The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 167

After she sorted out Gavin’s job, Madonna paced her room with a stormy look on her face. She hated being threatened. Nathalie kept letting her down, more and more every day.

After mulling it over, she called Maggie.

“Madonna.” Maggie picked up right away, sounding respectful.

Madonna’s voice softened. “Maggie, did you go back to working as Lance’s secretary?”

Maggie sounded crushed. “I wanted to talk to you about that. Lance won’t even see me. He’s blocked my number. No matter what I do, I can’t reach him.”

Madonna let out a long sigh. “He’s always been stubborn. Once he makes up his mind, it’s hard to change it. But don’t be discouraged. There’s a party tomorrow night. Come with me. Lance will be there too. If you see him, talk to him. Once he realizes you want to help, he’ll soften up. I know he will. He’ll give you another chance.”

Maggie’s mood instantly lifted. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Madonna chuckled. “Got any plans today? Come with me to the spa.”

“Sure, I’d love to.”

***

An invitation to the evening gala landed on Lance’s desk.

Without even looking up, Lance said, “You go for me.”

Aaron looked uneasy. “Lance, this banquet is a big deal for the Charles family. It’s all about making a splash for their oldest son coming back from abroad. If you don’t go yourself, our cooperation with them might fall through.”

He waited a beat and then added, “Madonna also said you have to show up. She and Paulina are friends, and you’re supposed to be there as the younger generation.”

Lance’s brows knitted together. “Alright. In that case, you’ll be staying late with me to finish the next round of work.”

Aaron went quiet. He was just relaying Madonna’s message—did he really have to get roped into overtime too? This job was going to be the end of him.

There was a silent pause. Then Camilla tried again. “You didn’t know the history with your grandmother, Nathalie. I don’t want to argue about it. Just come to the banquet with me tomorrow. Please?”

Nathalie let out a bitter little laugh. “Don’t you have a favorite adopted daughter? Take her.” She hung up, not giving Camilla another chance to talk.

Whatever Camilla was planning, it wasn’t going to work. Nathalie had learned her lesson.

But the next day, Damaris came by her office.

“Why are you still working?” Damaris asked. “Aren’t you going to the Charles family banquet?”

“I’m not going.” Nathalie shook her head. “Why does it seem like everyone’s making a big deal out of this party?”

“Because it is a big deal.” Damaris looked dead serious. “The Charles family is looking to show off their oldest son who just came back, but they also want to find new business partners. Every major company’s sending their biggest names. Your family definitely got an invite. If you don’t go, Felice will. If any opportunities pop up, you know she’ll swoop right in, and they’ll think of her first. Nathalie, you can’t let her walk off with this chance.”