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

she was, having been in

all those sweet nothings

back a scoff, doubting whether anything Natalia had ever

irritation

car keys to

"You drive."

Alden caught the keys and

pulled away,

in

going to the

Meanwhile, in Ronin's car.

was far from

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

truth, if she let Ron Group pay it off, she would

let out a

to back her into

massaged her temples,

chuckled, "What's wrong? Still hung up

bit her lip and said,

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

mouth tightened, and she

enough, Natalia. There

did you know Hamilton and

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

up at the entrance to Harmony Retreat. As

right behind us. When you

see Hamilton's car

to

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

all this posturing was utterly unnecessary,

deep breath and placed her hand in the crook of

of

from behind, his already sour expression turning

out a

had to admit, Ronin had

to publicly challenge Hamilton like this,

just went ahead and did

heaven, but to Hamilton, it probably looked like a thorn

glance towards Hamilton and saw him pushing

the four of them met again,

good to

Natalia, ignored

Alden quickly followed.

Eveleen came up to

why are you so late?" she asked, before noticing Natalia and Ronin following

a moment,

Jenkins, what a nice surprise!" she

it seems she must

tightly, his face

kept her face neutral, but her grip on Ronin's arm