"This isn't right!" Jonas burst out. "Daddy said kids shouldn't lie, and Xavier lied to him!"

He looked at me, his eyes earnest. "You can't lie anymore, Xavier. Daddy'll be upset."

Jonas's loyalty warmed me, a small comfort amidst the chaos. Jared, however, continued his manipulation.

"You're not lying," he insisted. "You were with your mom. Your dad's just too strict. Kids your age should be running around more! I've got the camping gear, just have fun."

Yvonne, seemingly moved, murmured, "You spoil them too much. If Cole were half as good…"

Leaning against the wall, a dull ache settled in my chest. Was I just a strict, rigid father to Yvonne? I wanted them to have fun, but homework first. It was balance, not all play and no work. I never forced Xavier; I persuaded, then let him play if he still refused. Yet…this. Helplessness washed over me. Some things just aren't meant to be. At least Jonas still cared.

Snapping back to reality, I heard Yvonne suggest Jared stay the night.

"He's been here all day," she said. "Why not stay?"

That was it. I straightened, marched out of the study, and faced them. "He can't stay!"

Surprise registered on Yvonne's face. "You're home? Awake this late?"

I sneered. "What else? Isn't this what you all wanted?" I glared at Jared. "None of you are asleep."

Yvonne's gaze flickered. "I have no idea what you're talking about, but it's late."

"Jared," I cut her off, "Wyatt, show Mr. Lawson out. If his home is far, book him a hotel." My voice was firm. "Yvonne and I need to talk, and his presence isn't convenient."

Wyatt, the butler, moved to obey. But Yvonne protested.

"Just say what you need to. Jared's not an outsider."

Dazed, I realized: the inconvenience wasn't Jared, it was me. I looked at Yvonne, the words heavy. "I want a divorce."