Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1281

Audrey could see right through it. Before coming to Harrisburg, she had already done her homework. She knew a bit about The Carter Group, and after meeting Iris, she could more or less guess what was going on. When you finally get close to a group of big shots, of course you're going to use every connection you can to climb higher. Anyone would, especially someone like Iris.

But Iris wasn’t just eyeing Abbott. She had her sights set on Walter Wilson, the most impressive guy there. And with the Carter family backing her, she’d have plenty of support. Honestly, Audrey figured the whole family probably operated the same way.

She had a gut feeling that Iris would definitely pull something at her birthday party. Her target was obvious. Walter. But there was no way Audrey was going to let Iris take the guy she liked.

Thinking it over, Audrey scooted a little closer to Walter and said, "Walter, can we talk for a sec?"

Walter glanced over. "About what?"

"You know how my health is," Audrey said, "and honestly, being left alone all the time is just boring. I want to go to Iris’s birthday party with you guys. And while we're there, can I just stick by your side? If something happens, you’ll be there, right?"

Walter had been expecting something serious. Audrey usually hung around him anyway, so it felt natural. He agreed right away. "Sure, just stay with me. But there’ll be a lot of people there, so I might not be able to look after you every minute. If you run into any trouble and can’t find me, look for Harden or my parents. They’ll be there, and I’ll tell them to keep an eye on you."

Hearing that he’d already thought it through made Audrey feel so much better. She grinned. "Deal! Walter, you’re the best!"

She wrapped both arms around his and rested her head gently against his arm, nuzzling him like a happy kitten. She looked so sweet and adorable.

Walter chuckled. "You should try to be a little more reserved, you know."

Audrey looked up, completely unfazed. "What’s wrong with it? I’m like this with my brother all the time!"

Walter shook his head, amused. "I’m not Jordan Smith."

But, thinking about it, maybe it made sense. If he wasn’t so dense about relationships, would he really have just watched Ms. Davis marry someone else, not once but twice, when he’d known her the longest?

Aiden kept his thoughts to himself, just giving Audrey a sympathetic look in the mirror. Audrey caught his eye and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. But it just made her realize that the guy she liked was a real blockhead when it came to love.

She wasn't in a rush. She sat up straight and pulled out her phone. Only then did she notice a message from her brother. That’s how she found out Camila’s condition had gotten much worse.

Her playful mood vanished in an instant. She quickly called him. As soon as he picked up, she asked, her voice full of worry, "Dennis, how’s Camila? What’s going on?"

Walter noticed her sudden change in expression, especially when she mentioned Camila Davis. He grew serious too, quietly watching as she got the update from Dennis Williams.

Dennis’s voice sounded tired and worn out. "Dad said it’s because of the medicine. She’s started having nosebleeds and losing her hair. The drugs are breaking down her cells, and her immune system just keeps getting weaker."