Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 754

She didn’t beat around the bush. “Aren’t you busy this afternoon?”

Eric Morris looked completely unbothered. “I’m on vacation.”

Camila’s heart gave a little jolt. “Is it because of me? Did I get you into trouble?”

Eric shook his head. “No, I requested the time off myself! I’m staying away to avoid any hint of favoritism. This way, no one can accuse me of covering for you. We both know we have nothing to hide, but some people will always find something to gossip about. By not going into the lab, I’m keeping my distance, so in the future, no one can say I meddled.”

He finished with a dismissive snort, as if the whole situation didn’t deserve another thought.

Camila felt a tightness in her chest.

She lowered her eyes, apologetic. “I’m sorry. This is all because of me…”

The people at the institute used to look up to her mentor, Eric. No one ever dared question his integrity. But now, because of her, even he was being scrutinized.

Eric, however, wasn’t the least bit bothered. He shook his head and grinned. “Come on, we’re family. There’s no such thing as ‘trouble’ between us. Besides, I’m not one of those workaholics desperate to keep busy every second. This is the perfect chance for a few days off! I can play chess, sip some tea, maybe go fishing… and best of all, I get to spend time with my favorite granddaughter.”

He paused, a look of longing crossing his face. “You know, I haven’t seen Lillian in ages. Next time she’s free, bring her over to keep me company, will you?”

“Of course,” Camila promised.

Seeing Eric so cheerful and relaxed, completely unbothered by any supposed trouble, Camila finally felt some of the weight lift from her shoulders.

It felt so good.

Since she’d come back, Eric hadn’t blamed her for anything. Instead, he’d given her only trust and gentle reassurance, even going out of his way to comfort her.

Her own anxious heart finally began to settle, soothed by her mentor’s calm.

After lunch, knowing Eric always took an afternoon nap, Camila didn’t want to disturb him. She got ready to head home.

He knew everything.

His information network was almost uncanny.

She thought back on her day—standing her ground at the institute, apologizing to Eric like a contrite child, terrified of dragging him into her mess. All those tangled emotions she’d worked so hard to hide behind a calm mask.

In front of everyone else, she’d kept up the brave façade. But now, with Dennis, it was as if all her strength had been poked through, deflating in an instant.

She couldn’t hold it in any longer. Her nose stung with the threat of tears.

Finally, she just buried her face against his chest, her voice muffled and tinged with hurt.

“I didn’t do anything wrong. I know it wasn’t my data…”