Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 862

“But I stopped him before he could,” Audrey continued. “I told him it was a matter of your reputation and privacy. You can’t just broadcast something like that. What man would willingly tell people about such a private issue? What about his dignity? What if the doctor wasn’t discreet, or someone overheard? Think of how people would look at you, at our family! His biggest concern has always been your reputation, so that convinced him. He ended up just asking Dr. Jacob, our family physician. And don’t worry,” she added with a grin, “I already gave Jacob a heads-up. He gave the old man a very vague, non-committal answer. Now, his attitude is definitely softening.”

Audrey showed no guilt for deceiving their father, only pride in protecting her brother’s relationship.

Dennis nodded, impressed. “Well done.”

“I handled your assignment perfectly,” she boasted. “And not just that. Over the past few days, I’ve been telling him how sweet and adorable Lillian is, and I casually mentioned some of what she and Camila went through with the Smiths. He didn’t say much, but I could tell he was angry about how they were treated. Plus, since you were the one who mentored her, I showed him some of the award-winning paintings Lillian did. He was amazed and even said her talent was exceptional. I think he sees a bit of you in her. Your painting styles are similar, and since you taught her, it’s a classic case of transferred affection. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he accepts her and Camila!”

Pleased with his sister’s work, Dennis slid a pair of tickets across the desk toward her.

Audrey picked them up, confused. “What’s this?”

“Tickets to Isabella’s concert,” he said.

“You did?” Audrey’s eyes widened as she put the pieces together. “It’s not… Lillian, is it?”

“It is,” Dennis confirmed. “And on the day of the concert, I want you to take the old man to see it.”

A look of understanding dawned on Audrey’s face. So that’s why he had given her the tickets. She snapped a mock salute. “Understood. Mission accepted!”