Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 439

Given the complexity of the situation, Dennis Williams decided not to jump to any conclusions for now. He figured it would be best to take a closer look at Lillian later.

The Smith family—Jordan, Barbara, and their son—were all stunned, their faces frozen in disbelief after hearing Lillian’s words.

Of the three, Jordan Smith looked the worst. His own daughter had just declared she didn’t even recognize them?

Barbara, after her initial shock, quickly turned red with anger. She snapped at the little girl, her voice sharp and hurt: “Lillian, how can you say something like that? We’re your grandparents, and your dad is right here! How could you just go around calling someone else your father?”

Barbara’s mind immediately jumped to Camila Davis. She was sure Camila had put these ideas into Lillian’s head. Her anger only grew hotter. “What on earth has Camila been teaching her? And where the hell is she anyway?!”

Sarah Brown, who had been standing nearby, couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. “You’ve got some nerve, Barbara! If it weren’t for everything you people have done, Lillian wouldn’t be like this in the first place. You know she’s still recovering. But you—your whole family—ignored her right in front of her face, doted on someone else’s kid, and acted like she didn’t matter. Have you forgotten so quickly?”

She gave a bitter laugh. “Honestly, with the way you Smiths behave, I’m not surprised she’d rather call someone else ‘dad.’ Hypocrites like you are exactly what’s wrong with this world. Ugh, disgusting!”

Barbara’s face turned beet red. Jordan and his son didn’t look much better.

Meanwhile, Larry Adams, standing quietly off to the side, had watched the entire scene unfold. He could feel the tension radiating from Dennis—he seemed even colder and more withdrawn than usual.

Finally, Larry stepped forward and addressed the Smiths directly. “Mr. Smith, I’m Lillian’s teacher. We’ve met before. Let me give you some advice: if you really care about Lillian, you and your family should leave. Ms. Brown is right—Lillian was making progress, but your actions keep setting her back. She’s just a little kid. How much more do you expect her to take? Is this really how family is supposed to treat each other?”

He continued, his voice calm but cutting, “You never gave her the love she needed, and now you’re angry when someone else does? The only thing you seem to care about is your own pride. The Smiths are the wealthiest family in Pittsburgh, but is this really the best you can do?”

Jordan’s expression shifted. For a brief second, it seemed like guilt flickered in his eyes. Maybe, just maybe, their actions had pushed Lillian to this point. But the feeling passed as quickly as it came. Maybe this was all just an excuse to get them to leave.

Barbara clutched her chest in outrage. She jabbed a finger at Larry, her voice trembling with fury. “How dare you insult the Smith family! You’re just a teacher—who do you think you are?!”

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