Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 609

The thought alone made Cynthia Lee’s face turn even paler.

After listening to Cynthia, Natalie Morris pretty much had the full picture.

Of course, she was solidly in Cynthia’s corner.

Someone like Mr. Williams—seriously, what are the chances he’d fall for a divorced woman?

In their social circle, everyone just assumed he was way out of reach for anyone but the absolute elite.

If he ever did fall for someone, it’d have to be a woman on the same level as the Williams family. Period.

Someone like Camila Davis? Divorced, single mom, extra baggage in tow? Not a chance.

Natalie tried to comfort Cynthia, saying, “Nancy, don’t let your mind run wild. Mr. Williams probably just used that woman as an excuse to turn down the proposal. You know what he’s like—not the kind of guy who lets anyone make decisions for him, least of all about something as big as marriage.”

“As for him being into that woman...”

Natalie glanced Camila’s way a few more times, honestly unimpressed. Sure, the woman was pretty, but there were plenty of women in their circle who were even better looking.

All things considered, Camila didn’t stack up to any of the girls from back home.

And, if she was being honest, Natalie felt a sting of jealousy she couldn’t quite explain. The more she looked at Camila, the more annoyed she got.

Cynthia had her family connections, which was the only reason she even had a shot at Mr. Williams.

Some of the other society girls in Cabinda were jealous too, but without that family tie, there was nothing they could do.

But Camila Davis? Divorced, with a kid, and she somehow caught Mr. Williams’ attention?

Natalie felt a twist in her gut, like she’d watched a flawless diamond get dragged through the mud.

Inside, she started to plot how to get Camila humiliated and out of their circle.

She leaned in closer to Cynthia, lowering her voice. “Want to put her in her place? Make it clear this isn’t the kind of crowd she belongs in? That someone like Mr. Williams is way out of her league?”

Cynthia’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “You have a plan?”

Natalie nodded, a sly, almost wicked smile on her lips.

***

Meanwhile, Camila Davis had no idea she was about to be caught up in someone’s scheme.

She was still chatting with Sarah Brown. “So, how’s it going? Everything alright?”

She kept her expression cool and waited for him to speak first.

His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he greeted her with a little too much enthusiasm. “Ms. Davis, hi there!”

Camila frowned slightly. “Do I know you?”

He didn’t seem fazed at all. With a practiced smile, he said, “Jonathan Allen. The Allen Group. You probably haven’t heard of me, but I’ve definitely heard of you.”

He leaned in a little. “You’re Jordan Smith’s ex, right? From the Smith Group over in Harrisburg? Saw you in the news a couple times—have to say, you look even better in person.”

Camila’s voice was icy as she asked, “Did you need something, Mr. Allen?”

She didn’t know much about the Cabinda social scene, but even with his self-introduction, he rang no bells. And frankly, everything about his tone and gaze made her uncomfortable.

Jonathan just grinned, unfazed by her cold shoulder. “Oh, nothing much. Just thought I’d invite you for a drink. Not every day we get someone as beautiful as you at a Cabinda party. Hanging out in a corner all by yourself—seems like a waste.”

Camila could hear the sleaze in his voice and looked even less interested.

But since she didn’t know who he really was and didn’t want to start drama, she answered politely, “Thanks, Mr. Allen, but I’m here with a friend. She’ll be done soon, and we’re heading out after. I’ll pass on the drink.”

Jonathan acted like he hadn’t heard her refusal at all. “Oh? Your friend? Where is she? I’d love to meet her too.”