Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 908

Aurora couldn't help but laugh. "Jordan Smith once said you were the source of his terrible reputation. I see now that he was telling the truth. You're not even in the country, but his bad name precedes him everywhere!"

"Isn't that what big brothers are for? To take the fall?" Sarah shot back without missing a beat.

Everyone around them burst into laughter.

It was at that moment that Audrey Williams arrived, her arm linked with the elder Mr. Williams's, her parents in tow. "What's all the fun about?" she asked cheerfully.

Camila heard her voice and was about to turn with a smile to greet her, but she froze when she saw the elder Mr. Williams. Why was he here?

She instinctively glanced at Audrey, her eyes asking the unspoken question: What is he doing here?

Audrey offered a gentle, reassuring smile and a slight nod.

When Melissa George and Jerry Davis saw the old patriarch, they too were taken aback. They recognized him instantly, and their expressions grew tense, as if facing a formidable adversary. It was likely a lingering effect from their dealings with the Smith family. That, combined with the fact that this man had always disapproved of their daughter's relationship with Dennis, made them assume he was here to cause trouble.

Eric Morris and Mrs. Molly also knew how vehemently he had opposed the couple. The smiles vanished from their faces. Eric Morris, in particular, made no effort to hide his displeasure, his expression souring immediately. It was clear to everyone how little he welcomed the old man's presence.

Such poor judgment! The Williams family should consider themselves blessed that his precious apprentice had chosen their grandson. And he had the audacity to be picky!

In the eyes of her family, Camila was perfect in every way.

Nearby, Sarah Brown, Jarvis Peters, and the others also grew tense at the sight of the Williams family. It was a celebratory occasion, and as guests, they couldn't just ask them to leave. But if the old man publicly humiliated Camila, the scene would turn ugly fast.

Just as the atmosphere reached a standstill, Dennis, standing beside Camila, broke the silence with his usual composure. "Grandpa, you're here."

Camila's heart hammered against her ribs, her palms growing slick with sweat. Her fears mirrored those of her friends. She was terrified that the elder Mr. Williams was about to make a final declaration about her and Dennis, perhaps even demanding that she leave him for good.

After the introductions, the elder Mr. Williams gave a small nod to each of them. "A pleasure to meet you." His amiability was startling.

Melissa looked at her husband, hesitating for a moment before Jerry took the lead and replied, "Hello."

Eric Morris, however, was not so easily placated. He hadn't forgotten how the old man had treated his apprentice at the ball. "To what do we owe the honor of your presence, Mr. Williams?" he challenged, his voice sharp. "Tonight is a celebration for my grand-disciple. I trust you won't forget your station and ruin this happy occasion. Otherwise, I don't care if you're Dennis's grandfather or not—I won't be polite."

His words hung in the air, and the atmosphere froze once more. The younger people present didn't dare to breathe. No one had expected Mr. Morris to be the one to strike first, and with such open hostility.

This was bad. Were the two patriarchs going to start arguing right here?

Camila watched them nervously, ready to intervene if they did. But the confrontation she expected never came. The elder Mr. Williams merely frowned slightly at Eric Morris's words.