When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 288

“Hmm?”

“Nancy…” Jonah’s voice caught in his throat, as if he wasn’t sure how to say what he needed to. “She’s got a lot of resentment toward Felix. You saw how she handled things during the crisis. She’s not exactly the most reliable. Are you really sure you want to keep her in the company?”

It made Nelly hesitate for a second. Nancy had a long history with Felix and Jonah, and honestly, Nelly couldn’t say for sure that Nancy wouldn’t walk away when things got rough.

Still, even with all her doubts, she decided to trust Nancy.

“I made a deal with her, and I want to stick to it. Besides, I get where she’s coming from. We haven’t known each other that long, so it’s normal she doesn’t completely trust me yet. And with Rudy always bothering her, it makes sense she’s on edge. I think that if we all work together, things will get better, little by little.”

Nelly was always patient with Nancy, maybe more than anyone else would be. Even if Nancy decided to leave them behind one day, Nelly would understand. She knew what it was like for a woman to feel like she had no choices left. Sometimes, being selfish is just what you have to do to survive.

And at the center of it all, Nancy’s pain was wrapped up in her relationship with her mom. Nelly could relate. That was a big part of why Nancy had helped her take down Rudy in the first place. Yes, Nelly had offered her something in return, but what really connected them was the feeling that they were both a little broken, both a little lost. Nelly didn’t want to let Nancy down, not even a little.

When Nelly finished, Jonah looked like he still had something to say, but he held back.

She caught the look on his face and smiled. “I always thought you and Nancy were pretty close. If she really hated you, she wouldn’t care so much about what you think.”

Jonah lowered his eyes, his tone turning icy. “She doesn’t care about me. She just can’t stand me.”

Rudy had people watching Jonah, but he didn’t realize Jonah and Nancy were being watched, too. When Jonah had lunch with Nelly, he kept checking his phone for updates on Nancy. He knew her well enough to know she wouldn’t let being stood up slide.

Sure enough, his man reported back: Nancy had stopped by the office for a bit and then left again in a hurry. Rudy’s car followed right after. Worse, it looked like Rudy was coordinating with some people.

…

That evening, in the coastal bar district, Nancy found herself in a quiet music lounge. She wore a black slip dress, her long hair loosely gathered at the nape of her neck. She sat alone in a second-floor booth with a view of the water, slowly sipping her drink and letting the gentle rhythm of the music carry her thoughts away.