The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 351

Nathalie shook her head. “It’s just work stuff. Nothing I can’t handle on my

own.”

She knew those things were complicated, even risky, and the fewer people involved, the better. There was no way she’d drag anyone

innocent into her mess.

Freddy nodded, concern lingering in his eyes. “Alright, but if you ever run nto a tough spot, you know you can come to me. Seriously. Whatever it s, we’ll deal with it together.”

A small smile tugged at Nathalie’s lips. “Thanks, Freddy. That means a

ot.”

Freddy grinned. “I wish my sister were as easy to deal with as you.”

Nathalie got to her feet. “Olivia’s actually pretty decent when she’s not in a nood.” She glanced at Freddy with a soft look. “Anyway, I should go clear my head. I’ll let you get back to your day.”

Freddy laughed quietly. “Let me walk you out.”

They headed toward the door together, but as soon as Freddy twisted the handle, they almost bumped into Olivia standing outside. Her hand was frozen mid–air, just about to knock.

Freddy blinked. “Olivia? What are you doing here?”

The moment Olivia noticed Nathalie, her whole face tightened. “Freddy, why is she here?”

“Nathalie’s my guest,” Freddy said, his tone patient but firm. “She just dropped by. Is there a problem?”

Olivia eyed them both. “Just a guest?” She sounded like she didn’t buy it for a second.

Nathalie stared right back, her tone chill. “If something’s wrong with your

head, go see a doctor. I actually know a really good neurologist, if you want a referral.”

Olivia’s mouth twisted. “Are you insulting me?”

Nathalie just lifted her brow. “I’m giving back what I got. What, it’s fine if you throw shade at me, but I can’t speak up?”

Olivia laughed, the sound sharp. “So what’s your deal, Nathalie? Did Lance ditch you or something, and now you’re moving on to Freddy? Forget it. Our family would never accept someone like you.”

‘Olivia.” Freddy’s voice dropped, stern and low. “That’s enough. She hasn’t done anything to you. Why are you acting like this?”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “I just can’t stand her. So what?”

What nobody else knew was, Olivia had always had a thing for Lance. They’d gone to college together, but then Nathalie had come along and, n Olivia’s eyes, stolen him away. The resentment never faded. Secretly, she was still wishing Nathalie and Lance would divorce. To her, Nathalie

was the enemy.

Freddy pulled Olivia further inside and turned to Nathalie, guilt all over his ace. “I’m really sorry. Let me apologize for her.”

Nathalie didn’t blink. “Why should you? She’s old enough to handle it herself. If she’s got something to say, she can say it to me.”

Her confidence was icy, her eyes hard.

Olivia scoffed. “Me? Apologize to you? Please. I’ll say it again, I just don’t like you. Next time I see you, I’ll tell you to your face. If you’re smart, you’ll keep away from me, or else…”

A loud slap cut through the room.

Nathalie shook out her hand, her voice calm. “Mouth off again and I’ll slap you again. Don’t believe me? Try it.”

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