"Fine," I said. "I won't be mean. Someone will get him out."

I'd always indulged Xavier's outbursts, but this was different. He stared, speechless, as I called security. I'd sent the staff home, leaving only Wyatt—a colossal mistake. I could have dealt with Jared myself.

Before security arrived, the embarrassment of an escort got to Jared, and he left. Xavier erupted. "It's your fault!"

Jonas quickly covered Xavier's mouth. "Daddy's angry."

Xavier yanked Jonas's hand away, stomping to the corner. Jonas, eyes red-rimmed, pleaded, "Daddy, I don't want to leave you. Please don't divorce Mommy."

My heart shattered, but I couldn't back down. Yvonne started blaming me. "Everything was fine until you brought up divorce! You've traumatized them!"

I remained silent. She'd never admit fault. "Forget it," I thought. "We have a prenup. Assets are separate. I'll take Jonas, you keep Xavier. I'll visit him twice a month."

Panic flickered across Xavier's face. "As long as you don't make me study too much, I'll still call you Dad," he declared, his tone arrogant and condescending.

That infuriating mimicry of Yvonne's attitude… I sighed. I'd spoiled him rotten. But I wouldn't raise an ingrate.

Jonas watched nervously, unable to speak. His distress tore at me. I shouldn't have mentioned the divorce.

I ruffled Jonas's hair. "It's late. Let's get you both ready for bed. Don't worry about the divorce."

Jonas's tears broke free. He clung to me, sobbing, "Daddy, please don't divorce Mommy! I don't want our family to break apart."

His grief hit me like a physical blow. I hugged him tight, unable to offer comfort, unable to offer hope.