Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 499

As soon as Sandra Taylor got home, the very first thing she did was hop into the shower.

Sure, what happened with Alexander was thrilling—but what worried her more was that Jordan Smith might pick up on something.

Meanwhile, over on Camila Davis’s side, things had finally started to settle down after all the commotion about “the master” hit the news.

The Smith Group had tried to stir the pot, but with enough time, people on the internet moved on to new gossip. Nobody stays obsessed forever, especially since the officials kept quiet, which only made folks question if there was ever anything real to begin with.

Mr. Morris was just hoping the whole thing would blow over, and honestly, so was Camila. She wasn’t thrilled that people were dragging her into it, but she figured the best thing was to just ignore it. If she did anything, she’d only be dragging attention back onto Mr. Morris again.

After a few days of acupuncture and some good old-fashioned rest, Mr. Morris was looking much better. That meant Camila was hustled back into her usual busy work schedule.

Once Dennis Williams returned, Lillian’s therapy plan was back on the table.

But this time, since Dennis had an injury, Camila wasn’t about to send him and Lillian out and about. She figured they could handle everything right at home.

She talked it over with Dennis, who agreed. “That works,” he said. “I’ll have Aaron bring Lillian over to my place.”

“I can drop her off too,” Camila offered.

Misty Vale Estate was a row of sprawling, stand-alone mansions. Even though they were neighbors, every house had plenty of space between them.

Dennis’s home was by far the most lavish. Outside, there was an enormous manmade lake, a sweeping golf course, and even a helipad. The grounds were just as impressive as his summer place on the coast.

When little Lillian arrived, her eyes went wide with curiosity at every corner of the house.

Dennis smiled, taking her hand gently. “How about a boat ride around the lake?” he suggested.

The lake here was beautiful—a real showstopper. It wasn’t just a plain oval pond; there were rock gardens, arched bridges, weeping willows, and even a charming gazebo overlooking the water.

The lake was crystal clear, with little patches of water lilies and reeds swaying beneath the surface. Schools of fat, colorful koi darted through the greenery.

Down by the dock, an old-fashioned wooden rowboat was tied up. Lillian had never been on a boat before, and her eyes lit up with excitement.

“I want to try!” she said, practically bouncing on her toes.

Dennis grinned, clearly pleased. “Alright then, let’s do it.”

Soon, the three of them were out on the lake. Dennis took up the oars, and even found a little paddle for Lillian, showing her how to move it to make the boat go forward, back, or turn.

Without thinking, she leaned way over the side, reaching for the paddle, completely forgetting about safety.

Camila’s heart nearly stopped. She lunged for Lillian, terrified she’d topple into the lake.

But in her rush, she shifted the boat too quickly. The little rowboat lurched dangerously.

“Watch out!” Dennis called, grabbing Lillian just in time before she could fall.

But Camila lost her balance, and with a loud splash, she tumbled right overboard.

“Mommy!” Lillian shrieked, her face pale with fear.

Dennis quickly steadied the boat, keeping it from flipping, then set Lillian down next to him. “Don’t worry, sweetie, I’ll get your mom. Just sit tight, okay?”

Lillian had never seen anything like this before. She was trembling, but she nodded bravely. “I’ll stay still. Daddy, please save Mommy!”

---