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.

she disliked riding

having been in Caspian's and now Ronin's

sweet nothings

anything Natalia had ever told him was

of unidentifiable irritation

car keys

"You drive."

argument, Alden caught the keys and

they pulled away,

heading in the same direction

to the same place,

Meanwhile, in Ronin's car.

mood was far from

Ronin had said the breakup fee was a gesture of Ron Group's goodwill, it was no

if she let Ron Group pay it off, she would be indebted

out

always knew how to back her into

temples, which throbbed

"What's wrong? Still

lip and said,

words,

and she

"You'll get over him soon enough, Natalia. There are plenty

down and asked, "How did you know Hamilton and I

called me up just to say

to Harmony Retreat. As Natalia was about to

behind us. When you get out,

frowned and glanced back to see Hamilton's car indeed parked

around to open her

date with him. You don't want to lose face

all this posturing was utterly unnecessary,

breath and placed her

out of the car

the scene unfold from behind, his already sour expression turning positively

let out a quiet

had to admit, Ronin had guts of

recall anyone who'd dared to publicly challenge Hamilton like this,

just went ahead and did

to Hamilton, it probably looked

and saw him pushing

the four of them met again, Ronin was

good to see

ignored Ronin, and walked

Alden quickly followed.

up to greet

you so late?" she asked,

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

Jenkins, what a nice surprise!" she said, turning to

But now it seems she must

his

but her