Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 781

Dennis Williams’s face was unreadable as he looked up at his grandfather, his tone measured and resolute. “Because I love her. Every single thing about her fits exactly what I’ve always looked for. There isn’t another person in this world who matches me the way she does.”

The elder Mr. Williams looked like he might blow a gasket. Clenching his teeth, he snapped, “Why can’t you raise your standards a bit?”

Dennis’s reply was calm, almost indifferent. “I already set the bar as high as it goes.” He paused, then continued, “Grandpa, Camila is exceptional. She’s every bit as talented as the daughters of those families you keep introducing me to. Plus, she’s a graduate of medical school—with a background as solid as anyone’s. And as for looks, I’ve never met anyone as beautiful as her.”

His grandfather’s expression darkened, barely containing his anger. “She’s got you under some kind of spell, hasn’t she? That’s the only explanation for why you’re so fixated on her!”

Taking a slow, steadying breath, the old man tried to reason with him. “Dennis, you’ve always been a rational boy. Why are you so stubborn about this?”

Dennis’s expression didn’t waver. “This isn’t stubbornness. I just know what I want. You’ve always taught me to think for myself, haven’t you?”

The elder Mr. Williams pressed on, determined. “But Camila Davis isn’t a good match for you! Don’t think I haven’t heard the talk going around. She’s been suspended from the research institute. She made a mistake and hasn’t even shown remorse. I’ll admit, she had some redeeming qualities before. But now? I don’t see any left. And yet you’re still set on her? Do you know what people are saying about you? They’re saying you could have anyone, and yet you’re settling for someone nobody else would even consider!”

His voice rose, the last words barely more than a hiss forced through clenched teeth. Just thinking about it made his blood boil. His grandson had always been the family’s pride and joy—no matter where he went, Dennis was met with praise. When had anyone ever looked down on him like this?

But Dennis only shrugged. “I don’t know, and honestly, I don’t care. What other people think isn’t my concern. But let me set something straight: you’re a wise man, Grandpa. Don’t believe every rumor you hear. You raised me to think for myself and judge people on my own. I know exactly who Camila is—better than anyone. The situation at the institute wasn’t her fault, and as far as I know, the investigation isn’t even over yet. No one has the right to pass judgment until it is. Besides…”

He picked up a chess piece and placed it on the board, landing on a critical square. The entire game shifted in an instant. Without missing a beat, he asked, “Grandpa, don’t you trust my judgment?”

His grandfather glowered, brow furrowed deep. Of course, Dennis had never misjudged people before—but Camila Davis was different. He just couldn’t accept her as family.

“Can’t you just listen to me on this? Marriage isn’t something to take lightly!”

The old man’s voice was tense, his worry plain.

Dennis nodded, his tone gentle but unwavering. “Grandpa, you can’t force love. I hope you’ll come to understand that.”

The butler, who had witnessed the entire argument, felt a pang of sympathy. “Mr. Williams, every generation has to find their own happiness. Albert’s grown up now; he can make his own choices. You don’t have to carry the burden all by yourself.”

The old man shook his head as he began picking up the chess pieces, sighing deeply. “How can I not worry? His mother’s gone, and the Collins family is no help at all. If I don’t look out for him, what if he makes a mistake?”

All this scandal—just because of that woman—had already stained Dennis’s reputation. Who knows what might happen if he kept this up? Would he end up ruined for her sake?

That was a future the old man couldn’t bear to imagine.

The butler hesitated, then spoke gently. “Mr. Williams, you’ve always had great perspective. These rumors—they aren’t worth your concern. Dennis has never cared about idle gossip, and he’s the one who has to live with his choices. Isn’t that what matters most?”

But the elder Mr. Williams was too caught up in his own worries to listen.

Meanwhile, Dennis left the estate, heading straight for Eagle’s Peak.