Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 344

“She really is a rare gem, isn’t she? I heard she used to be Mrs. Smith?”

“Yeah, I heard that too. She’s incredible—a real catch. You’d have better luck finding a four-leaf clover than someone like her. So why on earth did Mr. Smith divorce her?”

“Haven’t you heard? The whole thing was all over Harrisburg. He ditched Ms. Davis for his high school sweetheart, and then—get this—there was that whole recipe-theft scandal a while back. The Smith Group ended up looking like a bunch of fools…”

“No way! And here I thought Mr. Smith had good taste. Guess not, huh?”

“Tsk, tsk. I wonder if he regrets it, seeing how well his ex-wife’s doing these days…”

The group tried to keep their voices low, but plenty of their gossip still drifted over to Jordan Smith. His jaw was tight, his whole posture cold as ice, but he couldn’t stop replaying what Camila Davis had said onstage just moments ago.

Camila had spoken as if it was nothing, but after years under the same roof, Jordan knew better. She’d juggled work, taken care of their kid, and kept their home running like clockwork. And somehow, even with all that, she’d carved out time to study and experiment, always pushing herself to do more.

She’d said her dream was to be recognized. By the world? Or… by him?

For some reason, that thought stung more than Jordan cared to admit.

Meanwhile, way in the back row, Sandra Taylor couldn’t help overhearing the whispers around her. Just like before, everyone was singing Camila’s praises and questioning Jordan’s judgment.

Basically, they were saying she’d never measure up to Camila Davis.

Sandra’s eyes stung with jealousy. That recipe scandal had been months ago! Why couldn’t people just let it go? It was all Camila’s fault—if it weren’t for her, no one would be side-eyeing Sandra now.

Up on stage, Camila Davis remained completely unfazed. She stepped down gracefully, her stride light and confident.

She was hoping to catch Dennis Williams, but when she returned to her seat, the spot at the center was empty—as if he’d never been there at all.

Camila frowned, wondering if she’d imagined seeing him.

Her confusion didn’t show; no one around her seemed to notice.

As soon as she sat down, Jessica Harris beamed at her. “Congrats, Camila! You got the award, and the old guard here seem totally impressed.”

Camila smiled back, “Thanks, Jessica.”

But her gaze slid again to the empty center seat. She hesitated, then asked, “Hey, was there someone sitting right there just now?”

Jessica looked puzzled, glanced over her shoulder, and shook her head. “No clue. Everyone’s attention was on you, honestly.”

Walter Wilson chimed in, “Yeah, I didn’t notice anyone either.”

Camila nodded. It made sense—there were a few seats between them, and with so many people milling around, no one would really pay attention to who sat at the center table.

Still, she couldn’t shake the feeling she hadn’t been mistaken.

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