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.

reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed

and she didn’t respond

tableau of shocked

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

what are you doing? You’re scaring Ms.

him?”

on me tonight. I got to go.”

Natalia’s waist and the two left. The

and the entire

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

Hamilton was leaving with Natalia, leaving her

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 make

stood abruptly, following Hamilton

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

around, Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down

at his sleeve. “Are you

opened the car door and turned to Natalia. “Get

word, Natalia climbed

a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed, then wiped

12:08

Chapter 111

car, forcing a bitter

scene outside, time seemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm. “Ms. Jenkins, you’ve really outdone yourself this time.”

by him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions; she simply didn’t want

apology, “Sorry, I shouldn’t

brow furrowed with frustration. “What? You feel wronged

for a long moment before

His

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

he spoke,

stripping off his clothes as he headed toward the bathroom.

a moment before finally heading

was ready, Hamilton had emerged from the bathroom. He glanced at the plate

spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year on his

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

table and started eating

turned and walked towards

to the bedroom. He was leaning against the window, on the phone.

make out the voice

over, will you? None of us can calm her down.”