The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 253

When Daniel heard this, he didn’t try to make her stay. All he said was, “Alright, take care on your way.” He lingered in the living room for a quick goodbye, not making any move to walk them out.

Nathalie left the Blair house with Adelaide at her side. Once they were in the car, Adelaide stared quietly out the window. Nathalie glanced over and felt like the fine lines at the corners of her grandmother’s eyes seemed even deeper than before. It made her chest tighten with sadness and worry.

“Grandma…”

“Nathalie, none of this is your fault.” Adelaide’s voice was gentle and soothing. “Don’t dwell on it. Don’t get involved, either.”

Nathalie tightened her grip on the steering wheel, hesitated, then said, “She wants the earrings back for Felice. The adopted daughter she brought home.”

Adelaide looked over, her eyes sharp. “That girl is still living at the Blair house?”

Nathalie nodded. “Yeah.”

Adelaide gave a soft sigh. “She didn’t do well as a daughter. As a mother, she’s struggling too.”

Her words landed with the kind of truth only someone who’s lived long enough can deliver. Nathalie fell silent. There was nothing more to say.

They went out to eat. Adelaide barely touched her food, but Nathalie encouraged her gently until she had a few bites. Then they went back to The Observatory for some rest.

Nathalie made sure the guest room door was closed before heading into her study. She hadn’t gone to work that day. Addis kept sending her messages, making it very clear he wasn’t happy. She set up and recorded a few episodes to send him, focusing hard to get through it.

It was three hours before she stepped back out. She walked over to the guest room and knocked.

“Grandma?”

A muffled, “Yes,” drifted through the door.

Nathalie opened it softly. She found Adelaide sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at a pair of sapphire earrings. Her expression was distant, lost in thought.

Nathalie sat down beside her. “What’s on your mind, Grandma?”

Adelaide snapped the jewelry box shut with a quiet click. “Honestly, I was never a fan of sapphires. I like jade. But after all these years, this was the only piece of jewelry he ever gave me.”

Grandmother and granddaughter leaned against each other as the golden sunset washed the room in a gentle, hazy warmth.

Later that evening, Nathalie ordered takeout from the hotel. She was just settling in when there was an unexpected knock at the door. Madonna showed up, holding a gift, her face lit up with a wide smile.

“Adelaide, I’m Nathalie’s mother-in-law… Madonna. Do you remember me?”

Madonna’s sudden visit made Nathalie’s nerves tingle. Something about it felt off.

Adelaide smiled and nodded. “I remember. You’re with Doctors Without Borders, aren’t you? That’s really amazing.”

Madonna handed Nathalie the gift. “Just a little something. Keep it for your grandma, will you? Older folks need to eat well and stay healthy.”

“Thank you, Mom,” Nathalie said as she took it.

“There’s no need for thank yous,” Madonna said with a relaxed laugh. Then she settled down next to Adelaide. “Adelaide, you’re the person Nathalie respects most. She listens to you. I wanted to chat with you, if that’s alright.”