Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1005

Camila instantly understood Dennis's strategy. From the very beginning, he had never needed to resort to schemes or tricks. He could effortlessly eclipse Jordan Smith without lifting a finger. There was no competition because Jordan was not in his league. The more Jordan tried to reconnect with Lillian, the more he would be confronted with his past failures as a husband and a father. He would see how much Lillian had grown—how poised, intelligent, and kind she had become—and realize he had played no part in it. He would see a child who was more mature and principled than he had ever been. All of this was no miracle; it was a testament to Dennis's influence. It was Dennis who had healed Lillian, Dennis who had patiently guided and educated her, shaping her into the exceptional person she was. Faced with this undeniable reality, Jordan's lifelong arrogance was bound to crumble. But Camila felt no sympathy for him. She stood on her toes and pressed a soft kiss to Dennis's lips. He raised an eyebrow, silently asking the reason for the kiss. Camila’s eyes shone as she smiled up at him. “Dennis, meeting you is the greatest luck I've ever had.” Her tender words made his gaze soften even more. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into an embrace. Leaning in, he gently nibbled her earlobe and whispered in a low, husky voice, “And discovering you, my pearl, is the greatest luck of my life.” The air was filled with a gentle warmth, their eyes reflecting the deep affection they shared. Meanwhile, after returning to his hotel, Jordan Smith had grown even more withdrawn. He instructed Nathan Gates to pack their things and book flights back to Harrisburg. Barbara Jones was in disbelief when she heard the news. Ignoring Nathan's attempts to stop her, she stormed up to Jordan and demanded, “Jordan, what is going on? Why are we suddenly going back to Harrisburg? Weren’t things going well with Lillian? Are you giving up on your daughter?” Jordan looked at his anxious mother, his expression heavy. After a long silence, he said, “Lillian is doing very well here. She’ll be fine with or without me. Camila will take good care of her. There's no reason for me to stay. Also, I’ve contacted a doctor overseas. I'm going abroad for surgery on my legs in a few days. As for Camila, I want you both to stop bothering her.” He seemed to have finally accepted that Camila would never treat him. Lillian’s actions that day had shown him just how wrong he had been. He no longer dared to dream of her forgiveness. Mason Smith was also surprised by his son's announcement. He didn’t try to stop him but asked with a serious expression, “What are the risks of this surgery? What’s the success rate?” Jordan saw no reason to hide it. “Ten percent.” It was incredibly low, practically a guarantee of failure, but he felt he had to try. Mason and his wife’s hearts tightened. “That low? What happens if it fails?” Jordan didn’t answer, but the implication was clear: failure meant permanent paralysis. He would never walk again. The color drained from Barbara Jones’s face. When she found her voice, she vehemently objected. “No! I absolutely forbid it!” She couldn't bear to watch her son become permanently disabled. But Jordan’s tone was final. “My decision is made.” He turned to Nathan. “Prepare for our return to Harrisburg. Book the tickets.” “Yes, sir.” Nathan understood the weight of this decision and knew how much the day’s events had affected his boss. He said no more and left to make the arrangements, leaving Barbara Jones feeling as if her world was collapsing.