Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 709

Noticing their glances, Jordan Smith turned his gaze in their direction as well.

His face remained calm, betraying not the slightest hint of surprise at seeing them here.

The rest of the group reacted in their own ways.

Larry Adams and Audrey Williams exchanged a look with Camila Davis, then with Dennis Williams. Both of them were in the know, and each carried a measure of concern beneath their composed exteriors.

Cynthia Lee, on the other hand, watched the scene unfold with barely disguised schadenfreude. She hadn’t expected this little bonus—Camila Davis’s ex-husband, of all people, showing up in Cabinda, and running into them here.

Dennis had never cared about that woman’s past before. But if her ex tried to worm his way back into her life, would Dennis really stay so unconcerned?

She could tell from the way Jordan Smith was looking over—there was nothing innocent about his intentions.

Sarah Brown’s reaction was far more obvious; her face openly showed her disdain.

Dennis Williams, too, noticed Jordan Smith.

Unlike everyone else, he only spared Jordan the briefest glance before turning away. Then, as if the man didn’t exist, he reached back and gently ruffled Camila’s hair. His voice was warm as he said, “Let’s go home, Camila.”

It was as if Jordan Smith hadn’t even registered as a blip on his radar.

That simple gesture brought Camila back to herself. She nodded and replied softly, “Alright.”

Taking Lillian’s hand, she climbed into the car. A moment later, their vehicle pulled away, leaving the others behind.

Audrey Williams and the rest soon got into their own cars and headed off.

On the drive home, Camila kept glancing at Dennis beside her, lips parting as if to explain something, but never quite managing to find the words. After all, Lillian was sitting right there—she didn’t want to bring up the past in front of her daughter, afraid it might stir up old hurts.

Dennis seemed to sense her unease. He said nothing, but simply reached out and laced his fingers through hers, holding her hand tightly.

Looking down at their intertwined hands, Camila felt his warmth seep into her, soothing the anxious energy that had been churning in her chest. The uncertainty that had crept in earlier seemed to melt away.

When they arrived back at Eagle’s Peak Estate, Dennis asked the housekeeper to take Lillian upstairs for her bath.

The little girl obediently followed.

Now the living room was quiet, leaving Camila and Dennis alone.

He looked at her, his gaze deep and unfathomable, like a midnight lake.

Dennis cupped her chin, kissed her gently, and spoke softly, “People like that don’t matter. Why let them get to you? Besides, Lillian has me now. No one’s taking away the people I cherish.”

He kissed her again, adding, “And you, Camila—you’re mine, too. Now that you’re here with me, no one is taking you away, either. From the moment you came to Cabinda, you became part of my world, and I won’t let anyone take you from it.”

He pressed one more kiss to her lips, this one long and reassuring.

“Camila,” he said quietly, “the past is behind you. From now on, just look forward and do what makes you happy. Leave the trouble to me—I’ll handle it. All you have to do is trust me. Okay?”

His gentle, magnetic voice lingered in her ears, and Camila felt her heart soften.

He was right. Everything in Harrisburg was just a memory now. So what if Jordan Smith had shown up? If he became a problem, they’d handle it.

The thought made her resolve harden, and she finally met Dennis’s eyes and voiced the worry in her heart. “Honestly… I was afraid you’d mind.”

Dennis’s gaze darkened, but he nodded. “I know. Which means… you deserve a little punishment.”

“Huh?”

Camila blinked, caught completely off guard.