Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 881

“It’s fine,” Nathan said gently. “I’ll wait for you right outside. This restaurant is quite big, and you might not find your way back. It’s safer if I go with you. Come on.” Lillian hesitated for a second but didn't refuse again. Nathan took her small hand, and they left the private room. Outside, they walked down a long corridor. As they passed one of the rooms, Nathan noticed bodyguards standing guard from a distance. He wondered what important person could be inside. The next second, he watched as Lillian ran towards them, calling out happily, “Hello, misters!” The bodyguards outside the room turned at the sound. Seeing Lillian, they immediately greeted her respectfully, “Miss Lillian.” Then, one of them knocked on the door of the private room. Inside, Camila Davis and Dennis Williams were having lunch. Hearing the commotion, they came out to see what was happening. When they opened the door, they were met with the sight of the little girl and Nathan Gates. Seeing them, Nathan was utterly shocked. “Ms. Davis, Mr. Williams? What a coincidence. Are you… having lunch here too?” Camila looked up at him, her expression polite but distant. “It’s not a coincidence,” she said calmly. “We’ve been following Lillian.” Nathan was baffled. Following Lillian? Did that mean… they didn’t trust them to be alone with their child? Dennis ignored Nathan completely, crouching down to be at eye level with the little girl. He asked her softly, “Lillian, are you finished with your lunch?” Lillian shook her head, pouting. “Not yet. I spilled my soup and got my clothes and hands dirty. Nathan was taking me to wash up.” She held up her soiled hand for her daddy to see. Dennis’s gaze softened. He didn’t scold her. Instead, he said, “You don’t need to go wash it. Daddy will clean it for you. Come here.” He pulled a small pack of wet wipes from his pocket and took out two sheets. Gently taking her small, delicate hand, he began to meticulously clean it. Unlike impatient parents, his movements were slow and careful, wiping each tiny finger until all the grease and grime were gone. Camila watched the scene with a gentle smile, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. Nathan noticed that the package of wipes was specifically for babies and toddlers, labeled ‘soft and skin-friendly.’ It was clear he kept them on hand just for his child. He couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart. His impression of the cold, imposing Mr. Williams was beginning to change. Neither Dennis nor Camila cared what Nathan was thinking; in fact, even if they knew, it wouldn't have mattered. Dennis quickly finished cleaning Lillian’s hand, even wiping it a second time for good measure. He then took out a clean handkerchief and dried her hand completely. He rolled up the damp part of her sleeve and instructed her, “There. Leave your sleeve like that for now, and you can pull it down when it’s dry, okay?” “Okay!” Lillian’s mood seemed to brighten instantly. She leaned in and gave Dennis an affectionate kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Daddy!” Dennis just ruffled her hair and asked, “Did you have fun at the museum this morning?” Lillian nodded enthusiastically. “I did!” She began to share everything she had seen with her daddy. “There were swords, bronze statues, porcelain vases, a phoenix crown, all kinds of jewelry… and so many beautiful carvings! I thought they were all so pretty!”