Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 814

She carried herself with such poise and grace, every gesture polished and perfectly proper—a picture of the model debutante. No one could find fault with Cynthia Lee tonight.

If it had been anyone else, people would have shown her a little respect, maybe even gone out of their way to make her feel welcome.

But to her surprise, none of the people in front of her were buying it—not for a second.

Mrs. Molly acted as if Cynthia hadn’t even spoken, quietly taking a sip of wine before turning to Mr. Morris. “This wine is exquisite—so much richer than those bottles you keep locked away at home.”

Eric Morris gave a warning glance. “You’re still supposed to be taking care of your health. If you drink too much, Camila will start lecturing you again.”

The two of them had completely ignored Cynthia, as if she wasn’t even there.

Mr. Parsons, for his part, just gave her a polite nod and left it at that. His face remained impassive, utterly different from the warmth he’d shown Camila Davis earlier.

Hamlin Sanders and his wife weren’t any better. They exchanged a knowing look, then turned to Cynthia with a smile that didn’t quite reach their eyes. “It really is quite a lively night, isn’t it?”

Across the room, Sarah Brown watched the scene unfold, barely suppressing a laugh.

“It’s been ages since I’ve seen someone with such nerve,” she muttered under her breath. “Does she really think that just because the elder Mr. Williams is here, everyone will suddenly treat her like royalty—or even compare her to Camila? She clearly has no clue who she’s dealing with. What a clown.”

Larry Adams and his friends looked on with the same air of amusement, as if watching an entertaining play.

Camila Davis pressed her lips together, giving nothing away. She was no fool; she saw right through Cynthia Lee’s little power play. But all the posturing in the world wouldn’t help Cynthia if Dennis Williams himself didn’t respond. Her scheming would come to nothing.

Camila trusted Dennis. She had nothing to worry about.

Douglas Williams, Charlotte Kelly, and even Hugh Brown sensed the awkwardness and quickly tried to smooth things over. “It’s the first time we’ve seen Mrs. Molly at a party in ages,” Charlotte said cheerfully. “You must really be feeling better these days.”

Mrs. Molly lit up with a smile. “Oh, absolutely. I owe it all to Camila—she’s a miracle worker, that girl.”

She spoke as if Camila were her own daughter.

Charlotte Kelly graciously chimed in, “Yes, Ms. Davis truly has a gift.” She recalled how Camila had saved Lillian not long ago. But with the elder Mr. Williams present, Charlotte didn’t want to praise her too extravagantly.

Thankfully, the old gentleman said nothing to contradict her.

Cynthia Lee watched as everything played out so differently from what she’d imagined. Frustration simmered beneath her calm surface, but there was nothing she could do.

Mr. Morris looked about ready to explode.

Melissa George and Jerry Davis both frowned.

Mrs. Molly and her friends eyed Cynthia with a knowing, almost pitying gaze.

Sarah Brown and the other young people rolled their eyes in unison, not bothering to hide their disgust.

Audrey Williams and her parents looked deeply uncomfortable, unable to believe Cynthia would openly invite Dennis to dance.

Camila watched the scene unfold, unable to hide her amusement at Cynthia’s brazen tactics.

She had to admit, Cynthia was clever—always trying to drag her into the spotlight. By making it sound so innocent, Cynthia put her in the awkward position of having to refuse, which would make her look petty, or agree, which might make her look weak in the eyes of the Williams family.

But did Cynthia really think she could manipulate her so easily?

Camila’s lips curved in a polite, unfazed smile. “Ms. Lee, I think you’re asking the wrong person. If you want to invite Dennis to dance, shouldn’t you be asking him? It’s his decision, not mine. I can hardly make it for him, can I? If he doesn’t want to dance, I certainly can’t force him, now can I?”