Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 111

Hamilton’s voice cut through the air, followed promptly by another command.

“Come here.”

Natalia’s steps faltered upon hearing him, but only for a moment before she resumed her march towards the exit.

She didn’t want to stay despite realizing how awkward it would look to leave so soon after arriving as if confirming she didn’t belong in this exclusive gathering.

But the truth was, she couldn’t bear the thought of spending another minute with this crowd.

Victor’s disdain for her was mutual; she had no interest in him either. So why stay and sour her own night?

And as for Hamilton…

Natalia let out a wry chuckle. Her first love was right by his side; was she expected to stick around just to be overshadowed?

Standing tall, she didn’t hesitate as she made her way to the door.

But when Hamilton saw her determined to leave, his face darkened instantaneously.

Alden, sensing the tension, quickly reached out to stop her. “Ms. Jenkins, now that you’re here, you can’t just up and leave like this.”

Natalia offered a laugh, though it lacked mirth. “Sorry, Alden, but I really don’t like it here.”

Alden frowned, glancing at Hamilton, hoping he would say something to convince her to stay. But Hamilton remained silent, his gaze heavy on Natalia.

Victor, ever the instigator, couldn’t resist adding fuel to the fire. “Alden, let her go if she wants to. She shouldn’t have been invited in the first place. What’s the point of bringing someone like her, just to spoil the mood?”

Finally, Elliott couldn’t hold back. “Victor Henkel, that’s quite enough. Ms. Jenkins isn’t here for you.”

Victor clicked his tongue, throwing Elliott a meaningful glance. “Since when did you become so chummy with Ms. Jenkins?”

Elliott ignored him, turning to Natalia instead. “Ms. Jenkins, since you’re here, why not join us for a bit? It’s Hamilton’s birthday, after all. We should be having fun.”

Eveleen chimed in with a laugh, playing the gracious hostess. “Yeah, come and have some fun. Otherwise, it might seem like we’re not welcoming.”

Her words, dripping with an air of exclusive ownership, effectively set Natalia apart from the

group.

Natalia had no intention of staying, but Eveleen’s comment sparked a defiant streak in her. She stepped forward, moving towards Elliott. “If Ms. Schafer insists, I’ll stay and join in the festivities.

Eveleen’s smile froze on her face.

to stone as he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take one more step and see what

tight, and she didn’t respond but also didn’t move any

fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the drama unfold.

glared at Natalia

as she said, “Hamilton, what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott, so what’s wrong with her

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight.

wrapped his arm around Natalia’s waist and the two left. The door

and the entire room was silent.

considerably. She was already humiliated by the evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with

Hamilton was leaving with Natalia,

comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s

cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to make an impression,

stood abruptly, following Hamilton

room; Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking lot. As they

saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her face.

“Are you really going to leave

and turned to Natalia. “Get

a word, Natalia climbed into the car.

Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed, then wiped

12:08

Chapter 111

forcing a bitter smile.

scene outside, time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the

referring to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her

didn’t argue, merely murmured an apology, “Sorry, I shouldn’t have

“What? You feel wronged

remained silent for a long

Hamilton was greeted by a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and

“Well, it’s not like you’re going to eat

moment before he spoke, “Just go make me

stripping off his clothes as

still for a moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

was ready, Hamilton had emerged from

spaghetti” Natalia made for him

man’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a

took a seat at the dining table and started eating at

walked

her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning against

the voice on the

stop crying. Come over, will you? None of us