The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 93

As I left the room, I glanced back through the window to catch a glimpse of Lorraine's downcast face. A sigh escaped me. The land deed wasn't just a gift. It was a shield for her and Xavier. He had apologized, but one more person still owed her an apology—Yvonne.

Before I could track her down, she and Jared rounded the corner together.

"Where have you been?" I demanded, my voice sharp. I'd already called her before this. There was no excuse for being late.

"I'm not apologizing." Yvonne's arms were crossed defensively as she leaned against the wall, her expression defiant. "This wasn't my fault. Why should I? If it weren't for Lorraine, Xavier wouldn't be locked up in the storage room."

"Get in." I stared her down with the authority I knew she hated. Finally, with an exaggerated huff of frustration, she shoved the door open.

Yvonne's eyes narrowed. "Don't think you can boss me around just because I'm here."

"Don't make me repeat myself."

Through the crack, I heard her voice erupt in a shrill, begrudging apology. "I'm sorry!"

I turned to Jared, who was hovering nearby, thinking he'd get off easy. "Your turn."

Jared frowned. "Don't push it, Cole. Is humiliating everyone worth it to you? Just for her?"

"For Lorraine? No. For what's right? Absolutely." I stepped closer, jabbing a finger at his chest. "What's your dignity worth these days, huh? What's left of it?"

His silence told me all I needed to know. His company was circling the drain, and he was clinging to Yvonne like a life raft.

"You thought Yvonne would save you? That she'd bankroll your pitiful excuse for a business?" I let my words hang for a moment before adding, "Behave yourself, Jared. I know what you've been up to."

His jaw tightened, but he didn't argue. He understood the warning.

Ten minutes later, Yvonne stormed out of Lorraine's room, her face blotchy and tear-streaked, one cheek red and swollen.

"Are you happy now, Cole?" she spat, her voice trembling. "You just love seeing me humiliated, don't you?"

"Apologizing for your son isn't humiliation. It's basic decency," I said, my tone colder than ice.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and after a pause, she asked, "Did you give her the East Harbor land?"

I didn't answer right away, but she already knew the answer.