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.

told him she disliked riding in

been

sweet nothings

a scoff, doubting whether anything Natalia

unidentifiable irritation washed over him

tossed the car

"You drive."

the keys and got

they pulled away, Alden's brow

heading in

weren't going to the same

Meanwhile, in Ronin's car.

was far from

said the breakup fee was a gesture of Ron Group's goodwill, it was

Group pay it off, she would be indebted

out a

to back her into a

massaged her temples,

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

lip

mince words, "You're clearly still into

and she

get over him soon enough, Natalia. There are plenty of

"How did you know Hamilton and I were

told me. He called me up just to say my chance

at the entrance to Harmony Retreat. As

us. When you get out, hang

to see Hamilton's car indeed parked

around to open her

with him. You don't

to say that all this posturing was utterly

she took a deep breath and placed her hand in the crook

stepped out of

behind, his already

let out a quiet

admit, Ronin had guts

anyone who'd dared to

went ahead and did

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

a cautious glance towards Hamilton and saw him pushing open the car door and

the four of them met again, Ronin was

good to see you

Natalia, ignored Ronin, and walked

Alden quickly followed.

came up to

are you so late?" she asked,

their linked arms for a moment, and

a nice surprise!" she said, turning to

But now it seems she must be

furrowed tightly, his

but her grip