The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 54

Yvonne caught the sarcasm in my tone and couldn't help but snap back. "You think you've done such a great job? Jonas barely looks at me when we meet."

"At least I'm not poisoning his mind against you. Does your conscience not hurt, Yvonne, doing the things you do?"

Her face paled, and it was clear she knew exactly what I was talking about.

"I don't know what you and Jared are scheming, but hear me out," I said, my voice firm. "From now on, I'm visiting every week. I'll take action if I see Xavier getting worse instead of better."

I wasn't going to tolerate this any longer. Letting Xavier stay with them had been a mistake. I had thought he'd be happy with Jared, and I knew Yvonne would never let me take both kids. But now, I could see how wrong I'd been.

How could I have trusted another man to raise my son?

"What are you planning to do?" Yvonne's voice was sharp, her fear barely masked. She moved protectively in front of Xavier, her expression hard. "You're not taking my child away from me."

"Then start raising him properly," I retorted.

I glanced at my watch. We had plans to head to the beach for a barbecue later, but it was still early, and the sun was scorching in midday.

Stepping closer to her, I said, "I've got time now. Let's talk."

Yvonne hesitated, her body tense. "There's nothing to talk about."

"When's Jared coming?" I asked bluntly, watching her eyes widen in surprise.

"Don't get the wrong idea," I added, cutting off whatever accusation she was about to make. "I'm not stalking you. But let's be real—Jared's not the type to let you come on a trip with me without showing up eventually."

Even if Jared had work, he'd find a way to be here. The man was far too invested in playing the doting partner.

I chose a secluded corner, away from prying eyes and hotel cameras.

"Well? What do you want to say?" Yvonne demanded, crossing her arms. She looked at me as if she were the one wronged in all this.

The tension between us was palpable, and it was clear this wasn't going to be a civil discussion.

"It's not about what I want to do. It's about what you're trying to do with Xavier," I said coldly.

Sometimes, I wondered if she truly loved her son. Xavier wasn't an easy kid—he was mischievous and demanding. In Yvonne's eyes, he had to be more trouble than he was worth.

"That's my son! How dare you accuse me of using him?" she shot back, her voice trembling with anger as her hands were clenched into fists.

"Maybe not intentionally," I said, softening my tone slightly. "But the way things are going, it's not working. He's acting out, he's miserable, and it's affecting everyone around him."