The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 254

I refused to show them any courtesy and turned to leave.

"Cole, it wasn't easy for Xavier to get this endorsement. It's not like you don't know how bad the situation with the Langley family is. You're being irresponsible by taking Xavier away like this," Yvonne called after me.

I rebuked, "You're the ones who accepted the endorsement. What does it have to do with me?"

Did they expect me to pay the penalty?

Jared had been standing by the side and observing quietly since I entered. When my gaze landed on him, he slowly walked toward me. "Cole, let's talk this through. You shouldn't be ruining Xavier's opportunities."

I said, "Ruining his opportunities? You're the ones keeping him out of school to film some stupid commercial. Tell me, how long will his fame last? Can you protect him forever? From what I see, you're already past your prime."

The entire studio seemed to gasp in unison. It was probably the first time they heard someone talk to Jared like that.

I stood protectively in front of Xavier. I didn't want him interacting with someone like Jared. "Yvonne, I distinctly remember telling you not to exploit Xavier."

She replied, "When have I ever exploited him? Xavier likes doing this. He's doing all this willingly."

Willingly? I remembered Xavier saying the same thing last time.

I turned to look at Xavier, who had been holding my hand the whole time. Feeling my gaze, he suddenly let go.

Xavier said, "Daddy, you should go back. I'm not done working yet."

I retorted, "At your age, you should be in school, not working!"

He replied, "Daddy, Mommy is right. I made a promise to finish the shoot. I'll go to school tomorrow."

I felt a strange sense of sadness at how mature Xavier sounded.

The Langley family wasn't in a good situation. I heard that a lot of their business partners had stopped working with them because they couldn't pay outstanding balances.

Standing to the side, Yvonne looked at me with a pleased expression. "You see? Xavier doesn't want to go with you at all. Cole, just focus on bringing Jonas up. I'll take care of Xavier."

She ushered me to the door and shut it behind me without any hesitation.

I stood outside and listened to the sound of camera shutters from within. My expression grew darker by the second.

I lingered for a moment before I left. Before I did, I gave Clark a call. "Clark, how many years does someone get for employing underage workers?"

I knew Xavier wouldn't let me target Yvonne directly. If that were the case, I would have to go after the studio instead.

I memorized the name of the studio. This was the perfect chance to clean up the entertainment industry a bit.

Having kids shoot commercials, only they would think of doing that.