Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 670

“Yeah, just take it for now. When we get back, we’ll bring her something more useful,” someone suggested.

“Right, right…”

A small crowd had gathered, all clearly charmed by little Camila, eager to make her feel welcome and coax her into remembering everyone’s names.

Joshua Thompson, ever polite and composed, turned to Lillian and said, “I grew up with your dad and Uncle Larry. My name’s Joshua Thompson, but you can just call me Joshua.”

At the mention of Larry Adams, Lillian’s curiosity was piqued. She glanced at him, her eyes wide. “Are you and Dad and Uncle Larry really good friends?” she asked.

Joshua let out a warm chuckle. “Of course we are. Ask your dad if you don’t believe me.”

Lillian tilted her head up at Dennis Williams, looking for confirmation.

Dennis gave a small nod—no denial there.

Lillian turned back to Joshua, her little voice earnest. “Okay, Joshua. I’ll remember!”

Joshua beamed, delighted to hear her say his name. “That’s my girl! You’re so sweet, Lillian.”

No one seemed worried about stepping on Dennis’s toes as they all tried their best to help Lillian remember their names. They pulled out all the stops.

Someone chimed in, “Lillian, I’ve got a daughter just a bit older than you. Next time, I’ll bring her over so you two can play. How about it?”

Immediately, someone else jumped on the bandwagon. “My son would love to meet you—”

But Dennis Williams raised his eyebrow ever so slightly and gave the guy a look. “Daughters are fine. Sons, not so much.”

His tone was gentle but left no room for argument—all while he was unscrewing the cap of Lillian’s pink water bottle and holding it out for her.

Lillian obediently sipped through her straw, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk.

The man who’d spoken up looked flustered, as if only just realizing something, while the rest burst out laughing.

Who would have guessed that the famous Mr. Williams of Cabinda was such a doting girl dad? No one would believe it if they hadn’t seen it themselves.

But honestly—if she were their daughter, they sure wouldn’t want some random kid hanging around her, either. Teaching kids about boundaries starts early!

Laughter and friendly teasing filled the room. The mood was easy and light.

Once Lillian had gone around and matched all the names to the right faces, Dennis let her get back to her coloring, and the adults returned to business.

After a while, people began to check their watches and say their goodbyes.

Joshua Thompson was the last to leave. He lingered, glancing over at Dennis with a knowing grin. “You know, when I was overseas on business and heard the rumors about you, I thought those folks were nuts—spreading stories about you like that. Didn’t they know better?”

He paused, then added, “Now that I’m here, I think they actually understated it. You’re really serious about this.”

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