Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1016

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Nathan Gates didn’t say a word as he pushed Jordan Smith’s wheelchair down the stairs.

Dennis’s men had already cleared a path. Dennis walked right in, confident and unhurried, his black coat making him look sharp and in control. His good looks gave nothing away, his face calm but cold. He didn’t need to lift a finger—every guard in the place knew he was the most dangerous man here. There was something about him, an air of authority that made it feel like if he ever decided to make a move, no one would stand a chance.

Jordan’s expression turned icy when he saw him. “Just what are you doing here, Mr. Williams? Are you planning to break in and play the thief? We could call the police, you know.”

“Call the police?” Dennis’s voice was calm, his eyes barely flickering as he glanced at Jordan. His lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. “Your family kidnapped someone from me, and I didn’t call the police. What right do you have? Thief? Are you sure you aren’t just projecting, Mr. Smith? Or are you hoping the police might give your family a little talk?”

Jordan already knew what Dennis wanted. Camila was upstairs, trying to rest. She hadn’t been this close to him in so long. For the first time in ages, he felt truly at peace. He’d been fighting with himself over whether to just keep her here. It was selfish, but he wanted her with him, always. Now, seeing Dennis show up made that urge stronger than ever. He wasn’t about to let her go. Not just because he wanted her, but because this was his house. He wasn’t going to let Dennis walk in and take over.

Jordan’s eyes narrowed. He turned to his men. “Don’t let them pass. No one gets through unless I say so.”

Dennis’s gaze went cold. “You’re the one who broke our agreement, Jordan. Your family took Lillian from Cabinda without asking. The visiting rights you had—they’re gone. And taking someone without consent? That’s kidnapping. Holding Camila here is illegal too. If you care at all about your family’s reputation, you’ll let her go. If not…”

He didn’t finish, but everyone got the message. The tension in the air was undeniable. Dennis’s presence seemed to fill the room, making Jordan feel small, especially now that he was sitting in a wheelchair, looking up at his rival. His own frustration and pride hardened his face. He wasn’t backing down.

“If you think you can take her, Mr. Williams, go ahead and try. The Smith family isn’t so easy to deal with.”

Jordan’s order sent his bodyguards surging forward, blocking Dennis’s way. Dennis didn’t even flinch. He signaled to Aaron, his men ready to force their way through if they had to. He’d come to take Camila back, and he wasn’t leaving without her. The Smith family’s resistance didn’t scare him at all.