The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 95

Yvonne sat across from me and Grandma at the Joplin residence, her expression calm but her eyes betraying a flicker of determination.

Her tone was laced with feigned sincerity as she said, "Mrs. Joplin Senior, I had no choice but to come to you for justice."

She slid a file across the table. Inside were documents detailing the East Harbor land.

"You know how difficult it is for me to raise Xavier alone. Jared is trying his best, but he's not Xavier's biological father. I'm just trying to secure something for my son, but…" She trailed off, looking directly at me, her eyes brimming with accusations.

"We were married once. Did you really have to back me into a corner like this?"

Grandma barely glanced at the papers before leaning back against the couch, closing her eyes as though this drama didn't concern her. She had long since stepped away from the family business and avoided involving herself unless necessary.

I, however, couldn't hold back a scoff. Yvonne's melodrama grated on my nerves. "So, what's your point?"

She clenched her fists, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. "Cole, I'm asking you to reconsider. I know you haven't finalized the contract yet."

"Xavier will get his share of assets." Just not now.

I picked up the file and flipped through it lazily. "Impressive work. You've done your homework."

Everything was in there—dates, details, even the exact moment I handed the documents to Lorraine. It was as if she'd been spying on me.

"But let me make something clear," I said, tossing the file onto the table. "Even if that land doesn't go to Lorraine, it sure as hell won't go to you. Give up the thought."

Her face turned pale. "If you don't reconsider, Xavier will be mocked his whole life."

I leaned forward, my gaze sharp enough to cut through steel. "Who dares mock my son? Let them try."

"What are you really thinking, Cole?" Grandma asked. She smashed the glass, blaming me for all the mess.

I smirked, leaning back in my chair. "I'm going to marry her."

Grandma's expression stiffened, and her hand tightened around the armrest of the chair. "This is your idea of a marriage gift?"

"Consider it an investment." I shrugged. "You wouldn't want Xavier's stepmother to mistreat him, would you?"

Grandma's sharp eyes bore into me. "Of course not. But that's why he won't have a stepmother."

She rose to her feet, her small frame exuding an air of authority that could make anyone falter. "This discussion is over. I won't allow it."

I stood as well, giving her a calm smile. "I wasn't asking for permission, Grandma. I was letting you know. And don't worry—if you disapprove, you're welcome to skip the wedding."