Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 150

When he was still fuming inside, Daniel finally came running out of the play area.

As soon as he spotted Jordan Smith, he hurried over, eager to show off. “Dad Jordan, look! Check out this Lego spaceship I built!”

He was clearly fishing for some praise.

But Jordan Smith’s eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. “I called you earlier—why didn’t you answer me?”

Daniel froze, caught off guard by the sternness.

Sandra Taylor put on her best mock-scolding voice. “Daniel, Dad Jordan wasn’t feeling well and called for you. What were you doing? Why didn’t you check on him?”

Daniel snapped out of his daze and stammered, “I—I didn’t hear you, honest.”

Jordan’s expression was still grim. “You shouldn’t get so lost in play that you ignore everything else. That’s not a good habit!”

Sandra chimed in, “That’s right, sweetheart. You get way too into your games sometimes. Next time, pay more attention, okay? Now say sorry to Dad Jordan.”

Daniel nodded quickly, eager to please. “Dad Jordan, I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean it. I promise I won’t zone out like that again!”

But Jordan Smith’s anger didn’t just melt away.

Sandra watched, feeling uneasy.

Usually, Daniel just had to be a little cute, and with a bit of coaxing from her, Jordan would forgive him in no time. But tonight, she saw something different—a flicker of impatience in Jordan’s eyes.

She clenched her hands, anxiety creeping in.

No way. She hadn’t worked this hard to become part of the Smith family just to let everything fall apart now.

She quickly sidled up to Jordan, her voice soft and sweet. “Come on, Jordan, don’t be upset. This is really my fault. I’ve always taught Daniel to focus on what he’s doing, so maybe that’s why he didn’t notice you. I’ll have a talk with him later. Let’s go eat, okay? I made all your favorites tonight, and I’ll stay over to take care of you. You’re not feeling well—I don’t want to leave you alone.”

In the end, Jordan couldn’t resist her gentle persuasion and finally nodded.

Dinner went by, and Sandra and Daniel got to stay the night.

After his shower, Daniel was in high spirits, running to pick his room for the night.

He instantly set his sights on Lillian’s old room and asked, “Dad Jordan, can I stay in here?”

The room was filled with the coolest stuff—limited edition action figures, rare collectibles. For a kid his age, it was impossible not to want it all. The longing and greed in his eyes were plain as day.

But Jordan didn’t seem to notice. He just glanced around the room.

Camila Davis had decorated the place with cozy, playful touches. Everything was spotlessly tidy.

After a pause, Jordan said, “This room hasn’t been cleaned for days. It’s dusty. Pick another one.”

Sandra’s heart sank a little as she watched her son’s request get turned down.

She didn’t understand. Why had Jordan’s attitude changed so much in just a few days? Was it just because Camila Davis had moved out? Did that really affect him this much?

If this kept up, did she still have a chance?

Panic flickered through Sandra’s mind, and a bold thought crept in.

If she could spend the night in his room, maybe things would go back to the way they were.

The trainer watched, astonished.

He realized Lillian’s hand signals were textbook, but she’d streamlined some steps, making her commands faster and more efficient.

He turned to Camila, amazed. “Has this little one ever learned animal communication or training?”

Camila shook her head. “Not formally. But she has talked a bit with Mr. Williams about some techniques.”

The trainer nodded, understanding. “That explains it! Mr. Williams is a genius at this stuff. And honestly, Lightning is picking up commands that most adult K9s can’t handle! Plus, your daughter picks things up lightning-fast—she might have a real gift for working with animals.”

Camila was taken aback.

Another gift?

She already knew Lillian had a knack for drawing, and a sense for music—and now this? All of it, nurtured by Mr. Williams.

Did he know all along? That would be…almost scary.

While Camila marveled to herself, the trainer upped the difficulty for Lightning.

Lillian toddled along helping, her efforts making the trainer’s job twice as easy.

By the end of the day, Lightning had learned a bunch of new maneuvers, from attack drills to scent tracking and searching.

He’d leveled up, big time.

As they wrapped up, the trainer told Camila, “Keep bringing him in for regular training. Give it three more months, and your little guy here will be able to protect your daughter from just about anything—even a full-grown adult won’t be a match for him!”