Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 873

The dinner was a delightful affair, filled with easy laughter and conversation that flowed naturally between personal topics and business. By the end of the meal, the connection between them had clearly deepened. Since Audrey Williams hadn't driven, Walter Wilson gallantly offered her a ride home. As she stepped out of the car, Audrey smiled at him. “I had a wonderful time tonight. The food was great, and the conversation was even better. Thanks for the ride. Let's do this again soon! Goodnight!” “Goodnight,” Walter replied, waiting until she was safely inside before driving away. Audrey’s steps were light and cheerful as she entered the house. Seeing her, Charlotte Kelly smiled. “Did you and Nancy have fun? You look so happy.” Audrey beamed. “We did, but we went our separate ways after the spa. I had another engagement.” “Oh?” Douglas Williams glanced at his daughter, a knowing look in his eyes. He’d been around long enough to recognize the particular glow on her face. “That expression... was it a date with someone you like?” he asked, his curiosity piqued. “Dad, you’re as sharp as ever!” Audrey didn't deny it. Charlotte and her husband exchanged a look of surprise, curiosity, and a hint of concern. “Whose son is he?” Charlotte asked immediately. “Have we met him?” They had only one precious daughter, and her delicate health since childhood was a constant worry. They feared that her heart condition would make others hesitate. Dating was one thing, but marriage was another. Who would willingly marry a woman with a heart condition? It was a long-standing fear, but until now, Audrey had never shown interest in anyone. Hearing this sudden news made them both anxious and intrigued. “You’ve sort of met him,” Audrey said, deciding not to hide anything from her parents. “He’s Walter Wilson, president of the Wilson Group in Harrisburg. He's also Camila’s business partner. You probably saw him at the ball last time.” The name surprised them. The Wilsons of Harrisburg? They didn’t know much about Walter personally. “What’s he like? Is he a good person?” Audrey linked her arm with her mother’s and spoke highly of him. “He’s a wonderful man. Camila wouldn’t have partnered with him if he weren't; they’ve been friends for years.” To reassure her parents, she added earnestly, “The business world in Harrisburg might say he’s ruthless, and that’s because he’s a formidable negotiator. But personally, he’s very straightforward and doesn’t resort to underhanded schemes. His private life is impeccable, too—he’s never been involved with any woman. He did have feelings for someone before, but she was already with someone else. He kept his feelings to himself and graciously wished her well...” She laid it all out, knowing her parents would investigate Walter now that they knew she was interested. His past feelings for Camila would surely come to light, and it was better to be upfront than to have misunderstandings later. She glossed over the details of his crush on Camila Davis, keeping it brief. After hearing her daughter’s account, Charlotte felt reassured. Walter sounded like a decent man. “Honey, I would never object to you liking someone,” she said gently. “Go after what you want, but please, just be careful not to get hurt. As for his character, your father and I trust your judgment.” Though their Lillian looked sweet and gentle, she was smarter than anyone they knew. They weren't worried about her being a poor judge of character. Douglas added with a smile, “As long as Audrey is happy, that’s all that matters. We can talk about marriage when the time comes.” If the man could accept her condition and cherish her, that would be perfect. If not, he trusted his daughter to be strong enough to handle it. Their relaxed attitude stemmed from the fact that nothing was set in stone yet. After settling that topic, Charlotte shifted gears. “When Nancy asked you out today, was it really just for a spa day? Nothing else? Like… about Jordan Smith? Has she really not moved on?” “I think the spa was just an excuse,” Audrey said, her expression turning serious. “Everyone knows my brother has a girlfriend now, but she refuses to accept it. And today, she spent a lot of time talking to me about Camila…” In front of her parents, Audrey held nothing back, recounting how Cynthia Lee had tried to turn her against Camila. “I think her obsession with Jordan has become dangerously unhealthy.” Charlotte frowned at her daughter's words but didn't blame Cynthia entirely. She sighed, “To be fair, you can’t put all the blame on her. It was your grandfather who gave her hope in the first place.” Audrey shook her head, disagreeing. “That may be, but Jordan has made his intentions crystal clear time and time again.”