Maybe LaCroix has a better sense for these things than Nick. (Though, interestingly, LaCroix would have been fine with Nat coming across in the end, so maybe any risk Nick perceived of Nat turning out like Richard wasn't there.

Or Lacroix really didn't care how she turned out. Bye, Felicia! Don't get me wrong, I think LaCroix had a grudging respect and even affection for Natalie by the end. But his #1 goal in life was keeping Nick by his side. He'd do anything, including accepting Natalie to make that happen.

I think we are both haunted by Richard Lambert.