The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 325

It felt like an invisible wall had settled between them, their tension so thick it filled the room yet never quite broke through.

Nathalie finally felt herself settle down. Madonna had a point. If tonight’s plan was going to work, getting into another argument with Lance wasn’t an option. Now she found herself regretting every sharp word she’d thrown his way. What if he decided not to go along with what they’d arranged? That would ruin everything.

She frowned, staring at her phone. For a split second, she glanced over in Lance’s direction. He sat quietly, scrolling through his own screen. Whatever he was thinking, he didn’t show it. Not a single flicker crossed his handsome face.

With a sigh, Nathalie locked her phone and got up. She needed air. She stepped out of the villa into the evening.

Just as she reached the courtyard, she bumped into Madonna.

“Nathalie, where are you headed?”

“Just needed a little fresh air,” Nathalie replied.

Madonna gave a quick nod. “Alright, but don’t go far. We’re all eating together tonight.”

“I know,” Nathalie said lightly, then wandered toward the garden.

The crunch of small stones under her shoes as she walked the cobblestone path seemed to soothe her. Tonight was the turning point. If it all went as planned, the divorce would finally be settled. This had dragged on for so long. She was so tired.

She found herself in the little gazebo at the edge of the garden, sinking into a chair and staring off into the fading light, her thoughts miles away.

As the sun dipped below the trees, lights flicked on inside the house. The

Chapter 325

kitchen came alive with clatter, while staff brought plates piled high with food to the dining room. Nathalie lounged in the living room, half–watching television. Lance had disappeared into his study upstairs.

Madonna appeared and smiled, “Nathalie, could you go call Lance down for dinner?”

“Sure.”

Without hesitation, Nathalie switched off the TV and walked up the stairs. She knocked softly on Lance’s study door. His voice came through, low and even. She pushed the door open and stood in the doorway.

“Dinner’s ready.”

Lance was seated in front of his laptop. When he saw her, his eyes softened just a little. The coldness in his expression faded.

“Okay.” He closed his computer and stood, moving toward her.

His gaze lingered on her face, like he wanted to say something, but before he could, she was already heading back downstairs.

He frowned faintly, a strange feeling gnawing at him. Something was off, but he couldn’t put his finger on what it was.

Dinner felt no less peculiar. Nathalie actually sat at the table with Felice, looking calm, not a spark of tension between them. She didn’t say much, but the peaceful atmosphere just didn’t seem normal.

Jasper sat quietly next to his mother. The two barely made a sound, like they hoped everyone might forget they were there if they kept still.

The seat next to Nathalie stayed empty.

“Lance, sit down,” Madonna said as he approached. “I had the chef make a lot of Jackson’s favorite dishes tonight. It almost feels like he’s still here

with us.”

Her eyes shimmered with sadness.

Chapter 325

Lance took his place. Nathalie had a bowl of soup beside her. Without a word, she slid it over to him.

“It’s really good. You should try some.”

Her voice was gentle, her expression soft. It was such a sharp contrast to her earlier, steely energy in the garden that he couldn’t help but glance up in surprise. He looked at the soup but didn’t touch it.

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