Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1251

The anger and jealousy tangled up inside Iris only made her focus on Audrey even more. Audrey felt like a thorn in her side, someone she just couldn’t stand to be around.

Nobody else at the party dared to question Walter’s choices. Audrey was his guest. He’d brought her here, and everyone trusted his judgment, which was why they let Audrey join in their games. But then Iris and Amy went and picked on her, right in front of everyone. The only reason Walter didn’t call them out on the spot was because of all the years they’d known each other. If it were anyone else, he definitely would have stepped in himself to look after Audrey.

Luckily, Audrey was a fast learner. With Walter patiently showing her the ropes, she was soon able to play. Walter and Harden hung around close by, not letting anyone give her a hard time, but also not making it too easy for her. Audrey ended up having a blast.

Iris, on the other hand, could only stand off to the side, watching, unable to find a way in no matter how envious she felt.

After about an hour, Audrey started feeling tired. As soon as the game ended, she set down her cue, walked back to Walter, and tugged gently at his sleeve. “It’s getting late. I have things to do tomorrow morning, so I should probably head home.”

Walter had just been invited to play another round, but as soon as Audrey spoke, he put down his cue without hesitation. “I’ll take you home.”

He said it so naturally, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

He turned to the rest of the group. “Let’s wrap things up for tonight, everyone. If you’re still in the mood to play, we can meet again another time.”

His friends stared at him, surprised. Usually, they’d play until dawn.

Someone couldn’t help blurting out, “We’re calling it a night already?”

Walter nodded and, for once, offered an explanation. “I need to take Audrey home. We have an early meeting tomorrow for work.”

Abbott, hearing it was all because of Audrey again, couldn’t resist making a joke. “Walter, are you and Ms. Williams working on some secret project together? You’re being so mysterious. Afraid we’ll all get rich if we find out?”

Walter shot him a look, his tone casual. “I told you already, it’s confidential. I can’t talk about it yet. If you really want to know, you’ll find out soon enough.”

Since Walter wasn’t going to say more, everyone else sensibly dropped the subject.

And just like that, the Christmas party was over.

Everyone packed up their things and went upstairs to say goodbye to the Wilson family elders.

Leda and Linda saw Audrey getting ready to leave and took her hand, holding it warmly. “Audrey, you have to come over more often. Any time you want, our door is open. If you’re free, have dinner with Camila. She’ll get the kitchen to make all your favorite dishes.”

“You’re Walter’s friend, so make yourself at home. No need to be shy, okay?”

Audrey didn’t want him to worry, so she shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m probably just tired. I’ll feel better once I get home.”

Walter took her word for it.

But once they arrived, he looked over again and saw Audrey clutching her chest, her face pale.

“Audrey, what’s wrong?” His voice was tight with concern.

Audrey looked up, struggling to speak. “I… I can’t breathe.”

She knew exactly what was happening. She hadn’t taken her medication for days, so her heart was acting up again.

Walter realized it too. For a second, he was honestly scared. He hurried to unbuckle her seatbelt, lifted her in his arms, and carried her inside.

He gently placed her on the sofa, his voice urgent but careful. “Where’s your medicine?”