The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 169

Nathalie covered her mouth, her eyes wide with surprise, and whispered, “Wait, seriously? You actually stood there and watched by the bed?”

Olivia stared at her, lost for words.

Before she could say anything, Nathalie leaned in closer. “Or what, do you want to be the main character in those stories too?”

Olivia gripped her wine glass so tightly her knuckles turned white. She forced a smile. “Well, Nathalie, since you’re here, have fun and help yourself to the food. I’ll leave you to it.” She turned and slipped away toward another group.

Nathalie couldn’t help a smirk. There was a trace of mockery in her eyes.

Damaris, who had been biting her tongue, gave Nathalie a worried look. “Hey, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. She’s the one with issues. Didn’t you see how tense she got?” Nathalie smiled, shrugging it off.

But Damaris just felt even worse for her. “Seriously, what is that jerk thinking? Showing up with Felice at an event like this… Is he trying to make everything official in public? If that’s the case, why not just divorce you already?”

It made everything so much harder for Nathalie. Now, everyone seemed to think it was open season on her, like anyone could just step up and take a shot.

If she thought she could get away with it, Damaris would have loved to go over and put that jerk in his place.

Nathalie squeezed her friend’s arm reassuringly. “Come on, don’t get worked up. Remember why we’re here tonight.”

Damaris took a deep breath and nodded, trying to steady herself. “But seriously, where is that Freddy guy? Why hasn’t he shown up yet?”

Nathalie glanced around. “Not everyone’s arrived. You know the host always likes to make an entrance. Let’s grab something to eat before things get started.”

“Yeah, good idea.”

They made their way to the buffet table. The ballroom was decked out with delicate little pastries, perfect for snacking while the party dragged on.

Camilla hadn’t expected her to push back, but seeing the cheeky spark in Nathalie’s eyes, she hesitated. “You see for yourself, Lance is already there making introductions. If you go piling in now, you’re just going to make us look like a joke.”

Making a scene in front of everyone... What would people say about the family?

Nathalie’s expression sharpened. So that’s what Lance was up to, working the room for Felice? All the more reason for her to get involved.

She finished her champagne in one quick gulp, then strode straight over and, without missing a beat, slipped her arm through Lance’s.

Camilla’s eyes widened in panic, but Nathalie was already in motion. There was no stopping her now.

Nathalie’s sudden arrival caught the little group off guard.

Lance glanced over at her, eyes drawn to her bold, radiant energy. For a moment, his gaze darkened.