The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 226

Lance’s eyebrows pulled together. “Nathalie, I did exactly what you asked. Why do you look upset?”

Nathalie let out a couple of fake laughs. “Oh, I’m thrilled.”

A moment later, her smile vanished. “Is this what you wanted?”

Lance’s expression fell, dark and cold.

That’s when his phone rang. Aaron was calling.

“Yeah?”

Aaron could tell right away that Lance was annoyed, so he cleared his throat and said, “Lance, the international meeting starts in ten minutes.”

Lance just hung up without another word.

Nathalie had already grabbed her script and walked off to the conference room. Her attitude, all cool and a little mocking, was enough to make him feel totally on edge. He spun around and left, his mood ruined.

#

Addis watched Nathalie come in with a stony look, his brow pulled tight. “You okay? You don’t seem like yourself.”

“I’m fine.” Nathalie flipped through the rest of the script in her hand, guessing there was about a month of work left to do.

Addis grew serious. “Keep your personal feelings out of it. Your voice needs to stay on point.”

She nodded. “I know.”

The meeting wrapped up and they headed into the recording booth. Nathalie worked hard all afternoon. By the time she stepped out, her mouth was dry and her throat ached.

She made her way to the break room and poured herself lemonade, sipping slow, letting the cool citrus calm her nerves.

After work, she went straight to the mall. She still needed some basics for her new apartment, so she bought what she needed and had everything sent straight there. Once she was nearly done, she stopped by the security desk and handed the guard a list of names and numbers she wanted blocked from coming in.

The security guard smiled wide. “Don’t worry, ma’am. No chance anyone on this list gets into the building.”

Nathalie gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

He beamed. “Just doing my job!”

Hauling her bags, she headed home.

She really thought moving would keep him away?

Let’s see.

#

Nathalie flipped open her video chat to show Damaris her new place.

“Wow, it’s gorgeous!” Damaris grinned. “I have to come over now. Have you eaten yet? Want me to bring stuff for hot pot?”

“That sounds perfect,” Nathalie’s eyes lit up. She realized she hadn’t had hot pot in ages and her mouth watered at the thought.

“Wait for me. I’m on my way!” Damaris cheered before hanging up.

Nathalie did a quick tidy-up and unpacked the little bit of kitchenware she owned. It wasn’t a lot and definitely felt a bit bare, but it would work for two.

Not long after, her apartment intercom buzzed. Nathalie froze, then walked over and pressed the button. “Hello? Who is it?”

A gentle man’s voice answered. “It’s Freddy. I saw your lights on from across the way. Did you move in tonight?”