Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 194

Hearing him say that, the uneasy feeling that had just started bubbling up in Camila Davis faded away, just like that.

Of course.

Her Lillian was such a sweet, thoughtful little angel.

Camila knew her daughter could always tell who truly loved her.

Camila nodded, immediately reaching out to comfort her little one. “It doesn’t hurt, honey. It’s just a little red, that’s all. Don’t worry, okay?”

Lillian didn’t look convinced—her tiny brows were all scrunched up in worry.

Camila couldn’t help but find her adorable. She leaned down and kissed Lillian on the forehead, then held out her hand, “How about you help Mommy make it all better? If you blow on it, I bet the pain will fly away!”

Lillian nodded earnestly and puckered up, blowing hard on Camila’s wrist.

Her little cheeks puffed out like a marshmallow, lips a rosy red, and her face so serious—it was impossible not to chuckle just looking at her.

Camila’s heart melted.

Even Dennis Williams, who usually looked so reserved and distant, found himself softening, the chill in his eyes replaced by a gentle warmth.

Lillian kept blowing until the waiter finished bringing out their dinner.

The rest of the meal went smoothly. No one brought up what had happened downstairs.

Camila let herself forget all about Jordan Smith.

Worrying about a man who didn’t trust her? That was just a waste of good energy.

***

Meanwhile, Jordan Smith was still fuming as he left the restaurant.

The moment he got in the car, he turned to his assistant, Nathan Gates. “Find out who that guy is. I want to know everything.”

Usually, that didn’t bother him. But tonight, it felt… off.

When had this place stopped feeling like home? There was no one waiting to ask if he’d had a long day, no sweet little girl running up to call him Daddy.

Only the butler appeared, bowing politely. “Mr. Smith, you’re home earlier than usual. Would you like the kitchen to prepare you something?”

Jordan realized he hadn’t eaten. Normally, he rarely came home for dinner, but whenever he did, there’d always be a hot bowl of soup waiting for him.

Tonight, after that argument, he had no appetite. “No, just bring me some soup.”

The butler paused, looking a bit flustered. “I’m sorry, sir. The kitchen didn’t make any today.”

Jordan calmly began unbuttoning his shirt sleeves, saying absently, “How come? When Camila was here, she always made sure there was soup.”

The butler hesitated, then explained, “Mrs. Smith used to make those herself—special herbal broths, tailored for you depending on how your day went. If you were tired, she’d make something to help with that, or if you’d worked late, she’d make something to boost your energy… Now that she’s not here, the chef doesn’t know how to prepare them properly. Even if he tried, he wouldn’t be able to balance the flavors—and they’d end up too bitter to drink…”