Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 143

Dennis Williams was caught off guard as he accepted the little notebook and glanced at it.

Inside, there was a drawing of an adorable dog.

The style was so abstract it could’ve been inspired by his own questionable doodles, but honestly, it had a certain flair.

“Is this Lightning?” Dennis recognized it right away and smiled encouragingly.

Lillian nodded eagerly, pressing her two index fingers together in front of her, her little face earnest and shy. “Uncle gave Lillian a present, so Lillian wanted to give something back...”

Camila Davis was completely taken aback.

She recognized the drawing. Lillian had worked on it for quite a while.

She hadn’t expected it was to give back to Mr. Williams!

Dennis clearly hadn’t expected it either, but he tucked the drawing away carefully, treating it like a masterpiece. “Thank you, Lillian. It’s wonderful. I love it! Has Lightning been behaving for you?”

Lillian beamed, her voice as sweet as a marshmallow, now bubbling with happiness. “He’s good! He’s my best friend! But...”

She paused, frowning a little, “But yesterday and this morning, Lightning seemed sad. I think he needs something... but I dunno what.”

Dennis was surprised by Lillian’s sensitivity.

He actually knew exactly what was going on with Lightning—the plan was to explain when the time was right. But she’d noticed it herself.

He reached out, his hand gentle as he ruffled her hair. “You’re amazing, Lillian. You can tell Lightning needs something, huh?”

He smiled, “You’re right. He needs to start learning some new tricks now. After all, he’s a little working dog—he’s got his own job to do!”

“If he’s always by your side, he needs to learn to protect you, right?”

Lillian’s eyes widened as she tried to take it all in. “So... Lightning’s gonna be super strong too?”

Dennis chuckled. “Exactly. Next time we have the chance, I’ll bring him to the base so he can start some training.”

Lillian nodded enthusiastically. “Okay!”

While they chatted, Camila Davis stood nearby, amazed.

She was starting to realize just how good Mr. Williams was with kids.

Not only had he inspired Lillian to make him a gift, but he’d also drawn out her sensitivity and curiosity, getting her to ask questions and seek answers on her own.

Camila spent time with Lightning every day too, but she’d never picked up on any of that—no strange barking, no odd behavior. Lillian had never mentioned it to her, either.

But now, Lillian was clearly attached to Mr. Williams, looking to him for guidance!

And his patience with her was honestly impressive.

Camila felt grateful and a little emotional.

She seized the moment. “Mr. Williams, I really want to thank you. You’ve helped Lillian so much, guiding her and helping her grow. I missed you a few times before, but this time, please let me take you out to dinner to say thank you!”

“Seriously! Especially Mr. Adams. He’s so handsome, and so gentle with the kids. He’s got this calm, patient vibe, and always knows how to get the group smiling. No wonder the kids adore him.”

“Right? My little guy never stops talking about Mr. Adams!”

“If I were a few years younger, I’d try my luck myself...”

The conversation started to veer off course. Camila just smiled and didn’t join in.

She led Lillian outside.

Parked by the curb was a gleaming Bentley.

Next to it stood Aaron, the picture of a polished professional.

He wore a silvery-gray suit, perfectly pressed, and stood straight as a board, looking every bit the private chauffeur or executive assistant.

As soon as Camila and Lillian approached, he opened the car door and greeted them politely. “Ms. Davis, Lillian. Good to see you both again. Mr. Williams is waiting—please, hop in.”

“Thank you, Aaron,” Camila said, ushering Lillian into the car first.

As she ducked inside, she caught sight of Dennis Williams.

Gone was the playful costume from earlier. Now, he wore a tailored navy suit that fit him like a glove—broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs. He had a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, the chain draped stylishly over his shoulder, giving him a sophisticated, almost aristocratic air.

Behind those lenses, his usually warm eyes held just a hint of mystery. He looked like he’d just stepped out of a European palace—charming, elegant, and just a little bit untouchable.