The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 279

Aaron had all the info on Gavin in no time.

He called Lance right away.

“Lance, something’s up with this guy. He’s been hired by a bunch of different companies, but never stays more than two or three months. Turns out, Leda’s people have been after him, forcing him to jump ship, and then they reconnect with him in private. Just recently, his account got a three-million-dollar deposit. He’s been living at bars these past few days, and tonight, he’s meeting up with Nathalie.”

Lance’s jaw tightened. “Where are they right now?”

“Salt & Breeze,” Aaron answered.

Lance was on his feet in a flash and headed straight for the door.

“Lance, where are you going?” Jasper called from his spot beside the hospital bed.

Lance kept his voice cool. “I have something urgent to deal with. You stay here and behave.”

Jasper’s eyes went wide and pleading. “Lance, don’t go… I get scared when you’re not here. Can’t you stay?”

“There are bodyguards outside and Grandma will be back soon,” Lance replied. “You’re a big boy, okay? Be brave. I’ll be back soon.”

He ruffled Jasper’s hair gently, then turned and walked out without looking back.

Jasper watched him go, then turned to look at Felice, who was still fast asleep. He curled up beside her, clutching the edge of the blanket.

“Mom…?”

***

Nathalie and Gavin clinked their glasses and took a drink.

Nathalie suddenly looked like she’d swallowed wrong and started coughing, burying her face in a wad of napkins.

“Sorry, I can’t hold my liquor at all. How embarrassing,” she said, cheeks turning red as the fit passed.

Gavin offered a small smile. “It’s alright. Honestly, I’m just glad you’re still willing to help me after everything that happened.”

Nathalie’s reply came out softer, weaker than before. “Yeah, my tolerance is so bad…”

Her words faded as her head drooped. She leaned onto the table, barely mumbling, “I’m super dizzy… Just need to rest my eyes a second…”

Gavin didn’t answer. He just stared at her, his look growing colder and more resentful by the second.

“Nathalie?” he called. There was no answer.

He exhaled, then stood up, came over and helped her to her feet. He led her out of the room, heading down the hall.

Salt & Breeze had private resting rooms. He guided Nathalie inside and set her gently down on the sofa.

He stood over her limp body for a moment, then started undoing his shirt.

“This is your fault,” he muttered in a low, bitter voice. “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be like this now. My life was perfect before you ruined everything.”