Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 606

Very quickly, she found herself locking eyes with a pair of striking, beautiful eyes.

Camila Davis froze for a split second.

Even with a bit of distance between them, she recognized that woman right away—Cynthia Lee.

Last time Camila had come to Newport, they’d run into each other in the restroom at a fancy restaurant.

They’d chatted a bit about Dennis Williams, so Cynthia had left quite an impression.

But they’d never really interacted beyond that. Camila knew who Cynthia was, but it wasn’t likely the feeling was mutual…

Or so she thought—until Cynthia Lee started walking straight toward her.

Camila didn’t budge, standing calmly in place, her gaze cool and steady as she watched Cynthia approach.

Cynthia really was the picture of a high-society princess—elegant, graceful, with that classic kind of beauty that seemed made for debutante balls and charity luncheons.

She walked with effortless poise, stopping right beside Camila and greeting her first. “Ms. Davis, standing all alone? You don’t really seem like you fit in with this crowd, do you?”

Camila hadn’t expected Cynthia to make conversation. And there was something about her tone—a little too friendly, a little too knowing.

The fact that Cynthia called her by name so easily… Well, that made it clear: she knew exactly who Camila was.

So her coming over probably wasn’t just a casual hello.

Camila kept her face neutral and replied, “Just waiting for a friend.”

Cynthia took a look around the room, her eyes settling on Sarah Brown, who wasn’t far off.

She said coolly, “Trying to break into Newport’s upper crust, huh? Even with someone showing you the ropes, outsiders never have it easy.”

She gave a little shrug. “Newport’s social scene isn’t quite the same as Harrisburg’s. Your friend’s probably going to get the cold shoulder from a lot of folks tonight.”

“In my opinion, if you don’t fit the crowd, it’s better not to force it, don’t you think? It pays to know your place.”

Camila heard the dig loud and clear. Cynthia wasn’t talking about Sarah—she was talking about her.

But Camila just laughed quietly. “Is that so? Personally, I don’t think it’s all that hard. At the end of the day, people go where the money is. As long as there’s business to be done, you’ll always find a way into the circle.”

She seemed almost eager to clarify, saying, “Yes, he turned it down. But that’s only temporary. Our engagement will be back on soon enough.”

Camila was taken aback by her certainty. She’d expected Cynthia to be more confrontational, but she was cooler and more collected than Camila had imagined.

“Do you know why?” Cynthia stared at her intently.

Camila met her gaze with a polite smile. “I’d love to hear your reasoning.”

Cynthia’s pride was practically tangible. “Because we’re equals. We come from the same world. Dennis only broke off the engagement because he got confused—he’s always been responsible, kind, and maybe a little too compassionate sometimes.

I’ve known him since we were kids. He acts all aloof and uninterested, but he’s got a sense of duty. Back in Harrisburg, he helped you out when you were in trouble because that’s who he is—a good person.

Maybe during your time together, he got caught up in some feelings—maybe he even broke off the engagement for you. But that’s not love, Ms. Davis.

Dennis isn’t the type to fall for someone easily. What you two had? It’s like when he sees a stray kitten in the rain—he feels bad, so he holds out an umbrella for a little while. But when the rain stops, he keeps walking.”

She looked at Camila pointedly. “Tell me, Ms. Davis—do you know how people in Newport’s high society see Dennis?”