Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 448

Because Dennis Williams finally spoke up.

He glanced at Cynthia Lee, his expression cool and distant. “Just say whatever you have to say. Larry Adams isn’t an outsider.”

Clearly, he was taking Larry’s side.

Cynthia felt a twinge of frustration, but when it came to Dennis, she knew better than to push back. She took a breath, steadied herself, and started, “I just wanted to ask if you’re coming back to Willow Creek with me this time?”

She tried to keep her tone casual, but everyone knew there was more beneath the surface.

“The house is so big, and Grandpa Williams has been living there all alone. Things are… well, quiet. He really hopes you’ll come home, you know? He’s getting older, and lately, whenever he gets sick—even just a cold—he misses family more than ever. Especially you.

He told me your job in Harrisburg isn’t as busy now, so I thought maybe… just maybe, you’d think about coming home. Last time, when he was feeling unwell, I happened to be there and stayed to look after him all day. Even while he was sleeping, he kept saying your name…”

Cynthia had played her cards well—the sympathy angle, the family card. She knew exactly what to say to tug at Dennis’s heartstrings.

Across the table, Larry Adams shot Dennis a look that said, “I knew it.” He couldn’t help but be curious, waiting for Dennis’s response.

But Dennis didn’t give Cynthia the answer she was hoping for.

He replied, voice steady and cool, “I’ve already discussed coming back to Willow Creek with Mr. Morris. I have my own plans. As for Grandpa Williams missing me, I asked the butler about it. Turns out, the old man was just grumbling about me in his sleep—couldn’t help but curse me out, even in his dreams.”

He shot down everything Cynthia had just said.

Larry nearly choked on his clam chowder, barely managing to keep himself from spitting it out.

Cynthia hadn’t expected such a blunt answer and couldn’t hide the embarrassment flickering across her face. Still, she didn’t dare contradict Dennis.

Of course, she desperately wanted him to come home with her. Their families had an agreement—a marriage arrangement that had been hanging over their heads for years. But Dennis was always away, never settling down, always out of reach.

She didn’t just want the engagement. She wanted Dennis himself.

Before she’d come, Mr. Morris had promised her: if she could convince Dennis to come home, the Williams family would finally formalize the engagement.

Cynthia was still young; she shouldn’t have to rush these things. But rumors had been swirling around Willow Creek lately that Mr. Williams had found a new flame. Cynthia was anything but indifferent.

Other socialites in Willow Creek had started to mock her, saying she called herself Dennis’s fiancée, but in reality, it was just a fancy title—Dennis had never shown any real intention of marrying her.

Cynthia couldn’t stand it. She was getting desperate.

Cynthia’s face drained of color. She had no idea how to smooth things over.

Sensing the tension, Larry finally intervened, trying to lighten the mood. “Come on, Cynthia, don’t mind Dennis. He’s always like this. Try the steak, it’s really good…”

With just a few words, he managed to defuse the situation, steering Dennis away from his irritation.

Cynthia didn’t dare speak again. She just focused on her food, keeping her head down.

When dinner ended, the three of them left the restaurant together.

Even though Cynthia had upset Dennis, he was still a gentleman, and instructed his driver, “Take Ms. Lee back to her hotel.”

Cynthia felt humiliated. She hadn’t even been invited to Misty Vale Villa, and now she couldn’t even get Dennis to give her a ride himself.

Unwillingly, she got into the car, watching Dennis’s silhouette disappear in the distance. Jaw clenched, she pulled out her phone and called Juan.

“When I get back to Willow Creek, keep a close eye on Dennis for me. I want to know everything he does—right away, no matter what.”

She wanted to see if he treated that woman named Brown the same way he treated her.