The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 101

The mood in the office was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Nathalie had always kept to herself. People thought she was cold, and honestly, they weren’t wrong. No one was ever really close to her. That’s probably why they figured she would be easy to push around when it came to Felice. They wanted to stand up for Felice and put Nathalie in her place, but they found out fast she wasn’t the type you could mess with.

Just one look from her, sharp and ice-cold, was enough to stop most people in their tracks. After that, no one even wanted to get near her.

Honestly, Nathalie was fine with it. She liked the peace and quiet. She just buried herself in her work and made sure everything was done right, not bothering with small talk or office drama.

It was early evening when her phone buzzed. Camilla was calling.

Nathalie picked up, not bothering to hide how uninterested she felt. “Yeah? What’s up?”

Her mom’s voice came through soft and gentle. “Nathalie, would you come home for dinner tonight?”

She didn’t have to think twice. “I can’t, I’m busy.”

That seemed to hurt her mom a little. “Nathalie, I miss you. I haven’t seen you for days. Please, just come home tonight.”

That pleading tone always got to her, whether she wanted it to or not. After a beat, she gave in. “Alright. I’ll come home for dinner.”

Camilla sounded instantly happier. “Great! I’ll make your favorite. Drive safe, okay?”

“Yeah. I know.”

She hung up and let out a long breath, feeling tension leak out of her shoulders for the first time all day. After shutting down her computer and clocking out, she drove straight to the Blair Estate.

By the time she pulled up, the sky had turned deep blue. Faint streaks of sunset painted the horizon, golden light catching on the edges of the clouds. Nathalie lingered for a second, taking it in, then slipped out of her car and headed inside.

She pulled her hand free from Camilla’s gentle grip, her voice suddenly cold. “Just say it, then. What did Felice tell you this time?”

Daniel’s face darkened, disappointment all over it. “Felice didn’t say a thing. We just know how you are. The two of you working together, it’s obvious you’ll pick on her. Why can’t you just be kinder, more generous? Why can’t you be a good girl for once, Nathalie?”

That felt like a punch to the gut. Nathalie just stared at her mom, eyes full of a mess of emotions—hurt, anger, exhaustion. “Mom, if you call me like this again, I’m not coming home. Not ever.”

Camilla rushed over, her face drawn with worry. “No, Nathalie, please. That’s not what this is. Your dad and I just want you and your sister to care about each other. You’re sisters. Why can’t you just get along? Does it really have to be like this?”

The words barely landed—Nathalie just felt cold all over, numb like her heart had been dunked in ice water. One played the nice guy, the other the villain. In the end, it just felt like they were making a fool out of her.

She was just tired. So, so tired.

Nathalie spoke quietly, her voice calm but distant. “You know what? Maybe you should just cut me off for good. Then Felice can be your only daughter, and you won’t have to worry about me bullying her ever again.”