Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 128

While the room buzzed with whispers and suspicion, Lillian was completely unbothered by the commotion around her.

Her whole world, at that moment, was Lightning.

She hadn’t seen her little pup in days, but Lightning still remembered every command she’d ever given him.

No matter what she asked, he responded right away.

The two of them—one girl and her loyal dog—played together so sweetly that a few of the women at the party nearly melted on the spot.

From across the room, Daniel watched with clear envy.

He had no clue what a “service dog” really was, but that dog? He wanted it, badly.

Lillian had already gotten a mountain of birthday presents tonight—if he managed to snatch this one, surely Dad Jordan wouldn’t mind.

With that in mind, Daniel strolled over, eyes glinting with greedy anticipation.

Lightning, as if sensing something wasn’t right, immediately shifted from cuddly to vigilant. His short legs planted firmly in front of Lillian, he bared his little teeth and let out a warning bark at Daniel.

Daniel wasn’t fazed. He looked right at Jordan Smith and asked, cool as can be, “Dad Jordan, can I play with Lillian’s puppy too? I love pets!”

Before Jordan could answer, Barbara Jones jumped in with a doting smile. “Daniel likes dogs too? Of course you can play together. Lillian, let your cousin have a turn with your puppy, won’t you?”

Lillian’s face fell instantly.

But Lightning’s from Uncle Joe, she thought, pouting.

Now that he’d been given the go-ahead, Daniel got bolder. He darted forward, reaching for Lightning.

Lightning dodged away, growling louder.

Daniel scowled, muttering angrily, “What’s your problem? Get over here and play with me, or I’ll smack you!”

Lightning seemed to understand every word, his barks growing fiercer, his eyes narrowing.

Fed up, Daniel raised his hand, fully intending to hit the dog.

But Lightning was done playing nice. With a sudden leap, he knocked Daniel to the floor and raked his sharp little paw across Daniel’s cheek.

Daniel shrieked in terror, the shock written all over his face. “Mom! Dad Jordan! Help me!”

Lillian, terrified for Lightning, cried out in her tiny voice, “Lightning, come back!”

Lightning instantly retreated, tucking himself behind Lillian, every inch of his small body ready to protect her.

Daniel, meanwhile, was wailing so loudly it echoed through the house.

Jordan Smith and Sandra Taylor rushed over to check on him.

Larry shook his head, voice icy. “I’d suggest you stop provoking him. Otherwise, he’ll never forget your face. Every time he sees you, he’ll bite.”

Barbara Jones scowled. “Why keep such a dangerous animal around? Throw him out!”

Camila shot back, “Dangerous? You saw him—he was protecting Lillian! And with all these people here, why’d he only go after Daniel? Maybe you should pay more attention to your kid’s behavior.”

The other guests exchanged glances, murmuring their agreement.

The little service dog had been perfectly friendly until Daniel started trouble. Who could blame the dog?

The atmosphere shifted—now the Smith family found themselves on the receiving end of some very pointed looks.

Jordan realized it was time to quit while he was behind. He took a deep breath and stopped Sandra. “Let’s just take Daniel to the hospital. He needs a shot for that scratch.”

Sandra was still fuming, but she knew they’d lost the upper hand. She gathered Daniel in her arms and stomped out.

The guests could only shake their heads—what a scene!

The once-proud Smiths, outdone at their own party by Camila and her little protector.

Mason Smith and Barbara Jones, feeling every pair of eyes on them, looked like they’d swallowed a lemon.

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