Chapter 80

Back at Havendor Manor, Jonas was on the phone, whispering as if he were planning something covert. "You said you wanted to help Daddy. Do you have a plan yet?" he asked Xavier. On the other end, Xavier, despite his usual reluctance, was eager to prove himself. He didn't like showing it, but deep down, he desperately craved my approval. "I can handle it myself," Xavier replied, his tone sharp. Jonas frowned, his little face scrunched up in concern. "What are you planning? Don't go to Mr. Lawson, okay? He's not trustworthy." Xavier huffed, irritated. "Don't talk about him like that. He's nice." "No, he's not," Jonas muttered under his breath, though it was loud enough to carry through the phone. "What did you say about Jared?" Xavier's voice was suddenly sharp and challenging. "I didn't say anything!" Jonas quickly denied it, his voice trembling. He was afraid that admitting the truth might mean Xavier would stop helping me. … Meanwhile, Xavier's room was dimly lit by the glow