The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 26

Watching the children cheer and laugh filled me with an unparalleled sense of fulfillment.

Peyton walked up beside me and said softly, "Cole, you know something? You look less like a powerful entrepreneur right now and more like an ordinary father."

I paused, then smiled, feeling at peace. "Maybe, but this is the real me."

The interview went smoothly. I guided the reporters around the school, explaining our renovation plans.

When they saw the children studying earnestly in their modest classrooms, their expressions softened with emotion.

Just as we were preparing to leave, a luxury car pulled up at the school gate. The door opened, and Jared and Yvonne stepped out.

I approached them while frowning. "What are you two doing here?"

Jared smiled. "We heard you'd be here today, so we thought we'd stop by to take a look and contribute something to the kids."

I stared coldly at them. "You don't need to put on a show at this place."

Yvonne frowned. "Cole, what do you mean by that? We genuinely want to help these children."

At that moment, Xavier jumped out of the car, exclaiming excitedly, "Jared! Mommy! This place is so interesting!"

I noticed Jonas' expression tensing up, so I quickly walked over and gently placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Jared knelt down and said warmly to Xavier, "Xavier, go play with the other kids. Be nice, okay?"

Xavier nodded enthusiastically and skipped off toward the playground.

Jonas nodded shyly. "Yeah, last time I was here, I noticed Rainey really liked drawing. So I taught her some simple techniques."

Yvonne's eyes widened slightly in surprise before she said softly, "That's amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Jonas glanced up at Yvonne briefly before lowering his head again. Just then, a commotion erupted outside. We hurried out to see Xavier arguing with a local child.

"That's my toy! Why are you trying to take it?" Xavier shouted.

The local boy looked hurt as he said, "I just wanted to look at it. I wasn't trying to take it…"

I frowned and turned to Yvonne and Jared, whose faces betrayed their embarrassment.