Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 286

Even though… okay, it was true—she *did* have low blood sugar.

But the way he treated her like a kid, fussing over her and all, just made her feel kinda embarrassed.

Camila Davis hurriedly opened the car door and hopped out, saying goodbye. “Drive safe, Mr. Williams. I’m fine, so I’ll just head up. See you after the holidays!”

She waved and disappeared into the hotel lobby, not looking back.

Dennis Williams watched her go, unable to hide the grin on his face.

Up in the front seat, Aaron, the driver, just stared for a second.

Why did the air suddenly feel so… sweet?

Must’ve been those jellybeans she was holding.

***

Camila all but sprinted down the hall to her hotel room. Just as she reached the door, she practically bumped into Walter Wilson, who was just about to knock.

He looked genuinely surprised to see her coming from the elevator, arms full of shopping bags. “You’re up early! And loaded down, too. Feeling any better?”

Last night, after the charity event, he’d stopped by to check on her. He’d knocked for ages, but she hadn’t answered, so he figured she’d just crashed out and didn’t want to disturb her.

Now here she was, bright and early, out and about.

Camila didn’t say much about what happened last night. No need to make Walter worry—she was fine now, anyway.

She nodded. “Much better. I just need to keep taking my meds and I’ll be good. Oh, and this—” she held up a box wrapped in sparkly paper, “—is a New Year’s gift for Lillian.”

Walter visibly relaxed. “Glad you’re okay. Well, get ready—we have a contract to sign later, and I booked our flight back to Harrisburg this afternoon. Once we’re home, you start your holiday break. Seriously, rest up. No more burning the candle at both ends.”

“Got it,” Camila agreed easily. She dropped her stuff in her room and headed out with Walter.

His father huffed, eyes wide. “If you’d actually managed that, I wouldn’t have to drag you to these parties! Every eligible young lady in town was there, and you still managed to escape.”

Dennis shrugged out of his blazer, looking thoroughly unbothered. “You never believe me anyway. I’m going to shower.”

“Hold it,” his father said sternly, stopping him with a look. “You know why I sent you to that gala. After New Year’s, I want you to stay in Cabinda. Enough running off to Harrisburg.”

Dennis’s expression stayed calm. “I’ve still got work to finish.”

His father crossed his arms. “Your projects don’t take that long. No need to live in Harrisburg full-time. Your home is here, with us!”

He waved his arm around, gesturing at the sprawling estate. “Look at this place—huge house, just me rattling around. Doesn’t it bother you?”

Dennis smirked. “What, doesn’t Uncle’s family, the staff, the bodyguards—don’t they count as people?”

---