Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 727

So stubborn, as always.

Camila Davis could only sigh and reply, “Sorry to disappoint you, but he’s not taking on any students. And honestly, Father Morris isn’t as young as he used to be—he just doesn’t have that kind of energy anymore.”

At that, Jarvis Peters immediately protested, “Father Morris? Old? No way! The man’s still spry as ever! I saw a photo of him recently—he looks no different than a guy in his twenties!”

That was some truly outrageous flattery.

Camila couldn’t help but laugh. “You can praise him all you want, but it won’t make a difference. He’s retired from teaching. Whatever energy he’s got left, he’s pouring into his research institute.”

“Alright, alright…” Jarvis muttered, unable to hide his disappointment.

If I’d known it would come to this, I would’ve dragged myself to med school years ago—even if Dad had broken my legs for it. Maybe then I’d have had a shot at becoming Father Morris’s protégé.

He let out a long sigh.

Camila watched him, looking for all the world like a deflated balloon, slumped and desolate. She couldn’t help but shake her head.

Despite herself, she felt sorry for someone so eager to learn. After a moment, she relented. “Tell you what—I'll lend you some of the basic medical texts on traditional techniques. You can take a look.”

The words were barely out of her mouth before Jarvis lit up like someone had flicked a switch. “Are you serious? Camila, I heard that loud and clear! You can’t take it back! Mr. Williams, you heard her, right? She promised!”

He was practically dragging Dennis in as his witness.

Fine. Basic texts or not, once I’ve gone through those, maybe the more advanced, rare techniques would come next.

Camila laughed again and nodded. “I mean it. Just come find me whenever you have time.”

“Deal!” Jarvis beamed, then, ever the enthusiast, threw out an invite. “Meeting you today, Camila, was fate. And with fate this strong, how can we not celebrate over a meal together? My treat—don’t argue! After all, we’re practically family now!”

His infectious friendliness even caught Dennis Williams off guard. For once, Dennis didn’t refuse. “Your call, then.”

“Great! I know just the place nearby. The food’s the real deal—follow me!”

With that settled, the group headed out together.

Before leaving, Camila stopped by the restroom to wash her hands. As she came out, she unexpectedly bumped into Jordan Smith.

He was still here?

Camila bristled at his self-righteous tone.

Walter Wilson had warned her that the Smith family only cared about Lillian when it suited them. She’d hoped they’d have at least a shred of decency.

Clearly, that hope was wasted. The Smiths really were shameless.

Her face hardened as she looked him dead in the eye. “Dennis Williams is my boyfriend. If things work out, he’ll be Lillian’s father in every way that matters. Even now, he’s done more for her than you ever have, ‘biological bond’ or not.”

She loathed everything about Jordan Smith.

After everything they’d been through, she wanted nothing more to do with him or his family.

So she didn’t bother with pleasantries.

“Jordan Smith, I once thought you had some dignity—that you’d own your choices. If you made your decision, then stick with it. Don’t come crawling back. What are you doing now? Realizing your precious first love wasn’t all you dreamed, and only then remembering you left behind a wife and a sick daughter with the Smith bloodline? Do you think my daughter and I will just come running because you so much as snap your fingers?

Don’t flatter yourself.

Lillian doesn’t want to acknowledge you as her father. You defended someone else’s child and pushed her away, made her suffer. In her eyes, you stopped being her father long ago. When you rejected her over and over, you made her want nothing to do with you.”