Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 846

Camila quickly composed herself. From a legal standpoint, completely denying the Smiths visitation was unrealistic. If she pushed too hard, it could backfire. She forced herself to stay silent.

Upon hearing Dennis’s decision, the Smiths’ expressions changed. This was not what they wanted. They wanted full custody of the child, not some pathetic visitation rights.

Barbara, never one for patience, spoke first. “What gives you the right to make decisions about our granddaughter? She’s our flesh and blood. We can take her back to raise her ourselves, and no one has any right to object!”

Dennis’s voice was devoid of warmth. “If you’re unfamiliar with the law, Mrs. Smith, I suggest you consult an attorney. I’m not obligated to educate you. When Camila divorced, your family voluntarily gave up custody of the child. That is a settled fact. To abandon her then and harass them now is, frankly, disgraceful.”

Jordan’s jaw was clenched tight as he listened to the man methodically arrange everything. He seemed to reach his breaking point and finally snapped, “They say Mr. Williams is a man of honor and integrity. But in reality, you’re nothing but a thief who steals another man’s treasure when he’s not looking. Is that how a gentleman behaves?”

Dennis had expected Jordan wouldn't back down so easily, but the accusation still made him raise an eyebrow. His treasure? Was he referring to Camila? Stolen while he wasn't looking? The idea was so absurd that even Dennis found it laughable.

Years ago in Cabinda, he’d heard that the current head of the Smith family was a ruthless and brilliant leader, a prodigy of his generation. Later, because of Camila, he learned more, only to find the man was nothing like the rumors—a hypocrite through and through. But until now, Dennis had at least thought the man, for all his flaws in love and character, possessed a shred of the pride befitting his station.

Now, Dennis revised that opinion. Jordan’s ability to twist facts and ignore reality was truly something to behold.

He didn't waste his breath arguing. “Any treasure in your possession would turn to unremarkable stone. Otherwise, why would she gather dust for five years, unable to shine? Today, Mr. Smith, I have truly witnessed the thickness of your skin. But let me give you a piece of advice: the treasure is no longer yours. She is someone I have nurtured, polished, and placed in the center of my heart. The person you refused to cherish, I hold as the jewel of my eye. She is mine now. So, I suggest you stop coveting her. Otherwise, I will find a way to strip you of what little right you have left to see Lillian. If you don't believe me, feel free to try.”

As a man long accustomed to power, Dennis’s presence was formidable. He unleashed his full, suffocating aura without restraint, a wave of pressure that left no room to doubt his capability. This was Dennis Williams, a man of immense power in Cabinda. Even for the Smiths, the wealthiest family in Harrisburg, a direct confrontation was a losing battle. The man’s background was terrifying, his network of connections vast—far beyond anything the Smiths could ever hope to match.

The next second, before anyone could see what happened, a shrill scream tore from Barbara’s throat. Blood streamed from her mouth.

“Ah—it hurts!”

Mason and Jordan, completely bewildered, rushed to her side. A deep gash had been mysteriously sliced across Barbara’s lip, bleeding profusely. The blood poured down her chin, too fast to stanch. The pain contorted her face, her composure shattering completely.

“What happened?!” Mason roared, turning on Dennis with a mix of shock and fury. “What did you do?!”

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