Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1010

Camila pressed her lips together, her mind already made up. She looked at Dennis and said, “I have to go, no matter what. Do you mind?”

She worried that going alone would make Dennis anxious, or that he might overthink the whole thing. But she was worrying for nothing.

Dennis reached out and ruffled her hair, his eyes gentle. “Why would I mind? Bringing Lillian back is what matters most. Go ahead. Nothing will happen. Even if they try something, don’t worry… I’ll come get you.”

Looking into his warm, reassuring eyes, Camila felt a wave of safety wash over her. She wrapped her arms around his waist, not even realizing how much she needed him. “You have to come for me,” she whispered.

With the Smith family and their shameless tricks, Camila knew this wasn’t going to be easy. Barbara Jones had gone through a lot to take Lillian away. She’d definitely want something in return.

Dennis pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Of course I will. My future wife and my daughter have been taken away… How could I not bring them home?”

Future wife… daughter…

The words made Camila freeze, then blush. Hearing Dennis call her that, in his deep voice, sent her heart racing. She’d thought about a future with him, about being closer, but she’d never imagined hearing those words. It felt like a promise, a step forward she hadn’t dared to expect. Suddenly, she wanted to bring Lillian back even more.

Barbara Jones’s message was clear. Camila had to go to the Smith Estate alone. She kept her word, letting Dennis drive her there, but when she got out, she walked in by herself.

Inside, Mason and Barbara were sitting upright on the living room sofa. Camila looked around the room, but Lillian was nowhere to be seen.

She faced them, her expression cold. “I’m here. Where’s Lillian?”

Barbara took a slow sip of tea. “You’ll see her, but not yet. No need to rush. Sit down. Let’s talk about the terms.”

Barbara’s patience ran out. “We haven’t hurt Lillian yet, Camila. But what happens next is up to you.” Her tone was sharp, her face hard. “Sit down. Let’s talk about the terms. If we agree, everything will be fine.”

Camila clenched her jaw, wanting to scream at them. But then she thought of Lillian. Someone like Barbara would never show mercy. If she did something crazy, Lillian could be traumatized all over again. All the progress she’d made could disappear in an instant.

Camila couldn’t take that risk. She forced herself to sit across from them, trying to keep her voice steady. “What do you want?”

Barbara’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. “See? Things are much easier when you cooperate.” She always knew using Lillian would make Camila give in.

She started laying out her terms. “We used to be family. I don’t want to make things too hard on you. We brought Lillian back because she’s worried about her father’s health. Jordan’s leg still hasn’t found a doctor who can help. Since you’re so skilled, and you used to look after him, you’ll treat him until he’s completely healed.”

Barbara slid a contract across the table. “Sign this. It’s a promise that you won’t abandon Jordan before he recovers. While you’re treating him, Lillian will stay with us. But we’re not heartless. You’ll be allowed to see her once a day while you’re here.”