Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 316

Dennis Williams gave a cool, almost dismissive tug at the corner of his mouth. “It’s not the same thing,” he said, voice steady and matter-of-fact. “When you’re out on a mission, there’s no time for niceties. Ms. Davis is here because of me—she’s taken on a lot and she’s been through hell. I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

He made a solid point, and there was really no arguing with it.

Steven Edwards just laughed, shaking his head. “You know, I never really got what people meant by ‘double standards’ until today. Now I do.”

Dennis shot him a look, eyes cold but with a hint of a smirk. “Must be nice to have so much free time, Captain. You’re supposed to be leading the team, but here you are gossiping. Don’t tell me you’re getting rusty?”

Steven raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “Oh? Did I hit a nerve? If you think I’m losing my edge, why don’t you come test it for yourself?”

Dennis’s dark eyes narrowed, a challenge glinting in them. “Let’s take it to the range.”

Steven’s competitive spirit flared instantly. “You’re on.”

Both men were all action—no dithering, no second guesses. In a matter of minutes, they’d swapped out their gear and headed straight for the shooting range.

Word spread like wildfire around the base: the two legends were about to go head-to-head. Soon enough, half the team had dropped what they were doing and hurried over to watch.

Everyone already knew about Captain Edwards—he was the golden boy of the younger generation, a sharpshooter with a reputation that preceded him. But Dennis Williams, despite being the team’s psychologist, was shrouded in almost mythical rumors; some whispered that his skills left even Steven in the dust. Problem was, almost no one had ever actually seen him in action.

So, with a showdown finally on the cards, no one wanted to miss out. The area around the range was soon packed—guys perched on ammo crates, others craning their necks, all eyes fixed on the two men at the center.

Normally, discipline was strict here—no crowding, no idle chatter. But today, Steven didn’t send anyone away. This was a rare chance to watch two of the sharpest minds and steadiest hands in the entire Special Ops division go head-to-head. Dennis Williams, after all, was something of a living legend; the teams he’d led overseas had a reputation: “If Dennis is in your way, you’re out of luck—doesn’t matter if you’re a saint or a sinner.” Even seasoned mercenaries and warlords gave him a wide berth.

Whatever the outcome, everyone knew they were about to get a masterclass.

The contest was about to begin...

—

Meanwhile, Camila Davis finally wrapped up her second round of treatments—much easier this time, with fewer people to tend to. She was just heading out of the medical tent, looking forward to a quick break, when she heard the distant rumble of excitement coming from the training grounds.

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