Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 38

That cold, detached way of addressing him—so distant, so formal—it made the space between them feel even bigger.

But Camila Davis didn’t seem surprised by his reaction.

Honestly, she’d already braced herself for his attitude before she even dialed his number.

She’d known Walter Wilson for years. Back when they actually got along, they’d started the pharmaceutical brand “Miracle” together—she managed the research and development, while he handled the business side.

In their wild, ambitious youth, she’d sworn she’d lead “Miracle” to the very top of the medical world.

But eventually, for Jordan Smith, she changed careers.

That was the first time Walter ever truly exploded at her, raging that she was throwing away everything she’d worked for, all for a guy—a guy, no less! He’d called her reckless and stupid.

But at that time, Camila was head over heels for Jordan. She ignored Walter’s warnings, stubborn as ever.

She’d even told Walter, sworn up and down, “Jordan Smith is my new purpose. I believe in him!”

And now, well, time had passed, and reality had hit her hard.

Camila sat there, a mess of emotions, weighed down by guilt whenever she thought of Walter.

She hesitated, but finally got to the point: “Do you have time to meet up sometime?”

On the other end, Walter was silent for a moment, then shot back, “Nope. I’m swamped. My schedule’s packed tighter than a Thanksgiving turkey. If you want to see me, you’ll have to book an appointment six months in advance!”

Flat-out rejection. No hesitation. Just a reminder of how things stood between them now.

Camila felt a sting of disappointment, a little lost.

She’d taken it for granted that things could go back to how they used to be.

She’d forgotten—Walter was now a big shot in the business world himself, with deals from New York to London. He was every bit as important as Jordan Smith.

Meeting him wasn’t so simple anymore.

Not to mention, he was still angry with her.

He probably didn’t even want to see her face!

Camila dropped her gaze, apologetic. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have bothered you. I’ll let you get back to your day…”

She was about to hang up.

But Walter, suddenly flustered, snapped, “Time and place, Camila! If you don’t tell me where and when, how am I supposed to show up?”

And then, his tone turned gruff again: “Is this how you invite people? Hanging up in the middle of a conversation? Have I spoiled you too much or something?”

That familiar, irritable voice caught Camila off guard.

But it melted away the wall she’d put up.

When did Camila grow such a backbone?

Was she just playing hard to get, hoping Jordan would beg her to return?

Suspicious, Sandra went to find Jordan’s assistant, Nathan Gates. “So, Camila’s really not coming back? Is she still mad? Do you know what she’s been up to lately?”

Nathan, knowing how much Sandra mattered to the boss, answered promptly, “As far as I know, she’s just been at home with the kid—barely leaves the house except to take Lillian for walks. Doesn’t seem like she’s planning on coming back.”

He didn’t know Camila that well outside of work, but he’d seen enough to know she was serious and professional—when she tackled something, she never did it halfway.

If she was letting go, she must really be done.

Sandra nodded with a poker face, but inside, she was sneering.

Giving up so soon? Pathetic.

She hadn’t even had her fun yet…

—

That afternoon…

Camila left Lillian with the family nanny and headed out to meet Walter at the café.