Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 74

Downstairs, the little kid was still seriously chasing after the puppy, determination written all over her tiny face.

She clearly just wanted to play with that little furball.

But the puppy—a feisty German Shepherd pup—wasn’t having it. He dashed ahead, panting and scrambling, his stubby legs moving so fast they were almost a blur.

The man upstairs watched with genuine amusement for a moment before he casually said, “Go bring her up here for me. I think her name’s… Lillian.”

Aaron blinked in surprise. “How do you know that, sir?”

As far as he could remember, the two brief encounters with the girl had been, well, very brief.

He’d even been there when she brought the painting, and he was certain he hadn’t heard her name mentioned.

The man—Mr. Williams—answered in his usual calm, almost bored tone, “When I was sketching her, I noticed her ID bracelet. Had her name and her parents’ contact info on it.”

Aaron’s eyes lit up in sudden understanding.

Of course. Mr. Williams had always had an uncanny eye for detail—missing nothing, not even the smallest things.

Without another word, Aaron turned and headed downstairs to fetch the girl.

When he returned, Lillian trailed behind him, clutching a half-eaten chocolate chip cookie in one hand, the puppy in tow. Two staff members followed as well, giving polite nods. “Good afternoon, Mr. Williams!”

Mr. Williams dipped his head in reply, but his attention was already fixed on Lillian.

The little girl looked a bit shy at first, but when she spotted him, her whole face lit up with genuine, unguarded joy.

It was the handsome man she’d given her drawing to!

“Hey there. We meet again,” Mr. Williams greeted her, setting his coffee mug on the windowsill and waving her over. “Come here, kiddo.”

Lillian was usually wary of strangers, but for some reason, she felt instantly at ease with him.

She hesitated for barely a heartbeat before trotting right over.

Aaron, meanwhile, was a little put out.

Lillian looked nervous but eager. She bit her lip, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Noticing her nerves, Mr. Williams asked gently, “Want me to help? You can hold my hand if you like.”

Without hesitation, Lillian slipped her small hand into his.

Mr. Williams grinned and guided her closer to the puppy.

As soon as the scent of snacks hit the air, the German Shepherd pup perked up, tail wagging furiously. He scooted right over and gently took the crackers from Lillian’s outstretched palm.

Lillian’s whole face lit up—she was over the moon, not taking her eyes off the dog for even a second.

After the last cracker disappeared, Mr. Williams said, “See? He’s not so tough. Now that he knows you’re a friend, you can try petting him—right here.”

He pointed out the spot behind the puppy’s ears, and Lillian, now brimming with confidence, reached out with a delighted giggle.

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