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 destination, he stood abruptly

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

room fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the

of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her

you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott, so what’s wrong with her wanting to sit

him?”

on me tonight. I

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

entire room

turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had been scrapped

now, Hamilton was leaving with Natalia,

“Looks like it’s clear who’s closer to

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

abruptly, following Hamilton out.

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

Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her

She clutched at his sleeve. “Are you really going to leave me

opened the car door and turned to Natalia.

a word, Natalia climbed into

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

12:08

Chapter 111

Inside the car, forcing a bitter

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

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

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

brow furrowed with frustration. “What? You

long moment

clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp

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

a moment before he

stripping off his clothes as

for a moment before finally heading

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

made for him every

twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened

table and started eating at a

and walked towards the bathroom.

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

out the voice on the other end.

won’t stop crying. Come over, will you? None of us can calm her down.”