Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 889

Hearing her grandparents' concerned questions, Lillian slid down from her daddy's arms. She led them to the sofa to sit down and then recounted her day in full detail, including her interactions with Jordan Smith and the things he had said to her. When she got to the part about his expectations for her future, the little girl looked at her mother and earnestly shared her own feelings. “Mommy, Lillian wants to keep painting forever. I don’t want to be some kind of heir.” To her, painting was just something that made her happy. Camila listened, then gently stroked her daughter's head. “Of course you can, sweetie. Lillian can do whatever she wants. Everyone is their own person, and Mommy and Daddy are here to protect you. You can do what you love and pursue the hobbies you want. And when you choose a career, you can follow your heart.” Only those without choices were forced to do things they didn't want. She would never let her precious daughter end up in that situation. “You don’t have to care about what other people think,” Camila reassured her. Lillian nodded. “I don't. I only listen to Mommy and Daddy, and Grandma and Grandpa!” The little one's spirits lifted again. Then she asked Camila, “Will Daddy always be my daddy? I only want this daddy…” Perhaps her day out with Jordan Smith and some of the things he’d said had left her feeling insecure. As she asked her mother, she leaned heavily against Dennis Williams, her small hand tightly gripping the corner of his shirt, refusing to let go. Camila couldn’t help but smile. “Well, that depends on him. As long as he doesn’t find someone new…” She certainly had no intention of letting him go. Dennis looked at Camila, his expression composed as he replied in a steady, calm voice, “I’m not looking for anyone new. I never wanted to. I’ve decided it’s you for life.” Camila's heart filled with contentment at his answer, but the happiest person in the room was Lillian. She hugged her daddy’s arm and bounced with joy. “Yay! Daddy, you have to keep your promise!” Dennis looked at her tenderly. “Of course. Daddy will never lie to Lillian.” After ruffling the little one’s hair, he changed the subject. “Alright, Lillian, why don’t you go with Layla to wash your hands for dinner?” “Okay!” Lillian nodded, immediately sliding off the sofa and letting the housekeeper, Susan, lead her away. The pleasant atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically after the little girl left. Melissa was fuming. “I can’t believe how shameless Jordan Smith is!” she cursed. “I knew he had ulterior motives for wanting visitation rights! He’s clearly trying to brainwash Lillian, to turn her against us!” Her existing dislike for Jordan Smith had already been simmering, and now, seeing his continued attempts to entangle himself in their lives, her anger boiled over. Camila frowned as well. She realized she had truly overestimated Jordan Smith. She had thought he would at least act like a biological father when he was with Lillian—that he would offer companionship, show concern, and properly atone for his past mistakes. But it was clear he was incapable of it. Even with visitation rights, it was all useless. And to think he would fill Lillian's head with such ridiculous ideas. It was laughable. Jerry Davis was calmer than them. He turned to Dennis and asked, “Dennis, will this have any negative impact on Lillian? She’s still so young. Once or twice might be fine, but if this continues, I’m worried about her psychological state…”