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.

had once told him she disliked riding in

been in Caspian's

seemed all those sweet

scoff, doubting whether anything Natalia had ever told him

of unidentifiable irritation washed over

car

"You drive."

the keys

pulled

was heading in the same direction

they weren't going to

Meanwhile, in Ronin's car.

was far

fee was a gesture of Ron Group's goodwill,

Ron Group pay it

out a bitter

knew how to back her into

massaged her temples, which throbbed

to her discomfort, chuckled, "What's wrong?

her lip

didn't mince words, "You're

mouth tightened, and

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

down and asked, "How did you know

laughed, "Mr. Spiegel told me. He called me up just to say my chance had

Retreat. As Natalia was about to step out, Ronin caught her

When you get

to see Hamilton's

walked around to open

date with

to say that all this posturing was utterly unnecessary,

deep breath and

stepped out of

watched the scene unfold from behind, his already sour

let out a

admit, Ronin had guts

who'd dared to publicly challenge Hamilton

Ronin just went ahead and did

match made in heaven, but to Hamilton, it probably

saw him pushing open the car door and

the four of them met again, Ronin

Fowler, good to see you

Natalia, ignored Ronin,

Alden quickly followed.

came up to

so late?" she asked, before noticing

linked arms for a moment, and she let out

what a nice surprise!" she said, turning to

Ms. Jenkins' health. But now it seems she must be feeling

brow furrowed tightly, his face clearly not

her face neutral, but her grip on Ronin's