Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1286

Abbott was irritated, but that didn’t stop him from constantly glancing over at their group. He knew Iris had her sights set on Walter. The way she laughed and chatted with Leda and Palmer said it all. Tonight’s birthday party? Probably just an excuse for her to make a move. Abbott was convinced Walter Wilson was her real goal.

Over his dead body, though. He wasn’t about to let Iris get what she wanted. She should be his, and his alone.

Walter noticed Abbott’s cold stare and picked up on the tension between them. The hostility wasn’t subtle, but Walter didn’t feel like stirring it up. If Abbott had a problem, he clearly wasn’t going to talk about it, so why bother?

But then Harden remembered something and turned to Abbott, asking, “Hey, Abbott, are you talking business with The Smith Family lately?” Harden’s tone was casual, but he really just wanted to give Abbott a heads-up. The Smith Family had a reputation, and not a good one.

Abbott didn’t see it that way, though. As far as he was concerned, Harden and Walter were already thick as thieves. His earlier annoyance with Walter now spilled over to Harden, too. He shot back, sarcasm dripping from his voice, “So what if I am? Is that not allowed? You’re working with Walter now, acting like we don’t exist. Of course we need to look out for ourselves.”

It was a bit harsh, and Harden frowned, thinking Abbott was being ridiculous. It was just a question, not an interrogation. Why was he acting so defensive? Anyone watching would think Abbott had a personal vendetta against him or Walter.

Harden decided to let it go and turned his attention to the rest of the group. Right then, the lights dimmed and the party officially got underway.

Iris stepped onto the stage, all eyes on her as she started her speech. Her voice was soft and sweet. “Thank you all for coming to my birthday party tonight. I’m so happy to have so many friends here with me. I want to thank Palmer, Leda, and Walter especially. Having you here makes my birthday so much more special…”

She looked over at Walter, her eyes shy and hopeful. The guests noticed, and their expressions shifted, full of unspoken meaning.

Leda felt the weight of their stares. She kept her smile polite, but inside, she was fuming. Leaning closer to Palmer, she muttered, “I always knew Iris had an agenda. She used to at least pretend otherwise, but now she’s not even trying to hide it. Has she just given up on subtlety?”

Palmer, who had spent years navigating business and all kinds of people, saw right through Iris too. His thoughts matched Leda’s, but since they were surrounded by people, he just tried to calm her down. “It’s probably because of Audrey. She’s feeling threatened.”

Leda rolled her eyes. “Threatened by Audrey? Please. Audrey is smart and sweet. She’s a star, whether it’s in her career or her character. Iris can’t compete. She’s not even close.”

Palmer just nodded. “Exactly.”

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