Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 880

This made it easier for her to eat without choking. Lillian ate with delicate manners, chewing slowly, her little cheeks puffed out adorably. The waiter attending to her was completely charmed. He couldn't help but keep his eyes on her. That's when he noticed she hadn't touched the lamb chops on her plate. “Don’t you like meat, little one?” he asked gently. “Or do you not like lamb?” Lillian stopped eating and replied in her sweet, childish voice, “I can’t eat lamb. I’m allergic!” The waiter was startled. “Oh, really? I’m so sorry, I had no idea! Let me take that away for you right now!” Terrified she might accidentally eat some, he quickly swapped her plate for a fresh one, ensuring there wasn't a trace of lamb on it. Then, he cast a puzzled glance at Jordan Smith, wondering if this was the child's father. How could he not know his own daughter was allergic to lamb and still order the dish? When Jordan heard what Lillian said, he realized his oversight. He frowned slightly and spoke to her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were allergic to lamb. Next time, I’ll ask you what you can’t eat before I order.” Lillian wasn't angry or resentful. She just swung her little feet and said sweetly, “It’s okay. Lillian remembers all the things I can’t eat.” Jordan pressed his lips together, an unidentifiable feeling stirring in his chest. He really had neglected this child far too much. If Lillian hadn't mentioned her allergy herself, he might never have known. Perhaps it was this incident that sparked a sense of guilt in him. For the rest of the meal, his attention was almost entirely focused on Lillian, observing what she liked to eat and what she avoided. The waiter saw it all and understood immediately. This seemed to be a father and daughter who were not very familiar with each other. Otherwise, how could a father not know his own child's preferences? He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the little girl. Such a cute, sweet, and well-behaved child. If she were his daughter, he would give her the stars from the sky without a second thought—and he’d pluck them himself. And he would definitely dote on her every single second. The waiter became even more attentive. He wiped the little girl’s mouth, then her hands. When she had soup, he carefully blew on it to cool it down, afraid she would burn herself. Lillian noticed his kindness and beamed at him. “Thank you, mister!” The waiter smiled back. “You’re very welcome.” Seeing this, Jordan’s brows furrowed. He couldn’t understand it. Why could Lillian show such a bright smile to a waiter but remain so reserved and cautious around him? A flicker of irritation sparked within him; he couldn't accept this differential treatment. After all, he was her father. Jordan had long been in a position of power, and his aura was formidable. Even the slightest shift in his mood was palpable. His demeanor turned cold, and the pressure in the room dropped several degrees. Everyone in the private dining room sensed it and looked towards him. The waiter, thinking he had done something wrong, looked at Jordan with trepidation. What was going on? Before he could figure it out, Jordan spoke in a low voice. “You can go. My assistant is here, that’s enough.” The waiter was baffled, but as a humble employee, he didn’t dare question a customer. He reluctantly set down the bowl and quickly left the room. After the waiter left, Nathan Gates took over, serving Lillian her food. Lillian watched the exchange, her expression faltering. The smile vanished from her face, and she ate in even deeper silence. Jordan didn't notice the change in her, nor did he realize that his attitude had triggered old memories. She remembered the indifference and impatience this man, her father, had shown her in the past. The little girl grew more cautious, her body tensing up, afraid that any small mistake would displease him. But the more nervous she was, the more likely she was to make a mistake. In a moment of distraction, she knocked over her soup bowl. Lillian cried out. Nathan, who was right beside her, reacted instantly, pulling her high chair back swiftly. But her sleeve and hand were still soiled. Lillian stared at her small, greasy hand, looking stunned. Nathan quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe it, asking with concern, “Lillian, did you get burned?” Jordan, snapping out of his surprise, simply frowned. “Why are you so careless? Are you okay?” Lillian shook her head. After a moment, she said, “I’m fine. I want to wash my hands.” “Alright,” Jordan agreed, gesturing for Nathan to lift her down. “Let Nathan take you.” But Lillian declined. “I can go by myself. Nathan is a boy, it wouldn't be right.”