Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 657

The moment Audrey Williams’ name was mentioned, a flicker of softness crossed Dennis Williams’ usually frosty eyes. His expression, for once, relaxed just a touch—something that very few people in the world could accomplish.

Cynthia Lee knew this all too well. That’s exactly why she’d dropped Audrey’s name in front of him, hoping to stir things up a bit.

A smug warmth blossomed in Cynthia’s chest. She thought she’d finally played the right card.

But before she could say anything else, Dennis’ tone cooled right back down. “Aunt Martha will take care of the details. If Audrey’s coming back, trust me, she’ll have thought of how to celebrate before the rest of us. She’s never been the flashy type anyway—she’d probably prefer we keep things simple. I don’t have any suggestions.”

Old Mr. Williams, Dennis’ grandfather, had expected that with Cynthia showing up in person, his difficult grandson would at least show some basic courtesy. Maybe even try to be polite.

No such luck. Dennis remained stubbornly aloof.

The old man’s face soured. He grumbled, “You’re not even trying! Some big brother you are. Nancy’s much more thoughtful than you’ll ever be.”

Cynthia felt a little better hearing the old man side with her.

She jumped in, smoothing things over. “Dennis has just been so busy lately, Grandpa Williams, you know how it is. Don’t be too hard on him. I’ll talk to Charlotte, we’ll work out the party details together.”

Her tactful words finally coaxed a smile back onto the old man’s face. “That’s why you’re my favorite—always so considerate.”

Dennis ignored the praise directed at Cynthia. He knew what his grandfather was after—just the usual, tired family politics.

Just then, the butler came in to announce that dinner was ready. Dennis seized the opportunity to duck out, heading to wash his hands.

When he sat down at the table, he didn’t spare Cynthia a glance. Instead, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Camila Davis: “It’s getting late. Still working? Don’t forget to eat something.”

No reply—Camila was probably still busy.

Grandpa Williams, clueless about who Dennis was texting, just saw his grandson glued to his phone and grew even more irritated.

“No need to be so formal,” Cynthia replied, her spirits lifting—at least he hadn’t outright refused.

But as the meal wound down, Dennis never touched the soup. Cynthia’s heart sank, but she kept her smile fixed in place, determined not to show it.

After dinner, she should have said her goodbyes. But it was so rare to see Dennis, she couldn’t bring herself to leave. Instead, she brewed a cup of Earl Grey for Grandpa Williams and suggested, “Why don’t I join you for a walk, Grandpa? The doctor says a little exercise after dinner is the secret to a long life. You’ve just recovered, remember—you shouldn’t sit right down after eating.”

She glanced at Dennis, hoping to include him. “Dennis, you should come, too. Grandpa would love the company.”

The old man certainly had no objection. In fact, he was all too happy to create an opportunity for the two of them. He’d heard plenty of rumors about Dennis and that other woman. Maybe, just maybe, things between them really were over. Frankly, he hoped so.

If there was a chance to nudge Dennis and Cynthia closer, he’d take it.

Just as Grandpa Williams was about to call Dennis to join them, Dennis looked up, his tone even. “You know, Grandpa, the home gym is fully outfitted just for you. I even hired top trainers—Pilates, calisthenics, yoga, you name it. Maybe you should give those a try instead.”