Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1288

“I just told Walter we’ll need to slip out early. We have to go meet some important friends, so we might get back late tonight.”

“What?” Iris stared at them, caught off guard by the news. “You’re leaving already, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson?”

Barrie and Flora looked worried too. “You just got here. Is it really that urgent?”

Palmer smiled politely. “We actually had plans with friends tonight. We only popped in because Iris doesn’t throw birthday parties very often.”

No one could tell if he was being honest, but even if it was a lie, the Carters weren’t in any position to call him out.

“Oh, I see...” Barrie and Flora tried to keep smiling, but it looked strained. They glanced at each other, probably wondering if there was any way to make them stay.

Before either of them could say anything else, Iris stepped forward, all considerate and grown-up. “If you two are busy, please go ahead. Don’t let my party hold you up.” She smiled, but there was no hiding the disappointment on her face. “I was hoping we could talk more, but it’s fine. There will be other chances.”

Leda nodded. “Of course. We’ll have plenty of time to catch up later.” She wasn’t interested in dragging out fake pleasantries with this family. “It’s getting late, so we’ll head out now.”

Barrie and Flora clearly didn’t want them to leave, but all they could do was force another smile. “Alright. Please drive safe, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson.”

Leda nodded again, raising her voice so Walter could hear. “Walter, make sure you look after Audrey, okay? Get her home safely, and don’t let her drink too much. You hear me?”

Walter nodded seriously. “Got it. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her. You two go ahead.”

Leda lingered for a moment, then turned to Audrey with a warm smile, taking her hand. “Sweetheart, just stick with Walter tonight. If you want anything, ask him. And if he doesn’t listen, tell me. I’ll handle him for you.”

Anyone could see how close they were.

Audrey picked up on Leda’s intention right away. She grinned. “Okay. If he gives me a hard time, I’ll come straight to you.”

Leda looked satisfied. “Good girl. Well, we’ll be off now.”

“Okay, you two take care! Get home safe!”

Iris stood frozen, watching their affectionate goodbye, and she almost lost her cool right there.

People kept their voices down out of respect for the Carters, but Audrey still heard every word. She didn’t mind at all, in fact, she liked it.

She could tell Walter’s mom had done this on purpose. She didn’t seem to like Iris much either.

As someone who grew up in this social circle, Audrey understood how these things worked. Unless someone really hated you, people here rarely showed it openly. It was just Iris and her parents who kept pretending nothing was wrong.

Iris heard the whispers too.

She couldn’t bring herself to be friendly to Audrey. But with so many people watching, she couldn’t lose her temper, not without making an even bigger scene. All she could do was force another smile.

Barrie and Flora weren’t used to being slighted. Usually, people went out of their way to flatter them. To see their daughter upstaged by Audrey was a slap in the face. They shot her icy glares.

Barrie cleared his throat and asked pointedly, “I don’t believe we’ve met before. Which family are you from, miss?”

Flora echoed him, her tone sweet but sharp. “Yes, you must come from quite an impressive background to be so favored by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, right?”