Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 148

Natalia didn't really know Ronin all that well, b

ut even with her limited knowledge, she was certain of one thing: Ronin was a safer bet than Hamilton right now.

And, frankly, she hadn't intended for Ronin to escort her home in the first place.

He had been drinking, for heaven's sake. He couldn't even drive, let alone take her home safely!

She had planned to hail a cab after stepping out anyway.

But trying to explain that to Hamilton? It seemed pointless.

Their relationship, if you could call it that, was so strained that explanations felt redundant.

She chuckled dryly. "What kind of guy is he? At worst, like you said, Mr. Fowler, he's just trying to sleep with me."

"You know he's after you, and yet you're okay with him taking you home?" Hamilton gritted his teeth.

Natalia met his gaze head-on.

"Aren't you the same, Hamilton? How much better are you than anyone else?"

With a sardonic smile, she added, "Actually, that's not right. You're leagues behind Ronin. At the very least, he's not a fair-weather friend always looking to stab me in the back. You know, Hamilton, every time I think about how you knew Eveleen was out to get me but still shielded her, it feels like I'm being torn apart. It hurts like hell."

Hamilton's face turned an array of stormy shades.

He gripped Natalia's wrist tightly, at a loss for words.

The elevator dinged open, and he pulled her out with him.

Natalia tried to break free but couldn't, drawing the attention of everyone around them.

Fed up, Hamilton simply scooped her up and shoved her into the car.

Alden had been waiting in the car.

He was a tad surprised to see Hamilton carrying Natalia, but mostly, he seemed pleased.

"Bro, Ms. Jenkins, where to?"

"Back to the apartment." Hamilton meant the apartment they used to share.

"Lotus Estates."

Natalia had named Scarlett's place.

Without further questions, Alden started the car.

ride was silent until they pulled up to the apartment complex, where Natalia felt a sharp throb at her

"I have to go."

the

just Natalia and Hamilton alone

reached for the door, but Hamilton grabbed her wrist again and locked

the past. I promise it

"Save it, Hamilton. 'Sorry' is the cheapest word in the world, and don't talk to me about

If she dares to touch me again, what can you really do? Nothing, because she's your

please, no more

piece, she

to talk anymore. There was nothing left

like an eternity before he spoke again. "I will take care of Eveleen. Natalia, you've made your point.

laughed bitterly. "Which part of me looks like I'm playing games with you, Hamilton? I'm serious about leaving

want

eyed him curiously. "Do you even like me,

deeply

Natalia exhaled softly.

not having what you want. You've always had everything your way, and the idea of a woman leaving you makes you furious, doesn't it? That's all this is about." Hamilton's frown deepened as he watched her, neither agreeing nor

I will do it just as long as

temples throbbed violently, his grip on her wrist

never been this desperate over anyone before. Why do you

feared something might truly happen

he were to really put his foot down, Natalia's schemes wouldn't stand

couldn't bring himself to be

gall

was able to walk away because Hamilton cared,

Natalia. Can't we just make up?" Hamilton's fingers tenderly

the seat with a tranquility that

his gaze, and that's when he noticed the anguish in her

pang in

with Ronin, so why was she in

only made

considered giving up over the past few days, trying to let

from

each time the thought

end, he had to face it-he couldn't let her

pulled her into his

warmed her neck, his dark

sign with Ronin, Natalia. Believe me, I can make sure any

really think they'd throw the company under

voice was rough with

that the man before

couldn't break free, her frustration bringing a flush of red