Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 659

Dennis Williams watched through the glass for a moment before quietly pushing the door open.

Inside, Camila Davis was completely engrossed in her work, so focused on the beakers and test tubes in front of her that she didn’t even notice him come in.

He stood behind her for a while, silent and patient, just watching her move skillfully between the equipment.

Finally, when her hands were free for a moment, he spoke up, a teasing edge to his voice: “Didn’t think the lab kept you busy enough during the day? And now you’re here burning the midnight oil? You planning on trading your health for science?”

As he finished, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Camila jumped, startled—she’d been certain she was alone in the lab at this hour. But the familiar warmth of his chest against her back, the scent of his cologne, quickly soothed her nerves.

She turned, giving him a mock glare. “You nearly gave me a heart attack! When did you get here? And why sneak up on me like some kind of ninja?”

Dennis grinned and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I’ve been here for a while. You looked busy, so I figured I’d wait instead of scaring you out of your lab coat. Honestly, I thought you’d notice me eventually. But you were so focused, I could’ve been back here until sunrise and you wouldn’t have known.”

Camila looked sheepish. “Sorry, I tend to zone out when I’m working, especially with this stuff. One wrong move and the whole thing could be ruined.”

Dennis softened, ruffling her hair affectionately. “I’m not mad. Just curious—what’s so urgent that you had to squeeze in extra hours at night? Didn’t you say the Harrisburg team was supposed to take over this project?”

Camila chuckled, shaking her head. “Yeah, that’s what was planned. But this batch is really important. I just… I don’t trust anyone else to handle it. Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ll be done in a few days.”

Dennis pressed his lips together, a hint of a frown appearing. “So does that mean you’ve got more downtime at your main lab, or… you’re just too busy to hang out with me?”

Camila felt a pang of guilt. He was right. When Dennis had been coming home for dinner every night, Lillian had been the happiest she’d ever seen her. Lately, with work piling up, Camila hadn’t even thought to check in on how she was feeling.

“You’re right,” she said quickly. “I promise, I’ll be done with this batch in a couple days. After that, I’ll step back and let the team handle it. I’ll make more time for you guys.”

She looked up at him, remorseful. “I really am sorry. I’ll make it up to you and Lillian. It’s just… these supplements, these recipes I’m working on—they’re for your granddad.”

She paused, glancing at the carefully labeled jars and bottles on the counter. “I haven’t even met him yet, and I want to make a good impression, you know?”

Dennis looked stunned, glancing over at the array of homemade remedies and care packages. He’d assumed she was pulling these late nights for some critical experiment or maybe chasing a big breakthrough—but all this was for his family.

For a moment, he was at a loss for words, guilt mingling with gratitude. He knew Camila’s workload during the day was already crushing, and yet here she was, going the extra mile for someone she’d never even met.