The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 186

“What am I even getting out of this?” Felice’s voice trembled as she wiped at her eyes. “My parents are wonderful to me, and you always look out for me. I have no reason to set Nathalie up.”

She let out a soft sob, her whole body curling in on itself, looking completely heartbroken and misunderstood.

Lance’s eyebrows pulled together, his aura instantly turning chilly. He glanced down, fingers drumming lightly against his knee.

He didn’t say anything for a while, just kept staring at the floor as the tension stretched out between them. Finally, he spoke. “She wouldn’t do that. Not something like this.”

Felice bit down on her lip, nodding slowly. “I get it, Lance. Don’t worry. I’m not going to blame Nathalie. Maybe it really was just a mistake. I don’t hold it against her.”

She dabbed at her tears with a tissue, her voice full of hopeless pain. “She just always seems to misunderstand what’s between us. I know my time with Jackson hasn’t been long, but I really do love him. Nathalie just doesn’t see it, and honestly, I don’t know what else to do.”

She forced herself to sound gracious, even though she was the one stuck with an injury. It was all an act. She made herself the bigger person, no matter what.

Something about the whole scene made Lance feel unexpectedly restless.

Still, he’d done what he came to do. There was no reason to stay. He got to his feet, his voice a little softer than before. “Felice, just rest and focus on getting better. Don’t worry about the company. I’ll send someone to help, and I’ll make sure you have guidance in running things.”

Felice looked at him for a moment, uncertainty flickering across her face. “If you take care of me like this, Nathalie will get the wrong impression—again. Maybe it’s better if I just deal with it myself.”

Lance shook his head, decisive. “This is settled. I still have things to handle. I’ll be on my way.”

The hospital room door swung shut behind him.

Felice’s teary, innocent act vanished the second he left. She punched the mattress hard, her jaw clenched in frustration.

Ridiculous.

She’d gotten nothing out of this.

This outcome wasn’t even close to what she wanted. She’d tried everything, put on her most pitiful show—and still, Lance took Nathalie’s side.

What would it take for Lance to finally lower his guard around her?

Well, she was out now. No sense in obsessing over it anymore.

Damaris gave her a once-over and frowned, concern all over her face. “Girl, you’ve lost weight. We’re grabbing something delicious, my treat.”

Nathalie’s lips quirked up in a real smile. “Deal.”

Just then, the sound of two cars honking pulled their attention. They looked over to see two vehicles parking along the curb, one after the other.

The first car door opened, and Lance stepped out—tall, put-together, unreadable as ever. His eyes zeroed in on Nathalie, and he started walking her way.

Another car door clicked open. Freddy got out, caught sight of Lance heading for Nathalie, raised an eyebrow, then hung back.

He caught Nathalie’s eye with a little half-smile. “Ms. Blair, I’m here to keep my promise.”

Damaris latched onto Nathalie’s hand and hissed, “Oh my god, is that Freddy? Why is he here? Since when are you two on such good terms?”