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 reach her destination, he stood abruptly

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

of shocked faces watching the drama

She glared at Natalia with hatred as

Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott, so

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight. I got

arm around Natalia’s waist and

the entire room was

already humiliated by the evening’s turn of events. The

now, Hamilton was leaving with

help but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s closer to whom here.”

losing interest, tossed his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to

stood abruptly, following Hamilton

Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking lot. As they reached

approaching, tears streaming down her

his sleeve. “Are you really going to

opened the car door and turned to

climbed into the car.

and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed, then wiped away her

12:08

Chapter 111

a bitter smile. She really shouldn’t

on until Hamilton finally got back

to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen.

argue, merely murmured an apology,

“What? You feel

a long moment before quietly

the apartment, Hamilton was greeted by a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you’re

it’s not like you’re going to eat

he spoke, “Just

his clothes as he headed

for a moment before finally

had emerged from

made for him every year on his birthday.

and his expression finally softened

took a seat at the dining table and started eating at a leisurely

walked towards

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

just barely make out the voice on

Come over, will you? None of us can calm her