Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1004

Without a word, Nathan took Lillian's hand and led her back to Melissa George and Jerry Davis, who were trailing behind them. The grandparents were a bit surprised. It was still early. Why was Jordan Smith letting her go so soon? Though puzzled, they didn't ask questions. They disliked Jordan and were perfectly happy to cut the visit short. They had been keeping track of the rides Lillian had wanted to go on, so with plenty of daylight left, they simply continued the day at the amusement park. Lillian's mood was as bright as ever, her face lit up with a happy smile, seemingly unaffected by her time with Jordan. That evening, Camila came home unusually early. As she walked in, she saw her parents and Lillian were already back, with the elders feeding the little girl pieces of fruit. Earlier that day, Camila had overheard Barbara Jones's angry voice on a call and, assuming she was about to bully Lillian, had been ready to charge over. But then she heard her daughter's clear, confident voice defending herself, and she’d stopped in her tracks, her heart swelling with a mix of sorrow and pride, her eyes welling up with tears. Her Lillian had healed so much. Even without her mommy right there, she could stand up for herself. Lillian's firm words had calmed Camila down, and she’d decided not to intervene. Still, she had called her parents as a precaution, telling them to bring Lillian home immediately if the Smiths continued to cause trouble. Fortunately, her parents had messaged her a short while later to say that Barbara Jones and Mason Smith had left. Now, seeing them home, Camila asked, “Why is Lillian back so early today?” “Your father and I thought it was a bit strange too,” Melissa said. “The park was crowded, so we didn't get too close, but we knew there was some kind of confrontation. We asked Lillian about it later. Apparently, someone bumped into Jordan Smith and called him a cripple. A man as proud as him probably couldn’t stand the humiliation and left early.” Dennis arrived just in time to overhear the conversation. He didn’t comment, but after dinner, while he was sitting with Lillian as she drew, he gently asked her about what had happened. “What exactly did they say, Lillian? Do you remember the conversation?” he asked in a soft voice. Camila looked from Lillian to Dennis, wondering why he was bringing it up. She thought the matter was closed. Whatever Jordan's reasons were, it was best if he just stayed away. Lillian, always obedient with her father, thought for a moment and then recounted the conversation almost word for word. She tilted her head. “That’s what happened. Then they apologized, and Nathan let them go.” After hearing the story, Camila was also puzzled by Jordan’s reaction. A man like him hadn’t pressed charges? He let them go with just an apology? When had he become so lenient? She kept her questions to herself. Later, once Lillian was engrossed in her art, Camila and Dennis stepped out onto the balcony. “Why did you ask Lillian about all that?” she asked. Dennis let out a soft laugh. “Because,” he said slowly, “I think I've achieved my goal.” “Hmm?” Camila looked at him, confused. “What goal?” Dennis's voice was laced with a smile. “To make certain people realize their own inadequacies, recognize their failings, and then retreat in shame.”