

"You'll shield him now, and then what? Keep doing it when he's older?" I shrugged off her hand as it reached for my arm. The thought of her touch repulsed me. A mother like her, feeding her child bitterness and resentment, had no business raising Xavier.

"Xavier owes Lorraine an apology," I said sharply. "And so do you."

"Me?" Yvonne laughed bitterly, rolling her eyes. "Oh, come on, Cole. You're not even married yet, and you're already treating her like family?"

From the sidelines, Jared chimed in, clearly trying to take Yvonne's side, "Cole, I'm just an outsider here, but Xavier is your son. Blood is blood."

"And since you know that, why are you getting so cozy with him?" I turned toward Jared, my gaze sharp enough to cut. If he wanted to play this game, I'd let him.

Leaning in close, I lightly patted his cheek with the back of my hand, the smack echoing loud enough to draw attention. Heads turned as whispers rippled through the living room.

"Go on," I said mockingly. "Weren't you just giving advice? Keep talking."

Jared's face burned with humiliation. He clenched his fists tightly at his sides, but he stayed silent.

"Thought so." I leaned back, my voice turning colder. "And let me make myself clear. If I find out you're behind Xavier's behavior and you're the one filling his head with nonsense, I'll make sure every skeleton in your closet sees the light of day."

Jared's face turned pale. He knew exactly what I meant. Lawson Group was on shaky ground, barely holding on as he begged banks for loans. All it would take was a nudge from me, and his precious company would crumble.

"You think I'm bluffing? Test me, Jared," I warned. "Lawson Group won't survive."

"Cole, don't push this too far," he hissed out the words, his usual bravado cracking.

Jared had no real abilities of his own. All his status came from the Lawson family. He certainly couldn't afford to watch Lawson Group crumble.