Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 790

The little girl was on her best behavior, thrilled that her dad was really waiting for her. She let him carry her back to her room without a fuss.

Once tucked into bed, she pulled the blanket up to her chin all by herself, looking up in anticipation, ready for a bedtime story.

Dennis Williams picked up the storybook from the nightstand and opened it.

He was no longer awkward like the first time. By now, reading bedtime stories had become second nature to him.

His voice, though still calm and cool, held a warmth and tenderness that hadn’t been there before.

Downstairs, Melissa George found it hard to imagine a man as distinguished and reserved as Dennis Williams reading stories to a child. Over the past few days, she’d heard from both her precious granddaughter and from Susan about the way Dennis Williams cared for Lillian.

She could picture a psychologist treating a child, but it was difficult to picture Dennis Williams in the role of a father to Lillian.

Curiosity finally got the better of her. She tiptoed quietly up to the bedroom door to sneak a peek.

The moment she heard the gentle murmur of his voice and saw the scene inside, Melissa felt a shock ripple through her heart.

Dennis Williams looked completely at ease, his features soft, the very image of a loving father as he spoke to Lillian.

It reminded her so much of the way Jerry Davis used to be with Camila when she was little—a vision of fatherhood she’d always cherished.

Just then, Jerry Davis and Mr. Morris had followed behind her and caught a glimpse of the same scene inside Lillian’s room.

When they all returned to the living room, Melissa called Susan over and asked, “Has Dennis Williams always been like this with Lillian?”

Camila, overhearing the question, couldn’t help but purse her lips, thinking, Why not ask me?

Unaware of Camila’s silent protest, Susan answered honestly, “Yes, ma’am. Mr. Williams has always cared for Lillian and Ms. Davis just like this.

In all my years, I’ve never seen anyone put such heart into being a father. Honestly, he’s a hundred times better than most biological fathers—I swear I’m not exaggerating!”

Melissa fell silent at these words, her mind drifting elsewhere.

That night, after Dennis finished tucking Lillian in and making sure she was sound asleep, he headed downstairs.

By then, only Camila was left in the living room.

Dennis glanced around, then walked over to her and asked quietly, “Where are Mr. and Mrs. Davis, and Mr. Morris?”

Camila took his hand and smiled, “They’ve all turned in for the night. You must be exhausted, Dennis. Thank you for everything today.”

She couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for having Dennis—who still hadn’t been fully accepted by her family—attend their family dinner like this. Even though her parents hadn’t done anything out of line, Camila’s heart still ached for him.

But Dennis just shook his head. “Putting Lillian to bed wasn’t hard at all. She was so sweet—she fell asleep halfway through the story.”

Still, Camila couldn’t let go of her worry. “My parents’ attitude…”

Before she could finish, Dennis gently pressed a finger to her lips. “Silly Camila, I wasn’t upset at all.

Camila looked at the thick pile in surprise. “Why are there so many?”

Jarvis looked equally astonished. “Aren’t these invitations to the Society Gala?”

“Society Gala?” Camila was puzzled. “What gala?”

Seeing that she was in the dark, Jarvis took it upon himself to explain. “It’s exactly what it sounds like—a grand gala hosted by the old-money families. All the big names will be there.

It’s nothing like those business networking events you’ve attended before.

At those, you’d mostly see people from the business world. But the Society Gala is where the crème de la crème gather.

To put it simply, the families invited span literature, government, medicine, the arts…

Many of the people who attend are the kind you’d never cross paths with in everyday life. Just getting an invitation is a privilege.

The bar is set way higher than any business event!”

Camila nodded in understanding. “So, the guests are heirs from families like yours?”

“Exactly!” Jarvis agreed. “Not just me—since you’re the head of the medical school, you’re considered part of a leading medical family, too.

And since your school is ranked among the top three in the field, it’s no wonder you made the invite list.”