Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1000

Jordan didn't notice the grandparents and took Lillian inside to see the exhibition. The gallery, being in a place like Cabinda, was quite large, featuring works from famous artists both domestically and internationally. Jordan showed more patience than before, accompanying Lillian as she looked at the paintings. While he personally found most of them uninteresting, the little girl was completely engrossed. Not wanting to spoil her fun, he stood by her side and asked, "Do you see any paintings you like, Lillian? Daddy will buy it for you." Lillian heard him and shook her head politely. "No, thank you. I'm happy just looking." Her daddy had already bought all the paintings she liked. Eagle's Peak Estate was filled with his collection, and he'd told her that one day, they would all be hers. Thinking of her daddy and all the paintings waiting for her at home made Lillian's mood brighten even more. When Jordan saw that she genuinely had no desire for any of the art, a wave of disappointment washed over him. He couldn't help but remember the time he had forced Lillian to give up the painting she loved for Daniel at the gallery with Sandra Taylor. A tide of regret swelled inside him, nearly consuming him. Driven by this guilt, after they finished viewing the exhibit, Jordan insisted on buying several paintings anyway. "I noticed you were looking at these for a while," he said. "They might help with your own drawing. Daddy bought them, so you can take them home later." It was his decision to buy them. Lillian didn't need them, but she didn't refuse his kindness, either. "Okay, thank you," she said politely, her tone still distant. Jordan felt a pang of sadness but said nothing. The morning passed quickly. As they left the gallery, it was nearly lunchtime. Jordan hesitated for a moment before asking Lillian, "Would it be okay if we had lunch with Grandpa and Grandma?" Lillian looked up at him, her lips pressed together, seemingly reluctant. But in the end, she nodded and didn't refuse. She knew they were indeed her grandparents. As much as she disliked it, that was a fact she couldn't change. They soon arrived at the restaurant, where Mason Smith and Barbara Jones were already waiting downstairs. The moment they saw their granddaughter, they rushed forward to greet her. Just then, Camila called her parents to check on the situation. Melissa kept her eyes on the scene ahead as she spoke. "Everything's fine so far. Jordan didn't force Lillian to do anything at the gallery and even bought her a few paintings. But now they're meeting Mason and Barbara for lunch. It looks like those two were waiting for them. Camila, do you think we should stop them from seeing her?" Given how Barbara Jones had tried to poison Lillian's mind before, Melissa was worried they would start spouting nonsense in front of the child again. Camila, however, was less anxious. "It's just lunch in a public place. It's their right. As long as they don't try to take her away, don't intervene. Just keep a close watch." After hanging up, Camila opened an app on her phone and put on her headphones. The app connected to Lillian's smart watch, allowing her to listen in—a feature Dennis had set up for Lillian. As soon as Camila activated it, she heard Barbara Jones's coaxing voice. "Lillian, look at your daddy's leg. He might not be able to walk again, and his whole life could be ruined. You don't want that to happen, do you? Your mommy is such a brilliant doctor, she's the only one who can fix his leg. When you go home, can you help convince your mommy to treat him?" Jordan disapproved of his mother's words. Lillian was just a child; she shouldn't be burdened with adult pressures. But the words died on his lips. Call him selfish, but he desperately wanted to walk again. Besides, if Camila agreed to treat him, it might be an opportunity to spend more time with her and perhaps even repair their relationship. With that thought in mind, Jordan remained silent. Lillian's expression was conflicted. After a long moment, she didn't agree. In her small, soft voice, she replied, "Mommy is very busy. She doesn't have time. And... you can't force her to do things she doesn't want to do." Barbara Jones didn't like that answer. "How is it forcing her?" she retorted. "She's treated your daddy before. There was just a misunderstanding that made her stop. This is easy for her. If you just say a few nice things to her, she'll definitely listen to you. Please, Lillian, just help. Your mommy has always had a soft spot for you..." Lillian clutched her small spoon, pressed her lips together, and shook her head. "If Mommy doesn't want to, then I don't want to ask her. I just want Mommy to be happy."