Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 144

Ronin's jab carried a hint of deliberate provocation.

After all, Hamilton had burned his bridges in Boria City pretty badly, hadn't he?

With his hands casually tucked in his jeans pockets, Hamilton gave Ronin a cool look.

It was a while before he let out a scoff, "Since when did you and Ms. Jenkins get so chummy, Mr. Joyner? And if memory serves, I believe I made it quite clear that you should keep your hands off another man's lady." Natalia's brows furrowed sharply, ready to interject, but Ronin had already beaten her to the punch.

"Oh? Is Ms. Jenkins still your woman, Mr. Fowler? Because the last I heard, you two were done. And Ms. Jenkins is about to ink a deal with us at Ron Group. Soon, she won't be working for Ivy Gemstone; she'll join the Ron Group." Ronin's demeanor was the polar opposite of Hamilton's.

Hamilton was deep and reserved.

But Ronin? He was all sunshine, inside and out.

Even when he was just stating facts, he managed to make it sound like a boast.

Natalia pursed her lips in response.

Hamilton's face darkened instantly, turning his gaze to Natalia.

"You're signing with Ron Group?"

Natalia met his gaze unflinchingly.

"Mr. Fowler, you are well aware that I'm in need of money. Ron Group made me a very generous offer. I see no reason to refuse."

Hamilton's eyes grew colder.

He smirked, then shifted his gaze to Ronin.

"Perhaps you aren't aware that Ms. Jenkins has a special clause in her contract with Ivy Gemstone, Mr. Joyner. Leaving us might not be so easy." Natalia's frown deepened.

"Are you going back on your word now, Mr. Fowler?"

Hamilton's smile didn't reach his eyes. "What do you mean, going back on my word? I never agreed to anything in the first place."

Turning to Ronin, he added, "Unless you are willing to cover Ms. Jenkins' penalty for breaking her contract, Mr. Joyner."

Ronin clicked his tongue, "So Ivy Gemstone keeps its talent with these kinds of tactics, huh?"

His tone lightened, "Ron Group operates differently. If we're going to entice Ms. Jenkins to join us, then consider the breakup fee a small token of our sincerity." After saying this, he raised his eyebrows at Hamilton. "Is that satisfactory, Mr. Fowler?"

A spark flared in Hamilton's eyes as the tension between the two men thickened.

Alden quickly stepped forward, placing himself between them.

"Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Joyner, if you've got business to attend to, please go ahead."

Without hesitation, Natalia took Ronin's arm and they headed out.

Ronin couldn't resist throwing a parting shot over his shoulder with a grin, "See you around, Mr. Fowler."

Hamilton's expression could sour milk.

Alden eyed Hamilton for a moment before speaking up, "Bro, didn't you have an appointment with the plastic surgeon for Eveleen? We're going to be late." With a grimace, Hamilton headed outside, only to see Ronin opening the car door for Natalia.

She smiled at him before gracefully sliding into the passenger seat.

Hamilton's temples throbbed.

once told him she disliked riding in other men's

was, having been in Caspian's and

seemed all those sweet

scoff, doubting whether anything Natalia had

of unidentifiable irritation

tossed the car keys

"You drive."

caught the keys and

they pulled

heading in the same direction as

they weren't going to the

Meanwhile, in Ronin's car.

was far from

gesture of Ron

let Ron Group pay it off, she would

let out a

how to

temples, which throbbed with

to her discomfort, chuckled, "What's wrong? Still hung up

bit her lip and said,

Ronin didn't mince words, "You're clearly still into

tightened, and she stayed

seemed unconcerned. "You'll get over him soon enough, Natalia. There are plenty of good men out

"How did you know Hamilton

called me up just to say my chance had

at the entrance to Harmony Retreat. As Natalia was about to

behind us. When you get out,

to see Hamilton's car indeed

walked around to open

with him. You don't want to lose face at an event

all this

and placed her hand in the crook of Ronin's

stepped out of

behind, his already sour expression turning positively

out a quiet

admit, Ronin had guts

who'd dared to publicly

just went ahead and

looked like a match made in heaven, but to Hamilton, it

Hamilton and saw him pushing open the car door and stepping out without

them met again, Ronin was still all

Fowler, good to see you

Natalia, ignored

Alden quickly followed.

came up to greet

are you so late?" she asked, before noticing

eyes lingered on their linked arms for a moment, and she let out a light

surprise!" she said, turning

was actually worried about Ms. Jenkins' health. But now it seems she must

tightly, his

neutral, but her grip on Ronin's arm