Audrey glanced at her phone, then suddenly remembered something and tapped her forehead. “Oh, shoot, I mixed it up. The photos are actually on my other phone. I didn’t bring it with me today. Sorry, Cynthia. I wasted your time. Want me to just delete these instead?”
She looked genuinely apologetic.
Cynthia studied her for a moment, but Audrey seemed so natural, not like she was faking it at all. Cynthia’s suspicion faded away.
She smiled, a little awkwardly. “It’s fine. These landscape shots are pretty anyway. Did you take them when you were abroad?”
Audrey nodded. “Yeah, I took them while I was studying overseas. Some are from when Jordan came to visit and dragged me out sightseeing.”
She picked out a few favorites and started sharing the stories behind them. Cynthia always perked up whenever Dennis Williams was mentioned, so the two of them got caught up in a lively conversation.
They chatted until midday, when Dennis arrived carrying food. His tone softened only when he spoke to Audrey or Charlotte.
Charlotte, knowing how busy Dennis had been and how much he was worrying about Camila Davis lately, couldn’t help but fuss. “Have you eaten yet? You always remember to bring food for Audrey, but you need to take care of yourself too. Look at you, you look paler every day.”
Dennis just nodded. “I’ll take care of myself, Aunt Charlotte. Don’t worry.”
Charlotte could only sigh, a little helpless.
Dennis turned to Audrey. “How are you feeling? Is your heart still bothering you?”
Audrey grinned. “I’m fine. I feel way better.”
She glanced at Cynthia, who’d been standing quietly in the back, completely ignored by Dennis. Audrey rushed to speak up for her. “It’s actually all thanks to Cynthia. She’s been taking such good care of me these past few days, even putting work aside. Don’t you think you should thank her, bro?”
She gave Dennis a look, trying to nudge him into saying something to Cynthia. Cynthia’s heart thudded in anticipation as she watched him.
In the next moment, Dennis turned to her. He looked her straight in the eye and said, “Thank you.”
It was just two words, but Cynthia felt her heart skip a beat. She hadn’t heard Dennis talk to her like that in forever. Only Audrey and the Williams family could make this happen.
Trying to play it cool, Cynthia smiled gently. “Audrey’s basically my little sister. Of course I want to take care of her. And Dennis, I know you’ve been busy. You can trust me to look after her.”
Dennis didn’t brush her off like he used to. He nodded, quiet, but didn’t say anything more. That was enough to make Cynthia happy. His silence meant, at least a little, he was starting to see her differently.
She listened quietly while Dennis and Audrey chatted, not trying to butt in. When Dennis finally got up to leave, he paused at the doorway and glanced back at Cynthia.
“I bought too many desserts. Ms. Lee, take some home with you.”
Cynthia’s heart pounded. She didn’t expect Dennis to include her in something as simple as dessert. Even if it was just by accident, she was thrilled.
Dennis left soon after, but that didn’t put a dent in Cynthia’s mood. She was grinning all the way home.
When she walked in the door, Nicholas Lee and Hazel Wood both noticed her good spirits.
“What happened today? You look so happy,” they asked.
Cynthia recounted everything that happened at the hospital. “The Williams family is finally starting to see my good side. Dennis is still a little cold, but at least he’s talking to me now. I don’t think he’s ready to accept my feelings yet, but…it’s progress!”
She couldn’t help breaking into another smile.
Hazel beamed at her. “Sounds like things are going well. Dennis Williams isn’t easy to win over, but from what you’ve said, it’s only a matter of time. The Williams family is on your side now. Take it slow.”
Nicholas was pleased too, but he still reminded her, “Make the most of this chance. You only get one.”
Cynthia slipped her arm through his. “I know, Dad. Thanks for helping me clear the obstacles. Otherwise, I’d never have had a shot at being Mrs. Williams.”
Nicholas chuckled. “It was nothing. Anyone who stands in my daughter’s way will disappear. Camila Davis is nothing.”
Hazel spoke up, more cautious. “Camila Davis is gone, but what about her parents? And that kid? Shouldn’t we think about them too?”

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