Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 760

Seeing what was happening, Jerry Davis hurried forward, trying to take the luggage back. “You’re being too polite—really, I can handle my own bags…”

But Dennis Williams wouldn’t have it. He took the lead, pushing the luggage ahead of them, and replied over his shoulder, “It’s no trouble, really.”

Dennis’s driver, quick on the uptake, stepped up immediately to help load the bags into the car.

Lillian, holding her mother’s hand, piped up in her sweet, childish voice, “Grandma, Grandpa, we’re all family—no need to be so formal!”

Her grandparents didn’t think too much of her words, just beamed as they scooped Lillian into their arms. “Oh my, Lillian, you’ve grown so much! Did you miss Grandma and Grandpa?”

The little girl nodded, her eyes bright with happiness. “I did!”

Overhearing, Dennis turned back to Lillian, “How about you ride with Grandma and Grandpa, Lillian?”

She nodded, all smiles. “Okay!”

Camila Davis glanced at her parents and said, “Mom, Dad, it’s getting late. Let’s get something to eat first—I’ve already made a reservation. After dinner, we can head back and get you settled, all right?”

“Sure, we’ll leave it to you,” they replied without hesitation.

With everyone in agreement, they each got into their respective cars and headed to the restaurant.

Forty minutes later, everyone was seated in a private dining room, the table already laden with food.

Dennis Williams, usually rather reserved, was uncharacteristically attentive tonight. He encouraged Mr. and Mrs. Davis, “Please, don’t stand on ceremony—help yourselves. This place serves authentic Cabinda cuisine.”

Jerry Davis’s smile never faltered as he turned to Dennis, “You should eat, too, Mr. Williams. We know Camila wouldn’t be here, thriving in Cabinda, without your support. Really, we ought to thank you—for looking out for both Camila and Lillian.”

Melissa George chimed in, her tone warm, “Absolutely! I was so worried when she first decided to come out here, but clearly, I needn’t have been. Lillian’s doing so well, and we owe so much of that to you.”

She added with a laugh, “Lillian even thinks of you as her dad. You’ve gone above and beyond.”

Hearing this, Camila felt a twinge of guilt.

Dennis just gave a small, easy smile. “It’s nothing, truly—it’s my pleasure. Lillian’s a wonderful little girl. I’m very fond of her.”

Like all grandparents, they loved hearing praise for their granddaughter, and Dennis’s words made Mr. and Mrs. Davis beam with pride.

Melissa kept piling food onto Dennis’s plate. “You eat, too, Mr. Williams. Don’t forget yourself.”

“Thank you,” Dennis replied, making no effort to be overly polite. Too much formality, after all, would only make things awkward.

When dinner was finally over, Dennis drove everyone home. Before leaving, he turned to Mr. and Mrs. Davis: “You two must be exhausted after the journey. Please, get some rest. I’ll come by to visit again soon.”

Though still a little dazed, the older couple couldn’t bring themselves to be anything but polite to the man who had helped their family so much.

Melissa replied gently, “Thank you, Mr. Williams. Safe travels.”

“Thank you,” Dennis nodded, then signaled for his security detail to carry the luggage inside.

He didn’t linger, taking his leave quickly.

Once he was gone, Camila ushered her parents inside. As they went to retrieve their luggage, they discovered that Dennis’s people hadn’t just delivered the bags—they’d slipped in a whole collection of expensive gifts as well.

Camila noticed, too, equally surprised. She had no idea when Dennis had arranged all this.

Jerry and Melissa quickly averted their eyes, pretending not to notice. They called for Susan to take Lillian for her bath, leaving the three adults alone in the living room.

Suddenly, Camila found herself growing tense.

Jerry Davis let out a long sigh, then spoke up, “Camila, come sit down. Let’s have a talk.”