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.

Without waiting for her to reach her

respond but also

of shocked

expression was the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her

still feigned friendliness as she said, “Hamilton, what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close

him?”

“Drinks on me tonight.

around Natalia’s waist and the two left. The

the entire

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

with Natalia, leaving her behind?

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

a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms.

abruptly, following

straight to the parking lot. As they reached his car, a voice called

Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down

at his sleeve. “Are you really

door and turned to Natalia.

a word, Natalia climbed

coat pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take

12:08

Chapter 111

forcing a bitter smile. She really shouldn’t have

got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm. “Ms. Jenkins, you’ve really outdone yourself this

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

murmured an apology, “Sorry, I

frustration. “What? You feel wronged

a long moment before quietly saying, “No.”

food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you’re not even cooking dinner

you’re

sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just go make me some

his clothes as he headed toward the bathroom.

for a moment before

ready, Hamilton had emerged from the bathroom. He glanced

“longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year

twitched slightly, and his expression finally

seat at the dining table

walked towards the

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

could just barely make out the

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