Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1035

Audrey Williams puffed out her cheeks, clearly annoyed. “They really are the worst,” she said, backing the others up.

Douglas Williams let out a long sigh. “The Adams family always has something up their sleeve. I think they were worried Larry would grow up resenting them if he was raised by the Lanes, especially after what happened to his mother…”

Camila Davis couldn’t remember all the details, but from what she’d heard, she could piece together the main story. Watching the warm scene unfolding inside, she said softly, “At least the truth finally came out. That’s what matters.”

Jarvis Peters shook his head. “I honestly thought the Adams family couldn’t get any lower, but I was wrong. Larry was just a little kid, and they made him go through things that would break most adults. He’s had such a tough life.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Melissa George, always the sensitive one, was already wiping away a few tears. “I had no idea Mr. Adams had it so rough. It’s just heartbreaking.”

Inside the side room, once Larry and the Lanes had cleared the air, things finally started to calm down. The conversation turned to Joseph Adams and his mistress.

Mr. Lane was the first to praise Larry. “You did the right thing. That man and that woman deserved exactly what they got.”

Maisie Lane patted Larry’s shoulder. “You’re braver than most, Larry. Growing up in that family and still turning out so well, that’s a miracle.”

Larry blushed a little at the praise and managed a shy smile. “Honestly, I couldn’t have done any of this without Dennis. He’s always looked out for me, even when we were kids. Gathering all that evidence... I owe it to him.”

Thinking of Dennis Williams, Larry suddenly remembered he needed to introduce the two families. The Lanes already felt like family to him, and with the Williams family all there, it was the perfect time. He invited everyone in and made the introductions.

When the Lanes heard everything the Williams family had done for their grandson, all those years of support and help, their gratitude was written all over their faces.

Mrs. Lane, eyes shining with tears, said, “It was our fault for not being there for Larry. Thank you so much for taking care of him. We’ll never forget what you’ve done for us.”

Mr. Lane added, his voice steady and sincere, “If you ever need anything from the Lane family, just say the word.”

Mrs. Lane looked a little emotional. She didn’t hesitate. “We just got to Cabinda this morning, and we haven’t booked a hotel yet. If you’re offering, then I guess we’ll have to take you up on it and stay a bit longer.”

After so many years apart, knowing that Samantha’s only child had suffered so much, she couldn’t bring herself to leave so soon. There was so much she wanted to talk about, so much time to make up for.

Maisie Lane smiled. “If that’s what you want, Larry, then of course we’ll stay with you.”

Larry drove them all home. The Lanes had agreed without a second thought, but when they arrived at his place—a stunning, luxurious villa—they couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. It suddenly hit them that, even though Larry’s past was rough, he was now someone important in Cabinda, someone most people could never hope to be.

Compared to that, the Lanes were just a family who had fallen on hard times. From the outside, it might look like they were trying to hitch a ride on his success.

Larry picked up on their unease right away. He spoke up quickly, reassuring them, “Grandpa, Grandma, this is your home too. Really. Make yourselves comfortable, stay as long as you want. Don’t worry about anything. For so many years, I was completely alone after my mom passed. Seeing you all today makes me happier than I can even say. I hope you’ll stay. If you need anything, just let me know. Please, just relax.”