The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 278

Gavin didn’t look anything like the man she’d met before. The spark was gone. He seemed totally defeated, not even trying to hide how drained he felt. For a second there was a hint of resentment in his eyes, but just as quickly, it vanished.

Nathalie hesitated before speaking. “Have you thought about trying another company?”

Gavin gave a bitter laugh. “I’ve already switched jobs three times.” He looked down at the table, shaking his head. “Every single time, it’s the same story. That’s how I know someone’s out to get me.”

He stared at the untouched food, then suddenly reached for the bottle and poured himself a drink. He knocked it back, took a shaky breath, and closed his eyes for a moment. “Nathalie, just let me talk to Lance. I’ll say sorry, I’ll do whatever he wants. I don’t care. I just want this to stop. I can’t stand it anymore.”

Now he really knew what workplace bullying felt like.

He had talent. That was clear. The managers always acted like they appreciated his skills, but then they’d turn around and shut him out, block every chance for promotion, tear him down until he was hanging by a thread, doubting everything about himself…

Nathalie frowned as she pulled out her phone. “I honestly don’t know what’s really going on,” she said, dialing Lance’s number, “so I’ll ask him myself.”

Gavin gripped his glass, his voice barely above a whisper. “Alright.”

Three rings, and the call connected.

“Hey, Nathalie.” Lance’s voice was as warm as ever. He always sounded happy to hear from her, even when she called out of the blue.

Nathalie’s words came out flat, her eyes dark with concern. “Are you targeting Gavin?”

There was only silence for a second, and then Lance asked, “Who?”

Just that one word. It told her everything she needed to know. Whatever had been happening to Gavin, Lance hadn’t even been aware of it.

Nathalie’s suspicion was confirmed. Lance honestly didn’t remember who Gavin was.

Gavin looked up at her, his eyes searching her face. “Really?”

She nodded. “As long as you promise to work on yourself first.”

A faint smile pulled at his lips. “Alright. I trust you.”

He actually looked like himself again. He poured a drink for her and then one for himself, lifting his glass. “Thank you for not giving up on me. Cheers.”

Nathalie lifted her glass in return. At that exact moment, her phone buzzed with a new message. She glanced at the screen, her eyebrows lifting at what she saw.

Still, she turned her attention back to Gavin and met his glass with hers.