The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 243

“I’ll be home soon.” Nathalie ended the call, shoving her phone into her bag before heading straight for Lumina Grand.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind the whole drive. So many worries spun in her head, but by the time she pulled up at the entrance, she’d forced herself to take a few deep breaths. She had to act normal, at least on the outside. If her grandma saw anything was off, she’d worry, and with her health getting worse these days, any more stress was the last thing she needed.

As soon as Nathalie stepped into the living room, she spotted Adelaide sitting on the couch, her short white hair shining in the light. Lance was sitting right beside her, chatting quietly.

“Grandma!” Before she could stop herself, Nathalie dashed across the room and flung herself into Adelaide’s open arms.

Adelaide hugged her back, chuckling as she smoothed down Nathalie’s hair. “You’re all grown up now, but you still act like a little girl. Aren’t you worried your husband will tease you one day?”

Nathalie had told herself she’d hold it together. She really thought she could fake a smile and act perfectly fine. But the second she felt her grandma’s gentle hug, and heard her soft voice, her chest tightened. Suddenly, her eyes stung, so she squeezed them shut and buried her face deeper in Adelaide’s arms. If her voice sounded muffled, at least her grandma wouldn’t hear the tremble.

“I missed you, that’s all.”

Adelaide laughed again. “If you missed me, why didn’t you come visit? Little rascal.”

Nathalie clung to her grandma’s shirt, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Why did you come here all of a sudden? You didn’t even call. If I’d known, I would’ve picked you up.”

Seeing her grandmother travel alone at her age, pushing seventy, made her heart ache.

But Adelaide just smiled, her eyes gentle. “After you mentioned the sapphire earrings, I couldn’t sit still at home, so I just decided to come see you myself. Tell me, Nathalie… have you found a lead?”

Nathalie paused, collecting herself. She quickly wiped her eyes before glancing up. “Yeah, I found them. I was just about to bring them to you after I finish up my work. Didn’t expect you’d show up here in person.”

Adelaide’s face lit up at once. “Really?”

“Let’s see if we can add a dish,” she said, lowering her voice.

Lance glanced at her hand, and without missing a beat, laced his fingers through hers, making their grip look extra close.

“Alright.”

She looked back toward the private room. “Grandma, we’ll be right back.”

“Take your time,” Adelaide called out.

Nathalie and Lance slipped away together, heading downstairs to a quiet corner where no one could overhear.