Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 598

Lillian fidgeted, twisting her fingers together for what felt like ages before finally looking up at her dad. “Do I have to go to school?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dennis Williams didn’t give her the usual answer. He didn’t say, “Of course you have to.” Instead, he said, “You don’t have to go, but running away from things isn’t the right way to handle them. And it’s definitely not what brave kids do…”

He said it so gently, so patiently, that Lillian didn’t even get upset. She just stared at him, listening intently.

He continued, “You know, the other kids at school are just like you—polite and sweet. If there’s ever a problem, you guys can talk it out. It’s never going to turn into a food fight or anything crazy.”

“And if it does get that far, there are teachers—like Mr. Adams—who’ll step in and help. And if for some reason that doesn’t happen, you can always come to me. If anyone ever picks on you, I’ll be there to protect you, Lil.”

Lillian nodded, still not totally convinced. Her little face was all scrunched up with worry.

Dennis grinned and teased, “What, you don’t trust me?”

She shook her head furiously, “I do! I trust you, Daddy. But… if I go to school, will you take me?”

She looked up, her eyes wide and hopeful.

Dennis’s voice was warm and reassuring. “Of course. If you want to be brave and give school a try, I’ll walk you there myself—pinky promise.”

Hearing this, Lillian’s whole face brightened. “Then… I wanna try! I’ll go to school!”

Dennis felt a wave of pride and gave her chubby cheek a gentle pinch. “That’s my girl. Let’s take a few days, though, so you can get ready, okay? When you feel good about it, I’ll be right there with you.”

“Okay!” she chirped, bouncing on her toes. “Yay! Daddy and Mommy can take me to school together!”

Lillian was so happy, she had to tell Lightning, her trusty golden retriever. She grabbed his paw and spun around in the living room, giggling as Lightning barked along.

Watching this little victory dance, Camila Davis just stood there, stunned. Seriously? That was all it took? After all the persuading and pep talks she’d given, this was it?

She couldn’t help but wonder if Lillian had been playing her a little, just to get Dennis to promise he’d take her to school.

Dennis noticed her expression and laughed. “What’s with the face?”

Since he brought it up, Camila changed the subject. “I, um, stopped by the research center today. Saw my old mentor.”

Dennis nodded. “Did everything go alright? No trouble with anyone?”

She smiled, “No, everyone was nice. But my mentor mentioned you donated a bunch of medical equipment to the center. Was that what you meant about ‘paying a price’?”

Dennis looked unsurprised. “Yeah. NextGen Technologies does a lot of work with the government, including stuff for hospitals. On paper, it looks like we’re just losing money. But really, it’s about building partnerships.”

He continued, “When I said the cost wasn’t much, that’s what I meant. In the long run, it’s worth it. It means NextGen has a stake in the future, and it also makes sure you’ve got some backup at work. I’ve never worked in a research center, but I know there are always a few people who make trouble for newcomers.”

He gave her a pointed look. “This new team you’re joining? Some of the old-timers weren’t happy about it. They might give you a hard time. But now, if anyone wants to mess with you, they’ll have to think twice.”

He met her eyes, his voice soft but steady. “Camila, I asked you to come all the way to Cabinda because I wanted you here. I don’t want you to worry about anything. I want you to be able to do your job, show them what you’re capable of, and never have to look over your shoulder.”

Camila felt a warmth spread through her. For the first time, she realized just how much Dennis was looking out for her—and for Lillian, too.