Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 30

Camila Davis could barely keep herself from laughing as she listened to Barbara beat around the bush, trying to ask for something without coming right out and saying it.

Sure enough, the moment her grandmother-in-law had passed, the Smith family had made it perfectly clear—Camila was no longer welcome.

That locket—it was the Smith family heirloom, passed down to the wives of the eldest sons.

Four years ago, when she’d just married Jordan Smith, Grandma Smith had placed the locket gently into Camila’s hands herself.

The thing was ancient, supposedly brought over from England generations ago, and worth a small fortune. But more than that, Grandma Smith had always said it brought good luck—insisting Camila wear it close every day.

No wonder Barbara had insisted on this little meeting.

Still, the way she was trying to ask for it back was honestly kind of pathetic.

Once upon a time, Camila might have hesitated. That locket wasn’t just jewelry—it was a badge of honor. Proof she’d been accepted as the Smith family’s eldest daughter-in-law, Jordan’s wife.

But now? She didn’t even want Jordan Smith anymore. Giving the locket back was no big deal.

She did feel a twinge of guilt, thinking of Grandma Smith’s hopes for her. The locket actually came as a set—Jordan had the matching piece. When put together, the two halves made a perfect circle, symbolizing wholeness and unity.

Grandma Smith had always dreamed that she and Jordan would have a perfect, happy life together. Camila had wanted that too, once.

But love and marriage were never a one-person job. What was the point if she was the only one trying?

She and Jordan—well, they’d never be whole.

With the locket safely tucked away, Barbara launched into her usual rant. “Well, look at that. You can be reasonable when you want to. Maybe you could stop making trouble for Jordan for once? I heard what happened at the office last week—you made things difficult for Sandra, didn’t hand over your projects properly, and then you were rude to her kid…”

She shot Camila a glare. “As a Smith, you should show some class. The Smiths and the Taylors are about to sign a major partnership, and the last thing we need is you messing it up. So, why don’t you focus on staying home with the kids and leave the business to people who know what they’re doing? If I find out you’re sabotaging the company, don’t think I’ll go easy on you.”

Mason just stood there silently, making it perfectly clear he agreed with every word.

Camila’s brows knitted in frustration.

She’d heard this kind of lecture from Barbara more times than she could count. In the past, Camila would’ve just bitten her tongue for the sake of family, for Jordan, to keep the peace.

Not anymore.