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.
Sensing the awkwardness, Peyton quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Well, I didn’t expect Mr. Lawson and Ms. Langley to care so much about charity work. Why don’t we tour the school together?”
I frowned slightly. Spending even a minute longer in the same space as these two was physically revolting to me.
I was about to refuse when Jonas tugged on my sleeve and whispered, “Daddy, it’s okay. Let’s
go together.
I remained silent for a moment. Jonas was too young to understand what divorce really meant. He just innocently wanted his dad and mom to spend more time together.
Chep
As much as Yvonne’s presence irritated me, I couldn’t vent my frustration on Jonas. “Okay
then,” I said.
During the tour, Jared maintained a polite demeanor, asking questions about the school’s needs. Yvonne occasionally glanced at Jonas, her expression carrying a hint of complexity.
When we entered one of the classrooms, a little girl suddenly ran up to Jonas, excitedly holding up a drawing. “Jonas, look! I drew this the way you taught me!”
A bright smile spread across Jonas‘ face as he eagerly went over to admire her work. I noticed Yvonne’s expression soften as she asked quietly, Jonas, did you teach her how to draw?”
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.
Chapter 27
