The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 229

Freddy adjusted his glasses and spoke in an even voice, “Are we sure it’s a good idea not to let them come up?”

Damaris fired back, “If we let them up, we’re the ones who’ll be in trouble.”

That actually made Freddy laugh.

Still, he said, “I haven’t talked with Lance much, but my impression is… he’s seriously intense. The kind of person who never lets things go.”

He shot Nathalie a pointed look as he said it.

Nathalie frowned, frustration tightening her chest.

That’s exactly who Lance was.

If he didn’t get what he wanted tonight, he’d find another way in. No question.

She let out a heavy sigh.

“Let’s just eat,” Nathalie said. “We’ll deal with whatever comes when it happens.”

Freddy didn’t push it. He kept his involvement to a minimum, maintaining just the right amount of distance.

The meat dipped in hot broth brought a moment of comfort. A swig of beer chased away the day’s chill, leaving her warm from the inside out.

But the peace didn’t last.

A sharp knock sounded at her door.

“Excuse me, police. We need to ask a few questions,” a voice called from the hallway.

The three of them froze.

Damaris’s eyes went wide. “The police? Why would they be here?”

Nathalie was just as stunned. She stood up, walked to the door, and opened it to find two police officers waiting, faces set in businesslike seriousness.

“We received a report about illegal gambling happening at this address. We need to search the premises,” one officer said, flashing his badge before moving into the apartment.

Lance scanned the room with a cold stare, finally fixing his eyes on Freddy at the table. There was an icy glint in his gaze, but when he spoke he actually smiled.

“Nathalie, you moved and didn’t tell your husband, but the outsiders got the announcement. Doesn’t that seem a little off to you?”

Nathalie’s fingers curled painfully into her palm as she tried to steady herself.

“You really will do anything to get your way, won’t you?” Scorn colored every word.

Lance just shrugged it off. He walked right over, pulled out a chair, and sat with them at the table.

“Lance.” Freddy nodded, his tone polite but cool.

Lance glanced at the table overflowing with food, then commented, “Freddy canceled plans tonight just to come home for dinner with my wife. I have to admit, that’s quite touching.”

Damaris quietly scooted closer to Nathalie and tried to make herself invisible, eyeing the tension at the table.

“Nathalie, this guy’s seriously scary,” she whispered.