Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 708

“I heard Jordan Smith is planning to stay in Cabinda for a while—something about seeking medical treatment.”

“Apparently, his legs are completely paralyzed. There’s nothing the doctors in Harrisburg can do, so he wants to try his luck in Cabinda.”

“I have my doubts that he’s really here for treatment, though. My mom told me Barbara Jones still can’t get over the fact that Lillian refuses to acknowledge her father. She’s been pushing Jordan to go and bring Lillian back.”

“She even said, ‘No member of the Smith family’s bloodline should be left out in the world.’”

“So my guess is, Jordan’s real reason for coming is Lillian. Keep an eye on her. Be on your guard.”

“I’ll be in Cabinda for work in a few days.”

Camila Davis scrolled through the messages, her brows knitting tighter with every line.

So, she hadn’t been mistaken after all.

That shadow she’d glimpsed really was Jordan Smith.

He was here in Cabinda—and, incredibly, he’d come for Lillian.

The thought alone sent a rush of anger burning through her chest.

What right did the Smith family have to try and reclaim Lillian now?

When Lillian was sick and helpless, they wanted nothing to do with her—worried her illness would shame their family name. Now that she was healthy and thriving, suddenly they couldn’t wait to snatch her back?

Not a chance. Over her dead body.

Lillian was her daughter, and hers alone. She’d never hand her over to the Smiths.

If Lillian needed a father, then Dennis Williams was the only one she’d ever recognize.

Pressing her lips together, Camila forced herself to calm down and quickly typed a reply to Walter Wilson.

“I understand. I’ll keep a close eye on Lillian these days. Thanks for the warning. When you get to Cabinda, dinner’s on me.”

After hitting send, Camila slipped her phone away, but the storm of emotions still lingered on her face.

Dennis Williams was the first to notice.

He was about to ask what was wrong when Cynthia Lee came through the door, and he let the question die on his lips.

Everyone had finished eating, and Larry Adams went to pay the bill.

The rest of the group stepped outside to wait for him.

Cynthia Lee and Audrey Williams walked together. When Cynthia made no move toward her car, Audrey asked, “Nancy, how are you getting home?”

Cynthia answered easily, “My driver brought me tonight, but I sent him away since I figured I wouldn’t need him later. If I call him now, he’ll be stuck in traffic. Mind if I catch a ride with you guys?”

She glanced, not-so-subtly, at Dennis Williams. “Dennis, you’re heading home too, right?”

Her intentions couldn’t have been more obvious.

“Dennis, why don’t you and Camila head out first?” Larry offered, springing forward to open the car door.

Camila eyed him suspiciously. Why did it feel like he was trying to hurry them along?

At that moment, voices drifted from the restaurant entrance. “Mr. Smith, have a safe night. I’ll be at your office first thing tomorrow to sign the contract.”

A cool, familiar voice replied, “That’s all right, no need to see me off.”

Everyone turned at once.

Camila’s gaze landed on the wheelchair—the one she’d glimpsed before, and the man she’d hoped never to see again.

Jordan Smith.

He hadn’t lost any of his cold, imposing presence; if anything, the sharp edge to his demeanor had only grown. Even confined to a wheelchair, he radiated an intimidating air.

Illness had left him thinner than before, a certain frailty clinging to his frame, but nothing could diminish his air of privilege and authority.

Camila’s heart skipped a beat.

Walter Wilson’s warning still echoed in her mind, and now here he was—Jordan Smith, standing before her only minutes later.

In that instant, she and Larry Adams shared the same thought:

What rotten luck.