Chapter 26

Watching the children, their laughter echoing, filled me with a joy I’d never known. Peyton appeared beside me. "Cole," he said softly, "you look less like a CEO and more like a dad."

I smiled, a genuine peace settling over me. "Maybe," I replied, "but this is the real me."

The interview flowed smoothly. I showed the reporters the school, explaining our renovation plans. Their initial skepticism faded as they saw the children, earnest and focused in their simple classrooms.

Just then, a luxury car slid to a stop at the gate. Jared and Yvonne emerged. My frown deepened. "What are you two doing here?"

Jared grinned. "Heard you’d be here. We thought we’d… contribute."

"Don't put on a show," I snapped.

Yvonne's brow furrowed. "Cole, what do you mean? We genuinely want to help."

Before I could respond, Xavier burst from the car, shouting, "Jared! Mommy!" Noticing Jonas tense, I quickly placed a hand on his shoulder.

Jared knelt, addressing Xavier. "Go play, son. Be nice." Xavier, thrilled, darted off.

Peyton smoothly intervened. "Well, I didn't expect Mr. Lawson and Ms. Langley to be so… charitable. Perhaps a tour?"

The thought of sharing even a moment with them was unbearable. But Jonas tugged my sleeve. "Daddy, it's okay. Let's go."

Jonas was too young to understand divorce. He just wanted his parents together. Despite my irritation with Yvonne, I couldn't refuse him. "Okay," I conceded.

The tour proceeded. Jared was polite, asking questions about the school's needs. Yvonne occasionally glanced at Jonas, her expression complex.

In one classroom, a little girl rushed to Jonas, brandishing a drawing. "Jonas, look! I drew this, like you taught me!"

A wide smile bloomed on Jonas' face. Yvonne watched, her expression softening. "Jonas, you taught her?"

Jonas nodded shyly. "I showed her some things."

Yvonne's eyes widened. "That's amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. Xavier was arguing with another child. "That's my toy!" he yelled.

The other boy, hurt, responded, "I just wanted to look…"

I turned to Jared and Yvonne, their embarrassment evident.

Chapter 27