Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 98

Dennis Williams went quiet for a few seconds, the mood dropping like a stone. “It’s nothing, really. Just thought that little girl... she’s kind of special. But you—has anyone ever told you you’re wasting your talents as a teacher? You oughta be a reporter.”

Larry Adams grinned. “Can’t say anyone’s ever said that, no!”

He was about to dig deeper, but Dennis cut him off, sounding almost sincere, “Well, you should switch careers now. Still time.”

And with that, Dennis hung up. Didn’t even give Larry a chance to reply.

Larry didn’t give up, though. He immediately dialed back, but all he got was the busy tone.

Great. Blocked again.

Only Dennis could turn on someone right after asking them for a favor.

---

After school, Camila Davis picked up her daughter Lillian and they headed straight home.

Even though Lillian was officially allowed to enroll, Camila worried she might not be ready for the change. So after lunch—grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup—she sat down to have a little heart-to-heart.

“Sweetie, did you like that new place today?” Camila asked, her voice gentle. “If you go, you’ll make so many friends! That way, your pals won’t just be Daisy, the puppy, and your little potted plant. There’ll be a whole bunch of fun people.”

Lillian tilted her head, thinking hard. After a moment, she answered in her soft, babyish voice, “I liked it. Lillian wants to go to school. Wanna make lots of friends... and give Miss Rosie flowers... I like her too.”

Camila’s face lit up. “Really? That’s wonderful! So, starting tomorrow, Mommy’s taking you to school, okay?”

Lillian nodded enthusiastically. “Okay!”

Camila scooped her up, hugging her tight. “You’re so brave, Lillian. Mommy’s proud of you!”

Barbara swept in, gave Camila a cold, dismissive look, and said with a snort, “So, you do know how to spend time with your child. I was starting to think you’d forgotten you even had a family.”

Camila blinked, thrown by the accusation. “I’ve always been the one looking after this house. What exactly are you getting at?”

Barbara’s expression soured. “Don’t play innocent. Jordan asked you to quit your job so you could take care of Lillian, but instead of helping her get better, you’re off working for another man—competing with Jordan’s business! The Smith family gives you everything, and this is how you repay us? Have you forgotten your place? The elder Mrs. Smith’s barely in the ground, and this is how you thank her for her kindness?”

Camila finally understood why Barbara was here. She’d obviously heard about the incident at the gala—and didn’t need to guess where from. Lucas Smith had a habit of stirring up trouble for her.

If this had been the past, Camila would’ve just kept her head down, let Barbara lecture her, and never dared talk back.

But now...

She gave a short, dry laugh and said bluntly, “You really want to talk about my place, Mrs. Smith? Maybe I should jog your memory. On the very day of the elder Mrs. Smith’s funeral, do you remember how you all treated me and Lillian?”