The Unwavering Heart That Broke (Nathalie and Lance) novel Chapter 590

Watching the corked bottles bob along the violent, rolling waves, carrying her desperate cries for help out to sea, Damaris's eyes flooded with newfound hope.

She pressed her palms together, praying with everything she had that someone—anyone—would find them and bring her home.

***

That evening.

Nathalie arrived at the upscale restaurant with Sophia in tow. The hostess greeted them politely, "The gentleman you're meeting has already arrived."

Nathalie glanced at Sophia. "Go on in."

Sophia looked nervous, grabbing the hem of her shirt. "Nathalie... aren't you coming in with me?"

Nathalie offered an encouraging smile. "No. You're the one who needs to thank him. This is between the two of you. I won't third-wheel."

Besides, she genuinely didn't know how to face Freddy.

After practically freezing him out with cold, professional distance just recently, she was suddenly the one initiating contact.

What was she supposed to say if she sat down with him?

It would be incredibly awkward.

Sophia didn't catch onto her internal struggle. Still looking hesitant, she gave a slow nod. "Alright. Thank you."

"I'll grab a coffee downstairs and wait for you. Take your time," Nathalie assured her.

"Okay."

Sophia nodded, turning toward the private dining room. She stood outside the door for a moment, taking a deep breath before finally pushing it open.

Nathalie turned and headed downstairs to the neighboring café. She ordered a latte, pulled out her phone, and started scrolling.

She had ordered Nicol to continue tracking Damaris. Deep down, she didn't entirely trust Lance.

She had a lingering suspicion that her so-called husband was hiding something from her.

But they were technically business partners right now, so she couldn't exactly interrogate him without proof.

Unfortunately, Nicol had hit a dead end, causing a crease to form between her brows.

Nathalie swallowed hard.

Wasn't Sophia sitting right across from him?

How could he say something so brutal right in front of the poor girl?

She pressed a hand to her forehead, a massive headache forming. But before she could formulate a response, Freddy spoke again. "Is being friends with me really such a burden to you?"

But the voice didn't just come from the phone. It came from directly in front of her.

Nathalie looked up in sheer shock, locking eyes with Freddy. He was staring down at her, a look of helpless resignation plastered across his handsome face.

He had actually tracked her down to the café!

The air in the room instantly turned to lead.

Nathalie slowly lowered her phone, completely mortified. The secondhand embarrassment was so intense she wished the floor would swallow her whole.

Freddy pocketed his own phone and pulled out the chair across from her. He pushed up his glasses, his expression a mix of frustration and profound disappointment. "Nathalie, you've completely built a wall against me. Why?"