The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 10

Jasper’s mom had left him in the car, promising she’d be right back to get him.

But when he woke up, she still wasn’t there. So he worked up the courage to get out and look for her. The problem was, this place was huge. He wandered around for what felt like forever, but he couldn’t find her anywhere.

His lips started to quiver, and he felt tears building up in his eyes. Just as he was about to cry, two people appeared in front of him.

He looked up and recognized one of them. In a small, uncertain voice, he said, “Nathalie.”

Damaris nudged Nathalie’s arm, trying to get her attention. “So, what do we do with him?”

Nathalie squinted, feeling the room spin a little from the drinks she’d had. She bent down, giving Jasper’s cheek a gentle pinch. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

That did it—Jasper’s tears spilled over. “I’m looking for Mommy.”

Damaris rolled her eyes. “Seriously? Let him find her himself. If something happens, The Adams Family will never forgive Felice. See how she explains herself then.” She started to pull Nathalie toward the bar.

But Nathalie stayed right where she was.

The bar was packed and noisy, lights flashing everywhere. A tiny three-year-old in the middle of all this looked completely lost.

Nathalie rubbed her temples. “Come on, let’s get you home. We’ll have your nanny call your mom.”

Damaris stared at her in disbelief. “Nathalie, why are you getting involved? You know you’re not going to get any thanks for this.”

Nathalie let out a sigh. “I have issues with Felice, and I can’t stand Lance, but Jasper’s just a kid. I can’t walk away and pretend I don’t see him. Not here.”

She took Jasper’s hand and started leading him out.

“Hey, Nathalie, I’m serious, you should just stay out of this. Felice uses that boy to get Lance’s sympathy. She’s the reason you’re so upset. Why help her?” Damaris tried again to talk her out of it.

But Nathalie kept moving, heading out the door.

***

The Adams Estate was buzzing as Nathalie showed up with Jasper in tow. Suddenly, everybody was awake and crowding around.

Leda swept Jasper into her arms right away, her voice soft and warm. “My little sweetie, what happened? Why are you crying? Did someone bully you? Tell me, I’ll take care of it.”

Jasper’s lower lip started to wobble, and the tears poured out even faster.

Right away, Leda glared at Nathalie, her eyebrows drawn together in anger. “Was it you? He’s only three. Why are you always picking on him?”

Nathalie looked up, her eyelids heavy. “I found him in a bar. He said he was looking for his mom, so I brought him back. He didn’t say one word against me. Why do you think I’m the bad guy here? Maybe you should ask why I’m the one who brought him back. Where’s his mother?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Jasper’s wails grew even louder. “It hurts… Nathalie pinched me.”