Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 669

Dennis Williams kept his cool and replied, “No, she’s my daughter.”

The guy in charge of the group was Joshua Thompson, head of the Thompson family — one of the big ten in Cabinda. On top of that, he was also Dennis’s old college buddy.

He’d always gotten along well with Dennis and Larry Adams, and was known for being the level-headed, gentlemanly type — the kind of guy you’d trust with your secrets and your car keys.

When Joshua heard Dennis’s words, he looked thoughtful.

Cabinda had been buzzing for weeks with gossip that Dennis was seeing a divorced woman with a kid. Then the rumor mill said they’d split. But here Dennis was, showing up in person with his daughter!

Joshua knew Dennis well. So he just grinned and said, “So this is your little girl, huh? I’ve heard she’s a real prodigy with a paintbrush. I was starting to think you were keeping her hidden away!”

The rest of the guys were sharp enough to catch on.

“Oh, Dennis, your little girl is adorable — she looks just like a porcelain doll!”

“If we’d known you were bringing your daughter, we’d have come better prepared! Didn’t bring any gifts, didn’t even think she’d be here.”

One of them patted his pockets, coming up empty. Suddenly, his face lit up. “Hey, does she like ponies? I could get her the finest little Shetland — she can ride it around the estate!”

Another chimed in, “I just got this new sports car — first time taking it out. How about I hand her the keys?”

Not to be outdone, a third guy jumped in, “I don’t have anything on me right now, but my family’s Misty Vale Villas are about to open for sale. I’ll set aside a unit for her!”

Joshua watched his friends trying to outdo each other and smiled. “She’s got your talent, Dennis. I bought a painting at auction last month overseas — I’ll send it over for her collection.”

He knew exactly where Lillian got her artistic gift — and just how much she mattered to Dennis.

In just a few minutes, Lillian had collected a pile of gifts that would make anyone’s jaw drop.

Dennis raised his eyebrows, but didn’t turn down their generosity. “Alright. I’ll accept these on Lillian’s behalf.”

That was part of why he’d brought her today. Not just to paint, but to show her off a little. The whole city was whispering about his supposed breakup with Camila. Camila was busy, so he’d bring his daughter out instead. Let everyone see for themselves.

These guys were handpicked — not just for their business sense, but for their character. Smart men, all of them. They could tell how much Dennis valued Lillian, which was why they were so quick to offer gifts.

Dennis waved his hand, calling to the little girl standing by the big window. “Lillian.”

What an adorable kid!

Suddenly, Joshua understood exactly why Dennis would claim her as his own. Who wouldn’t want a little angel like this as their daughter?

Without thinking, Joshua slipped off his expensive watch and set it on the table. “Here you go, sweetheart. Sell this and buy all the candy you want!”

That broke the dam — the other guys started pulling off their gold chains and rings.

“Here, honey, take these too!”

“And this one — go buy yourself some toys, or whatever you like…”

Lillian looked even more overwhelmed by the sudden attention, shrinking closer to her dad.

Dennis scooped her up and soothed her quietly. Then he glanced at his friends and said coolly, “Let’s not give her anything used, alright?”

But the guys protested, “Come on, Dennis! It’s for your little princess — you have to take it!”