Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 126

As soon as Camila Davis heard the commotion, she turned and looked toward the entrance of the banquet hall—only to spot two very familiar figures stepping in.

One was Mr. Harris.

Tonight, he wore a classic three-piece suit, had traded his wheelchair for a dignified cane, and though his movements were slow, he carried himself with a formidable, upright presence.

By his side was Jessica Harris, dressed in a deep navy evening gown that sparkled like a midnight sky. Her shoulder-length hair was curled to perfection—elegant, but with a touch of sharp confidence.

Their arrival set off a fresh wave of whispers and exclamations among the guests.

“Is that Ms. Harris? I can’t believe she showed up! And next to her—Mr. Harris himself? Only the Smiths could pull off inviting someone like him!”

“That’s definitely Mr. Harris! But honestly… I doubt he’s here just for the Smiths. Didn’t he show up in a wheelchair at the last gala, just to support Mrs. Smith?”

“No way—are you saying Mrs. Smith actually knows the Harris family?”

“Knows them? Mr. Harris is said to be a huge fan of hers! That big Harris project? It was handed over to Mrs. Smith, if you believe the rumors…”

People gossiped in hushed, astonished tones, some not quite believing what they saw.

After all, it made sense for the Smiths—a top-tier family—to have dealings with the Harrises, who were practically American aristocracy, influential in politics, the military, and business. But Mrs. Smith? The story went that she wasn’t anything special. So how could someone so “ordinary” get close to a powerhouse like the Harrises?

Yet, here was reality, proving them all wrong.

Mr. Harris and Jessica Harris didn’t linger at the entrance. Instead, they headed straight for Camila Davis.

And when they reached her, Mr. Harris’s usually stern expression melted into something warm, even fatherly. “Camila! Good to see you again!”

Jessica Harris smiled, too. “Ms. Davis, I heard today’s your daughter’s birthday. Hope you don’t mind us crashing the party?”

Camila was genuinely surprised to see them—but she quickly put on a bright, welcoming smile. “Of course not! Mr. Harris, Ms. Harris, it’s an honor to have you here for my daughter’s birthday!”

She turned to her little girl, Lillian, who was still beaming after opening a present from Walter Wilson. “Sweetie, come say hello—this is Mr. Harris, and this is Jessica.”

Lillian, still riding the high of receiving gifts, wasn’t shy at all. She piped up in her sweet, childish voice, “Hello, Mr. Harris! Hello, Jessica!”

“Well, would you look at that!” Mr. Harris grinned, clearly delighted. “This little one is just adorable—takes after her mom for sure. Jessica, bring over the gifts we brought for her, will you?”

Jessica smiled, snapped the box shut, and gently pinched Lillian’s cheek. “She’s precious! I liked her the moment I saw her.”

Seeing there was no refusing, Camila finally nodded. “Alright then. On behalf of Lillian, thank you, Mr. Harris and Ms. Harris. If you ever need anything from me, just ask.”

The three of them chatted and laughed, completely at ease, while the rest of the guests looked on in disbelief.

Mrs. Smith—friends with the Harrises? And being gifted such extravagant presents? A pearl necklace and a custom charm bracelet? That was next-level luxury.

Even the Smith family themselves were stunned.

“When did Camila Davis get friends like this?” someone whispered.

After all, the Harrises might not have the same vast fortune as the Smiths, but they were an old, established family—people you just didn’t get chummy with overnight.

Mason Smith and Barbara Jones, the Smith family heads, couldn’t hide their shock. They’d heard rumors about Camila’s connection to the Harrises, but seeing it for themselves was a whole different story.

Still, Mason Smith was the patriarch of the Smiths. After a moment’s hesitation, he stepped forward, putting on his best host smile. “Mr. Harris, we’re honored to have you at our family’s celebration. Since you’re here, please let us make sure you’re properly taken care of tonight.”