The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 29

Peyton sounded excited. "Your charity project is attracting a lot of attention. Several large companies have expressed interest in participating. Would you like to meet with them?"

I thought for a moment. "Sure, arrange a time. But let's keep it low-profile. I don't want this turning into a spectacle."

Peyton agreed, and after chatting for a bit longer, he ended the call.

Leaning back in my chair, I closed my eyes.

The project was progressing more smoothly than I had anticipated, but I knew that the smoother things seemed, the more vigilant I needed to be.

…

That afternoon, I went to pick up Jonas from school. Both Xavier and Jonas walked out together, but when Xavier saw me, he scowled and said nothing.

Yvonne's voice was cold as she called out, "Xavier, get in the car."

Without a glance back, Xavier quickly walked to Yvonne's car, not even bothering to say goodbye. I wasn't surprised, and I just calmly watched him leave.

Kneeling down to Jonas' level, I asked, "How was school today?"

Jonas smiled. "It was great, Daddy. The teacher said I've improved a lot in my drawings."

I nodded, pride evident on my face. "That's excellent. How about we go buy some new art supplies this weekend?"

Jonas' eyes lit up. "Really? That would be amazing!"

As we talked, Yvonne approached. "Cole, when you drop off Xavier's toys this weekend, let Jonas come over too."

I hesitated, feeling surprised by her suggestion. Looking down at Jonas, I noticed the nervous expression on his face. I asked gently, "Jonas, do you want to go?"

After a brief hesitation, Jonas shook his head. "Daddy, I want to stay home and draw with you."

Relieved, I turned to Yvonne. "You heard him. I'll bring Xavier's things, but Jonas won't be coming."

Yvonne frowned. "You're really going to keep them apart? Don't you think they should spend more time together?"

I was about to respond when a sharp pain shot through my head. Instinctively, I pressed my hand to my forehead as my vision blurred.

"Cole?" Yvonne's voice sounded distant. "What's wrong?"

I tried to say it was nothing, but all that came out was a pained groan. The next moment, I felt myself losing balance and falling backward.

Hearing this, I let out a cold laugh. "No need to trouble yourself. I'll handle that myself shortly."

Yvonne frowned. "Fine. I see I'm wasting my breath."

…

Over the following days, I remained in the hospital for treatment. Jonas visited me every day after school, sometimes bringing his drawings to show me.

To my surprise, Xavier came by too. But after sitting by my bedside for a short while, he'd start whining about wanting to play games and then insist on going home.

Just then, Jared walked in.

"Xavier, it's time to leave," he said gently before turning to me. "Mr. Joplin, I wish you a speedy recovery."

I nodded coldly and simply watched as they left.

While I was in the hospital, Hayden took charge of managing the company's affairs. Even so, I occasionally received important emails and documents to review.

One day, while I was going through some paperwork, Yvonne suddenly came to visit.