Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 464

“Jess, have you heard? There’s this party coming up—a real big deal. Word is, the mayor’s attending, some top military brass, and even a few of the country’s wealthiest people. Is it true?”

Jessica Harris smiled at her friends’ skepticism, swirling her coffee in its mug. “It’s true, but it’s not just any party. Someone’s having a birthday.”

“Whoa!”

Just a birthday? The girls gawked, wide-eyed. “Whose birthday could pull in that kind of guest list?”

“Seriously,” another chimed in, “I can’t even imagine pulling off something like that for my own twenty-first.”

Jessica grinned at their over-the-top reactions. “It’s for Ms. Davis.”

A stunned silence. Then, “Wait—ex-Mrs. Smith?”

Jessica shot her a look. “Careful, don’t call her that. She’s the owner of Miracle Meds now—plus a partner at N. Z. Tech. And her mentor? The Miracle Doctor himself. Trust me, those titles are way more impressive than being someone’s ex-wife.”

Her friends nodded, now sheepish. “You’re right. My dad’s always praising her, says she’s the kind of woman I should look up to.”

“Same here,” said another. “She’s basically the poster child for our generation. My mom uses her as an example every time I mess up.”

“I really admire her. And you too, Jess! You two are the real deal—boss ladies for real.”

Jessica laughed, loving the praise. “Listen, the best thing a woman can do is make her own name—be someone people talk about for who she is, not just because she’s Mrs. Somebody.”

“Totally,” someone agreed. “I’m gonna start correcting myself more.”

Jessica smiled and turned to the sales clerk behind the jewelry counter. “I’ll take this one—could you wrap it up for me, please?”

The group chatted as they left, their laughter echoing. In the private room next door, Sandra Taylor and her friends sat awkwardly, the air heavy. The girls there tried not to snicker, but the tension was thick.

Sandra—face stormy—couldn’t help but suspect Jessica had said all that on purpose. Everyone knew Jessica and Camila Davis were tight; Jessica always had Camila’s back, especially in public.

Sandra had been feeling smug lately, thanks to Jordan Smith’s renewed attention. But Jessica’s words stung, making Sandra feel like a clown—showing off her new bag like it meant something.

And she wasn’t wrong. Jessica’s group had overheard Sandra being flattered next door, so they’d decided to put on a little show for Camila’s sake.

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