The Unwavering Heart That Broke novel Chapter 18

The sharp sound of heels echoed across the floor, suddenly pulling a chill over the busy room. Just moments ago, everyone had been laughing and shouting, caught up in the game of blind man’s bluff. Bagot had the blindfold on. The deal was simple: catch someone, and they had to do anything you asked.

Birthday perks meant Bagot got to set the rules.

“Hey, why’s everybody gone so quiet? You guys kept tripping me up all night. Whoever I catch, you better watch out. I’m gonna make you pay for it.” Bagot’s voice was playful behind the blindfold as he waved a balloon stick around, not caring where it landed.

Suddenly, the stick struck someone.

“Gotcha!” Bagot reached out and grabbed. He pulled the blindfold off, grinning, ready to make a wish.

But then he saw who it was and his smile collapsed.

“Nathalie…”

He let go like he’d been shocked. “Since when were you here? Seriously, guys? No one thought to warn me? I’d have come out to meet Nathalie.”

Nathalie just looked at him, cool and unreadable. “Before, I’d always bring you a birthday gift. You’d invite me in advance. So what changed this year?”

Bagot’s eyes darted away. “I… I meant to call you, but Lance said you were hurt and needed to rest. He told me not to bother you…”

“Is that right.”

Nathalie nodded, letting her gaze drift over the room. “Where’s Lance?”

Bagot looked around too, scratching his head. “He was here two minutes ago. Anyone know where he went?”

A girl gestured outside. “Pretty sure I saw him head into the garden.”

Nathalie didn’t hesitate. She walked straight out.

The girl whispered to her friend, “I saw Felice leave with Jasper too. What’s going on?”

It’s only been a few days. Couldn’t she take it easy just once?

“Nathalie.” Jasper’s voice was barely above a whisper as he hunched behind Felice.

Nathalie’s eyes moved slowly over each of them, steady and cold.

Finally, she looked straight at Lance. “Let’s get a divorce.”

A chill washed over Lance. “How’d you get out here?”

So that was a no.

Whatever. Nathalie walked up to Felice, took her by the arm, marched her over to the pool, and without a moment’s pause, pulled her right in.