Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 549

As she spoke, Sarah’s heart ached all over again. She wrapped her arms around Camila Davis in a comforting hug, saying, “Hey, Camila, it’s really okay. Guys are everywhere—if you miss out on one, there’s a hundred more waiting. Seriously, there’s plenty of fish in the sea!”

“If it comes to it, I can set you up with someone else. You know Jordan’s got this friend? Super sweet, totally your type—”

But before Sarah could start listing names, Camila burst out laughing and quickly cut her off. “Alright, that’s enough, Mother Theresa! I’m not ready to date anyone right now!”

She nudged Sarah off her shoulder, rolling her eyes. “Now get off me, will you? Susan left breakfast for us in the kitchen, and I’ve got work soon!”

“Alright, alright! I’m going!”

Knowing she’d pushed her luck, Sarah didn’t argue. She shuffled off to wash up and grab a bite, keeping her head down.

After breakfast, Camila tidied herself up and headed out to the research center.

Meanwhile, across town, Larry Adams woke up with a pounding hangover. Blinking in the harsh morning light, he was startled to see Dennis Williams standing in the doorway.

“Dennis? What the hell are you doing here?”

Dennis crossed his arms and stared at him, unimpressed. “Really? You disappear, don’t answer your phone, and I’m supposed to just sit here and wait? For a minute there, I thought you’d gone and done something reckless.”

Larry didn’t argue—because, for a second last night, he really had considered it.

After being lied to for so many years, having the truth drop on him like a piano… Well, of course it messed him up. Especially being betrayed by the people closest to him.

But in the end, reason won out. He just drank himself stupid at O’Malley’s Bar instead.

Thinking back, Larry took a shaky breath. “I’m fine. I just needed to blow off some steam, clear my head. I’ve accepted it. Thanks for dragging my sorry ass home last night.”

Dennis shook his head. “Don’t thank me—if you’re grateful, thank Camila and Ms. Brown.”

“Wait, what? Camila and Sarah? What do they have to do with anything?”

Larry’s mind was a blank when it came to last night. He couldn’t remember a thing about Camila and Sarah.

Dennis explained, “You got wasted at the bar. They found you there and took care of you all night.”

Larry’s smile was cold. “My mother died for nothing. The people who did this are still out there. If things get ugly, that’s their own fault, isn’t it?”

Seeing the determination in Larry’s eyes, Dennis nodded. He believed him.

“Alright, if you’re coming with me, you do things my way. First rule: you clear every move with me. Second: you don’t do anything reckless that’ll ruin your life or get you in too deep. If you agree, I’ll help you. If not, I’d rather see you stay here in Harrisburg and live in peace.”

Larry’s expression softened. He knew Dennis was the only one who truly cared about him, with no strings attached. He smiled, relieved. “I’ll listen to you. Promise.”

“Good,” Dennis said, then started giving instructions. “Take the next few days, wrap things up here—your job, your apartment, whatever. Once it’s all sorted, we head back to Cabinda together.”

Larry wiped his face, not a hint of hesitation. “Alright. I’ll hand in my notice this afternoon, start the handover…”

Dennis nodded, satisfied.

After lunch, Larry headed to the university to start tying up loose ends, while Dennis swung by the base to sort out his own affairs.

At the research center, Camila tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept wandering. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t shake the distraction.