Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 178

Hamilton's fist hovered just inches from Natalia's face. There was an unmistakable shade of pain in his eyes that refused to dissipate. "Natalia, you're protecting him like this? Aren't you afraid I'll hit you too?" His voice was a low growl, barely concealing the threat behind it.

Of course, Natalia was scared. She knew all too well how hard Hamilton could hit; she had seen it firsthand. Yet, she couldn't stand by and watch him beat up Ryan again. The guy had already taken enough flak for her sake, and she refused to be the cause of his pain once more. It would only deepen her guilt.

After a moment of tense silence, Natalia scoffed at Hamilton. "Hamilton, he's my boyfriend. Am I supposed to protect you instead?"

That hit Hamilton like a punch to the gut. He stared at the scene before him, and after what felt like an eternity, he let out a bitter chuckle and withdrew his fist. Without another word, he turned and followed a staff member inside.

Once he was gone, Natalia finally allowed herself a sigh of relief. After exchanging a few comforting words with Ryan, she followed the staff member into the building.

The routine interrogation lasted nearly three hours. After it ended, Natalia was escorted to a holding cell.

Hamilton emerged from the interrogation room to find Caspian already waiting for him. Throughout the questioning, Hamilton's mood had been as stormy as a rough sea, causing the interrogators to tread on eggshells.

Caspian nodded to the pale-faced staff, signaling they could leave, before turning to Hamilton. "I checked into Graham's accounts like you said. Lots of suspicious transactions, the biggest one from three years ago. I've started spreading the word; now we wait to see who slips up first."

Hamilton, lighting a cigarette, grunted noncommittally.

Caspian studied him. "You look like hell. Regretting your decision to come here?"

Hamilton's face was a mask of stoicism. "Who said I have any regrets?"

guys wine and dine the girl they like, take them to the movies. You?

of a movie date with Natalia flashing in his mind. But would she ever give him the chance?

his heart ached. After a long silence, he finally spoke

paused, then burst into laughter, rife with schadenfreude. "Hamilton, they're in love. What's so strange about a hug?

Caspian

Nobody's mistaking

he lit a cigarette of his own a rare indulgence, as Bianca hated the smell. He only smoked when the nights grew long and arduous, and now, seeing Hamilton like this, he felt

between them, Hamilton's features obscured in its haze. Caspian took a drag and then spoke up.

furrowed, but he

a year left. Once it's up, you'll

with her for one more year? The cost-to-benefit ratio is way off. Is it

the wall, tilting his head back, his expression unreadable through the smoke. He knew the answer. It wasn't worth it. Yet, he couldn't let go. His pride wouldn't allow the

mine,

an exploitation of her vulnerability, and you know it. If you're just feeling possessive, then I'm telling you, forget it. A year flies by, and there are plenty of other women to distract you." "Unless, of course, you actually want to win her back, to treat her right, to truly be with her. But remember, Hamilton, your past with Eveleen is an obstacle you'll never overcome. If you can't get your act together, Natalia will never turn back. Eveleen's trial is coming up; you better

left to speak

been in the holding room for a while before Hamilton finally came to see her. He walked in with a pocketed hand and a dark, brooding look-not the face of a man being interrogated, but of one

she was here, he'd find a way to keep her, contract or not.

close, Natalia shifted away. He, undeterred and shameless, moved closer

Hamilton a glare over her shoulder. "Hamilton, are you like