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.

expression turned to stone as he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly

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

silent, a tableau of shocked faces

at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her apart.

are you doing? You’re scaring Ms. Jenkins. She’s quite close to Elliott,

him?”

only scoffed. “Drinks on me tonight.

Natalia’s waist and the two left.

the entire

evening’s turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had been scrapped without

was leaving with Natalia, leaving

a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who’s

a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how

abruptly, following Hamilton

to the parking

saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her face.

“Are you really

the car door and turned to Natalia. “Get in and wait.”

a word, Natalia climbed into the

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

12:08

Chapter 111

Inside the car, forcing a

to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm. “Ms.

him and Eveleen. She had no explanation for her actions;

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

with frustration. “What?

for a long moment before quietly saying, “No.”

a clean, empty table–no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins,

like you’re

sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just go

stripping off his clothes as he headed

stood still for a moment before finally heading into

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

the same “longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year

and his expression finally softened

at the dining table

turned and walked towards

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

just barely make out the

Come over, will you? None of us