Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 127

Barbara Jones chimed in, “Absolutely! With you here, Mr. Harris, this banquet hall feels so much grander. You’ll be joining us for dinner and a toast or two, I hope?”

Mr. Harris had been laughing and teasing Lillian, but as soon as Barbara spoke, his smile vanished in a heartbeat.

Those sharp, commanding eyes of his landed on the couple, cold and distant. “No need. We have other matters to attend to tonight. We’re just here to drop off a gift for Lillian, and now that’s done, we’ll be on our way.”

He couldn’t have made it more clear if he tried—he wasn’t staying for dinner, and he certainly didn’t care about saving face for Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Jessica Harris didn’t even bother to look at them.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s smiles faltered, their embarrassment almost tangible.

Camila Davis didn’t try to smooth things over. She just stepped forward and said, “Mr. Harris, Mrs. Harris, this isn’t really my party tonight, but next time, I’d love to have you both over for a proper dinner.”

“Now that sounds wonderful!”

Mr. Harris’s face lit up instantly, putting on a whole show for everyone about what it meant to switch moods on a dime.

After a few more pleasantries, Mr. Harris and Jessica left with their grandson.

Lillian, meanwhile, was delighted with her gift, clutching the box tight in her little arms and refusing to let go.

Camila Davis smiled at the sight, and was about to make her own exit—when the door opened again.

“Teacher!” Lillian’s sharp eyes spotted the newcomer first.

Camila glanced over and, sure enough, it was Larry Adams.

He wore a crisp white shirt and black slacks—not overly formal, but his easy dignity fit right in with the crowd. In his hand, he carried a sizable gift box.

He grinned as he walked over. “Happy birthday, Lillian! Your teacher brought you another present!”

Lillian’s eyes sparkled, glued to the box, curiosity written all over her face.

Camila, on the other hand, was a bit surprised. “Mr. Adams, didn’t you already give Lillian a present at school today? Another one? You’re really spoiling her!”

Larry chuckled, setting the box down. “Oh, this one’s not from me. I’m just the messenger this time.”

Camila blinked, then caught on.

Someone who could ask Mr. Adams to run an errand… could it be Mr. Williams?

“He—”

She started to ask a question, but Larry held a finger to his lips, signaling her to keep quiet.

He winked. “I think Lillian’s going to love this one.”

This was… a service dog!

The adoption process for those was strict as could be—you needed experience, a stable income, bank statements, a proper yard, even a clean record going back three generations. Ordinary folks never stood a chance.

And this wasn’t just any service dog—Lightning was clearly being trained for future duty!

But here was Mr. Williams, gifting the puppy to Lillian, just like that.

Barbara Jones scoffed at the scene, “It’s just a dog, what’s the big deal? Camila, you really haven’t taught Lillian much about the world, have you?”

Camila’s eyes darkened, about to retort.

But Larry Adams beat her to it. “Actually, this isn’t just any dog. It’s a highly prized service breed, usually never available for adoption. They made a special exception for Lillian and Ms. Davis… You, on the other hand, wouldn’t even qualify.”

Barbara’s jaw dropped.

What? The most prized service dog?

Everyone else was just as shocked.

Who on earth was Ms. Davis, to have someone gift her a dog like this? Was she connected to some big shot in the government or military?

No one had any answers—but it was clear to everyone that Camila Davis was much more than she appeared.