The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 173

Damaris looked like she was about to cry. She squeezed Nathalie’s hand, her voice trembling a little. “Nathalie, I know things are tough right now, but you can’t give up. This was supposed to be yours, all of it. Felice just barged in and took what never belonged to her. She shouldn’t even be in the picture.”

Nathalie closed her eyes, trying to push down the storm of feelings swirling inside her. When she opened them again, she managed a small, steady smile. “You’re right. Really, I’m fine. I’ll get through this.”

Damaris didn’t say anything—she just wrapped her in a hug. “I’m here. I’ve got your back, always.”

Resting her chin on Damaris’s shoulder, Nathalie let herself breathe for a second, feeling the calm, familiar warmth of her best friend. She managed a real smile, softer this time. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

After a few minutes tucked away in the corner, Nathalie gathered herself and headed back to the main hall.

Freddy had just finished his speech, laying out The Charles Group’s vision for the future. The moment he stepped down, all the VIPs and big names swarmed around him, eager to get a word in.

Freddy only made small talk with a few people before quietly slipping upstairs.

The Charles Group wasn’t interested in minor partnerships. Tonight, they were really here for the industry leaders. Everyone else in the room was just there for show.

From where she stood, Nathalie spotted Lance taking Felice upstairs, and her grip tightened on her wine glass.

That’s when Camilla walked over, looking worried. “Nathalie, you saw it yourself. The only way our family is getting in with The Charles Group is through Felice now. If you go up there, it’s only going to make us look bad. We can’t afford that. Please, don’t make things harder for all of us.”

Nathalie turned to look at her, surprisingly calm. “Why would it be trouble if I go? I just want to help our family too.”

She wasn’t backing down.

Camilla reached out to grab her hand. “Nathalie, please…”

Nathalie ducked out of her grip, not even looking back, and headed straight up the stairs.

Nathalie startled—she hadn’t noticed anyone else there. Turning around, she saw a man sitting alone in the corner, handsome and refined, his glasses framing gentle features, but his face pale and strained.

He was clutching his chest. “Would you mind finding my assistant? He’s downstairs. I’m not feeling well, and he has my medicine with him.” There was a hint of desperation in his eyes.

All at once, Nathalie snapped to attention. “What’s your assistant’s name?”

“Garrison. Thank you.”

She didn’t hesitate. Rushing downstairs, she found the club manager and quickly explained the situation, her voice urgent. After a few tense moments, she spotted Garrison and filled him in.

Garrison hurried upstairs, with Nathalie anxiously trailing behind. She watched as he found the right medication and helped the man take it.

After a moment, the man’s color improved. He opened his eyes, meeting Nathalie’s gaze with a soft, grateful smile. “Thank you. I’m Freddy. May I ask your name?”