Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 696

The food arrived quickly, since they'd already ordered on the way over.

As they ate, the conversation naturally drifted back to Lillian.

Camila Davis soon learned the ins and outs of how they managed childcare.

Whenever Dennis Williams was free, he insisted on picking Lillian up from school himself. If he was caught up at work, Susan would step in. When Dennis had to travel and couldn’t take Lillian along, Larry Adams and Sarah Brown took over.

With those two, things were a lot more relaxed—meals, snacks, games, and outings were all arranged without a hitch. Amusement parks were a particular favorite, and Lillian always had the time of her life.

If even Larry and Sarah were unavailable, Dennis would bring Lillian to The Smith Group office or find some new activity for her to try—horseback riding, skiing, museum trips. The sheer variety of experiences left Camila genuinely surprised.

Sarah grinned. “You wouldn’t believe it, but all of Cabinda is convinced that Mr. Williams is the ultimate super dad. Since you haven’t shown up much, some people even started to wonder if he was just after the kid all along, and you were just a bonus. I mean, it’s a lot easier to pick up a baby than to find the right partner, isn’t it?”

Camila laughed at the thought.

Dennis raised his eyebrows. “People are really saying that?”

Clearly, this was news to him.

Larry was practically doubled over with laughter. “Ever since you and Camila went public, a bunch of debutantes have been green with envy. Now, you’ve got a whole new wave of married women swooning, too. I mean, who wouldn’t want a devoted husband who’s successful, respected, and amazing with kids?”

Dennis’s gentle, doting fatherly image had clearly made a deep impression.

Some women had even joked about wanting to remarry just for a chance at a dad like him.

Sarah exchanged a look with Camila, adding, “Honestly, Camila, when you’re not around, Mr. Williams becomes even more of a hot commodity. People call him a real-life unicorn—the gold standard among all the eligible bachelors.”

Camila hadn’t expected to come back after a busy stretch only to discover she suddenly had a whole new set of rivals. Classic Dennis.

As everyone tucked into their food, Camila leaned close to Dennis and whispered, “Mr. Williams, could you maybe… dial down the charm a little when I’m not around? I’m worried I won’t be able to fend off the competition next time we go out together.”

Dennis’s eyes sparkled with amusement. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his voice soft and full of warmth. “Don’t worry. I’ll always be there to protect you. Besides, no matter how dazzling the world is, I only have eyes for you.”

A separation that long—wasn’t he worried about their relationship?

Most long-distance couples could at least stay in touch. But with those confidential projects, sometimes people went years without any contact, only sending occasional status updates.

Camila looked at Dennis, waiting for his answer.

But Dennis didn’t respond. For a moment, the private dining room fell silent.

Finally, Dennis glanced up at Larry, his tone casual but unmistakably final. “Just eat your dinner. Why all the questions?”

Larry immediately wilted, not daring to say another word.

Sensing the tension, Sarah quickly jumped in to smooth things over. “Don’t jinx it, Larry. Camila hasn’t even started on any top-secret projects yet. No need for all these what-ifs.”

With a mock glare, she stuffed a piece of chicken into Larry’s mouth. “Now be quiet and eat.”