Chapter 27
Jared quickly stepped forward, trying to mediate, but Xavier pushed him away. “Jared, don’t interfere! This is my toy, and they can’t touch it!
I took a deep breath and walked over. “Xavier, didn’t I teach you to share with others? Or has Jared spoiled you so much that you’ve forgotten what manners are?”
Xavier glared at me defiantly. “You don’t want me anymore, so why should you care what I do?
The words hung in the air, silencing everyone around us.
A sharp pain cut through my chest, but strangely, it also felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted. My tone grew colder without me realizing I. “Fine. Then don’t call me ‘Daddy‘ anymore, and I won’t concern myself with you.”
Xavier’s eyes widened in shock. He was clearly unprepared for such a response from the father who had always given in.
The already tense atmosphere grew even heavier,
Sensing the discomfort, Peyton quickly suggested, “It’s getting late. Should we start heading back?”
I nodded slightly, ready to voice my agreement. However, Jared interrupted, his tone carrying a note of eagerness, “Mr. Joplin, since we’re all here, why don’t we find a place to have dinner together? It would give us a chance to discuss our thoughts on this school. After all, educating children is a shared priority for us.”
A wave of irritation surged within me. I frowned and coldly declined, “I’m not interested.
You’re free to do as you please.”
Without another word, I grabbed Jonas‘ hand and turned to leave this unpleasant scene behind.
“Cole!” Yvonne suddenly called out from behind as she grabbed my arm. Her expression seemed strained, as if she was struggling to find the right words.
I stopped and turned to face her, my gaze cold and expectant as I waited for her to continue
her sentence.
“This can’t keep going on,” she finally said, summoning her courage. “We need to talk about
the children.”
My brows furrowed together, and my tone grew impatient. “What’s there to talk about? Custody has already been settled–Jonas is mine and Xavier is yours. We’re divorced, Yvonne. Let’s be mindful of appearances. I have no desire to be caught in some tabloid photo that might ruin your happy relationship with Mr. Lawson in the future.”
I added the last part with a mocking tone, using it to mask the frustration simmering inside
Yvonne’s face twisted into an uncomfortable grimace. It looked as though she had just
swallowed something bitter. She knew I was referencing the rumors and scandals surrounding her and Jared in the past.
“Can’t I even invite you to a meal anymore?” she asked through gritted teeth. I could hear that her voice was laced with frustration.
“Sorry, but I’m not interested in having dinner with you post–divorce,” I replied curtly. Then, after a deliberate pause, I let a faint smile curl my lips. It was devoid of warmth.
“To put it plainly… you’re no longer worthy.”
Each word fell cold and sharp, piercing Yvonne’s composure.
“How can you speak to Yvonne like that?” Jared stepped in, shielding Yvonne as if performing some chivalrous act.
“You’re a grown man! Is this how you treat a woman?” His tone was filled with indignation.
like nothing I I looked at Jared, thinking that his self–righteousness made him appear than a clown. I let out a cold laugh, unwilling to engage in any further arguments. Instead, I dropped a comment that was light in tone but cutting in its impact.
“I wish you and the twice–married Ms. Langley a blissful union. I’ll be sure to send a generous wedding gift when the time comes.”
My words dripped with sarcasm, and I continued with a smirk, “After all, I hear your feelings for Ms. Langley ran deep even before she married me. Yet you still graciously let her go back then. Now, you’re even helping me raise my son. Truly, a debt of gratitude is owed.”
I emphasized the final line, making it sting even more.
“You-“Jared’s face turned crimson with rage, but he was too flustered to respond.
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