The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 532

Damaris opened the door just a crack, peering pitifully at Lance. “Please let Nathalie stay with me tonight. I'm a total mess.” Lance's striking features remained entirely unfazed. “Her staying here isn't going to change reality.” Damaris was speechless. What a cold, heartless man! She pouted, turning her puppy-dog eyes toward Nathalie, looking incredibly pathetic. Nathalie's heart softened. She glanced at Lance. “I'm staying here tonight.” Lance simply stared at her, offering no argument. She stepped closer to the door, lowering her voice. “There are only ten days left this month. Are you sure you want to cash it in now?” They still had one agreement left to fulfill. Lance held her gaze, then slowly tapped his own lip. “Kiss me, and you can stay.” Nathalie frowned. She hadn't expected him to be so blatantly opportunistic. Lance shifted his attention to Damaris, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. “Is my request really that unreasonable?” Damaris didn't know what to say. That charmer! He was deliberately trying to drive a wedge between her and Nathalie. It was infuriating. Nathalie rolled her eyes internally, but wanting to get rid of him quickly, she simply squeezed her eyes shut and leaned in. Her soft lips brushed against his in a fleeting, feather-light kiss. Lance's breath hitched for a fraction of a second, but true to his word, he turned on his heel and walked away. The moment the door clicked shut, Damaris scoffed. “I figured a greedy guy like him would want a lot more than just a quick peck.” Nathalie gave her a deadpan look. “You really need to read fewer romance novels.” Damaris grinned, hugging her tightly. She was just thrilled her best friend was staying! With Nathalie there, Damaris managed to sleep without any nightmares. By morning, her mood had completely turned around. The paralyzing fear from the night before had morphed into sheer optimism. She took a huge bite of her toast, speaking around a mouthful of food. “Whatever. I'm not stressing over it anymore. If he comes, he comes. There's always a way out!” Nathalie nodded in agreement. “That's exactly the mindset you need.” After breakfast, Nathalie headed back to Lumina Grand. She spent an hour working out, moved on to target practice, and finally took a hot shower before joining Grandma in the living room to watch TV. Grandma looked over at her, curiosity in her eyes. “Nathalie, you've seemed so busy lately. What exactly are you up to?” There were days when she barely saw her at all. Nathalie offered a gentle smile. “Just catching up on some work.” “Have you reached out to Garth yet? Have you started looking into the company's affairs?” Grandma asked. Nathalie hesitated for a split second before reaching out to gently squeeze Grandma's warm, weathered hand. “Grandma, there's something I haven't told you yet.” Grandma paused. “Go on, sweetheart.” Nathalie explained the entire property notarization process to her. “Until your real granddaughter comes home, I'm just holding onto everything for safekeeping. The moment she returns, I'm transferring it all directly into her name.” Nathalie smiled brightly, her eyes shining with sincerity. Grandma's brow furrowed, her expression turning severe. “No. I won't allow that.” “Grandma,” Nathalie said softly but firmly. “I know how much you care about me, and you've already given me more than enough. I'll be perfectly fine. But those assets don't belong to me.” Grandma looked distressed, taking a long moment to process it. “You silly girl. What I give you is yours. Why do you insist on drawing such harsh lines? You are the only granddaughter I recognize.”