Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 720

This year’s event was massive—several of the Brown family branches had brought out their most prized heirlooms.

Harper Thompson and I found quite a few treasures ourselves!

Harper’s infectious enthusiasm put Camila Davis in a good mood, and she nodded, joining the conversation. “I did some browsing. Picked up a few gems, actually. Did you two already go up for the challenge?”

Benjamin Torres shook his head. “Not yet. We’re still waiting for someone.”

No sooner had he spoken than Harper Thompson interjected, voice sharp with a hint of mockery. “Benjamin, you’re not thinking of putting her up against Ms. Roberts, are you? Let’s not kid ourselves. The Roberts family’s ancestors were royal physicians—an unbroken line of medical expertise. Camila’s talented, sure, but there’s no way she stands a chance against Ms. Roberts.”

The unspoken implication was clear: medical school credentials couldn’t compare to the Roberts family’s pedigree.

Jarvis Peters, standing nearby, couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Harper’s tone. Something about the way she spoke sounded so passive-aggressive.

He turned and asked Camila quietly, “Camila, who is she, exactly?”

Camila gave a quick introduction. “These are my colleagues. This is Benjamin Torres, and this is Harper Thompson…”

As she spoke, Dennis Williams cast a casual glance at the two of them. Sharp as ever, he immediately noticed the way Benjamin looked at Camila—there was something more than friendship in his eyes. As for Harper, her hostility toward Camila was practically radiating off her.

Dennis’s gaze cooled, unreadable behind his glasses. Camila, oblivious, finished her introductions and turned back to Benjamin. “So, do you know Lavinia Roberts?”

“We do,” Benjamin replied, not bothering to hide anything. “My family is actually distantly related to the Roberts. To be honest, the Torres family used to be one of the reputable medical houses, too. We fell on hard times, though. Now, thanks to our ties with the Roberts, we’re barely clinging to the old reputation. The invitation I gave you earlier? I got it through them.”

“I see,” Camila said, unsurprised. Anyone admitted to the research institute usually came from a well-connected family.

Harper didn’t recognize Dennis, but she knew Jarvis. Seeing him, she was startled. “Mr. Peters, what are you doing here? And—” She glanced at Dennis, her tone turning confrontational. “And who are you supposed to be? You think just because you say so, the Welch family will call off the engagement?”

Harper stopped mid-sentence, her expression freezing. The bravado drained from her as she really looked at Dennis for the first time. He was breathtaking—his features chiseled and striking, as if sculpted by the hand of God himself. Broad-shouldered, lean, impeccable in a tailored suit, he radiated an effortless authority that made even Mr. Welch pale in comparison.

Earlier, when he’d spoken to Camila, he hadn’t faced Harper directly, so she hadn’t seen his face. Now, seeing him head-on, she was stunned. Her heart skipped a beat.

Who was this man to Camila?

Harper’s mind raced with questions, but Dennis didn’t spare her a glance. After his one curt statement, he remained silent.

Jarvis, however, grinned and stepped up to her. “You really don’t want to know who he is,” he teased. “If I told you, it’d probably scare you half to death. But here’s what I can say—he’s Camila’s boyfriend. Lavinia Roberts made the mistake of crossing her a moment ago, so who knows what’ll happen now. You might as well stop waiting—she’s not coming.”