Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1239

Robert had accomplished what he came to The Smith Group for, so he saw no reason to linger. He used the excuse of being tired and got ready to leave.

Walter personally walked him out. Before Robert could get into his car, Walter brought up another matter. “Robert, whenever you have time, let me know. I can ask someone from our medical team to check on you. My business partner and her mentor are both in Cabinda right now. They work at the National Research Institute, so their schedules can be a little unpredictable, but I wasn’t exaggerating about their skills. We can have someone do an initial checkup and let you know what they find. How does that sound?”

Robert had assumed Walter was just being polite earlier, so he hadn’t expected him to still be so concerned, even as he was about to leave. It honestly warmed him a little more to Walter.

He didn’t turn down the offer. With a nod and a genuine smile, he replied, “Thank you, Mr. Wilson. I’ll keep tomorrow morning open.”

“Perfect,” Walter said. “We’ll bring someone over then.”

Once Robert was gone, Walter and Audrey went back to the office. They dropped onto the sofa and let out tired sighs. After a day like this, they were both nearly running on empty.

Audrey’s mind was still spinning. Everything had gone according to plan, and Robert really did seem satisfied. Still, from the way he talked, she couldn’t quite figure out what he was actually thinking.

She worried quietly for a while, then finally turned to Walter. “Do you think we really have a chance?”

Walter shook his head, looking honest. “I have no idea. But at least we left him with a good impression. He was interested in our research and seemed to respect our work. If he’s picking a partner, I think we’re at the top of his list.”

Walter always thought like a businessman. He knew everyone was just weighing their options. They had shown Robert everything they had to offer. Right now, they were probably his best choice, but the final call was up to him.

Audrey rubbed her temples, deciding to stop overthinking. She checked the time and said, “It’s getting late. Shouldn’t you head home?”

“Yeah, let’s call it a day.” Walter was tired too, and there was nothing left to do at the office. He figured he’d take Audrey home with him.

It wasn’t that he was desperate to bring her home right away, but his mom had texted that morning to remind him. Today was Christmas, and they’d agreed that Audrey would come over to celebrate with the family. If they left now, they’d make it just in time for dinner.

They shared a ride home.

She had a way with words—she knew how to win over her own grandparents, so charming these two was easy. Just hearing her call them by name seemed to melt their hearts.

And since this was the first time Walter had ever brought a girl home, Linda was extra curious. She took Audrey’s hand and invited her to sit beside her, immediately launching into a stream of questions.

Palmer, meanwhile, turned to Walter. “So, how did it go with Robert today?”

Walter answered honestly, “I think it went well. He didn’t agree to anything on the spot, but if he’s interested, I’m pretty sure we’ll be his first choice.”

“That’s good to hear.” Palmer always trusted Walter’s judgment when it came to business, so he didn’t press for more details.

Josh glanced at his son and grandson chatting and spoke up. “Alright, enough work talk. Let’s just enjoy the holiday together.”