Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 116

Natalia’s face froze in an instant. The last person she expected to bump into here was Hamilton.

Hamilton never dined out for Italian. So, for her dates, she’d always pick an Italian bistro, assuming it was safe.

Yet, it seemed like she ran into him every time.

And there he was, with a woman Natalia didn’t recognize. From her chic attire and the glint of her jewelry, it was clear she came from a well–off background.

The woman clung to Hamilton’s arm and asked, “Hamilton, who’s this?”

Hamilton chuckled lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Natalia’s lips tightened. She took a deep breath and turned to Ryan. “Ryan, this is my boss at the firm, Hamilton Fowler.”

After introducing Hamilton, she turned to him, “Mr. Fowler, this is Ryan Holzer, my college senior.”

Ryan stood up, offering Hamilton a warm handshake.

“Mr. Fowler, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Hamilton glanced at Ryan’s extended hand, offered a smile, but instead of shaking it, his piercing gaze settled on Natalia.

“Just your boss, huh?”

Natalia’s face paled slightly. She glared at Hamilton, who just chuckled and finally shook Ryan’s hand. “I’m actually Natalia’s boyfriend.”

Natalia stiffened for a moment, then let out a self–deprecating laugh. Hamilton claiming to be her boyfriend under these circumstances wasn’t even surprising to her. In fact, she felt grateful he didn’t bluntly call himself her sugar daddy.

Both Ryan and the girl by Hamilton’s side were visibly taken aback, especially the girl, whose eyes widened at the mention of “boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? Hamilton, since when did you have a girlfriend?”

Ryan merely gave a wry smile, looking at Natalia. Hamilton also kept his eyes on her.

“Shall we all dine together?” Hamilton asked as he glanced at Ryan. “Ryan, you wouldn’t mind, right?”

Ryan was pretty laid–back. He was just there to catch up with Natalia. As for the rest, he wasn’t in a rush. After all, he’d waited three years already, why rush this moment?

But unexpectedly, she apparently already had a boyfriend.

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Chapter O

Ryan was indeed interested

Ryan said, still the very picture of calm and

took a seat

up a bit.

around her neck. She didn’t know what he was planning, but she knew this would end awkwardly

breath, Natalia stood up. “I’ve lost my appetite, Hamilton. Let’s head

turned to Ryan and said, “Ryan, I apologize, I have some matters to attend to. Let’s catch

Hamilton’s hostility, knew Natalia was doing

nodded

with you about the matter we discussed,” he said.

Ryan,” Natalia replied with a nod.

about me, Bro?” Anita Fowler, Hamilton’s younger

13

tossed her a credit card. “Go eat whatever

the restaurant, arm

the

stopped at

chin. “So eager

“Ryan and I are just friends! If I wanted anything more,

he scoffed. “So, I should thank him, is that it?”

of

social life, present now and in the future. She wasn’t going to cut off her friends

darkened, but he said no more.

home in

straight to pack her belongings in the dressing room.

was almost bare.

stood at the

“Found a place?”

found one.”

expression soured. “That eager to

reply. She

grabbing her wrist, pulling her

second thoughts?” Natalia looked

didn’t want to admit it, but he

he wanted to teach her a lesson, seeing her so determined to

with thoughts of her all day and night, how