The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 258

"Grandma!" Nathalie's voice cracked with panic as she caught Adelaide, barely steady on her feet. Lance stepped in, supporting them, keeping both women from collapsing to the floor.

His face turned serious. "We need to get her to the hospital."

He swept Adelaide into his arms and moved swiftly outside. In a blink, he was in the car, driving as fast as possible.

The whole way there, Nathalie sat pale and shaking. She clung tightly to her grandmother's hand, her thoughts in total chaos.

All of a sudden, she shot a look at Lance. Her voice trembled. "Did you do something to my grandma?"

Lance's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. His expression went cold.

He never dreamed she would suspect him.

He pressed his lips together and didn't say a word. The silence in the car was suffocating.

Nathalie was spiraling. Adelaide had been fine just moments ago. Why had she suddenly collapsed? She was so scared, her mind latched onto the only explanation she could come up with.

Lance stayed silent. So did she, realizing there was no point to an argument right now.

She just kept praying, over and over, Please let Grandma be okay.

They made it to the hospital and rushed Adelaide straight to the emergency room. After a tense wait, the results came back. Nathalie listened in horror as the doctor explained—Grandma had a tumor, a brain tumor. It was in a dangerous spot, pressing on a nerve. That was what caused her to faint.

The surgery would be risky. Any mistake, and Adelaide might not survive.

Nathalie's legs gave out, and she almost collapsed. Lance caught her by the arm and helped hold her up.

He turned to the doctor. "If we bring in the best neurosurgeon, does that improve her chances?"

"It does, but I can't promise anything. We'll have to see after the specialist consults with us," the doctor replied.

The look in her eyes said it all—hurt, betrayed, totally shocked by the man in front of her.

She couldn't believe he'd say something like that.

Lance's brows drew together. He leaned down and looked into her scared face. "Nathalie, the choice is yours."

Nathalie's hand came up, palm stinging as she slapped him hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the room. Red finger marks instantly appeared on Lance's cheek.

Her whole hand was shaking from the impact.

"You're disgusting," she spat, teeth clenched. Then she turned and walked out of the consultation room.

Outside, she fumbled for her phone and dialed Freddy's number, forcing herself to take deep breaths and calm down.

The call connected. Freddy's gentle voice filled her ear. "Hey, Nathalie..."