Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 190

When Natalia clicked on the message, she didn't check out Hamilton's updates this time. Instead, her gaze landed on the necklace adorning Eveleen's neck-a delicate pendant carved into the shape of a pink crystal lisianthus. She used to have one just like it, a gift from Hamilton, the only thing he'd left her when he walked out of her life. But her own necklace had been destroyed by Graham in a fit of rage.

She could still picture the chaos of that day: her sister Tatiana bruised from Graham's assault, their home's furniture in shambles, and amidst the wreckage, the shattered pieces of her precious crystal pendant scattered under the table. That had sparked a blazing row with Graham, which ended with her on the receiving end of his wrath.

Clutching her phone, Natalia's grip tightened. She had been somewhat angry last night, which was probably why she hadn't noticed what Eveleen was wearing, including that necklace. But now, seeing it, a dull ache resurfaced in her chest. It took her a moment to force a laugh.

So the necklaces she'd given away weren't unique after all.

She had thought her childhood memories were the only treasures she had left-because they were one-of-a-kind. But that wasn't true. Nothing was.

Swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat, Natalia took a deep breath, closed the app, and blocked Hamilton's number once again. She wanted nothing to do with him, not even the slightest connection.

After wiping Tatiana's hands and face, Natalia prepared to head downstairs for some food when Ryan's call came through unexpectedly.

She adjusted her mood and picked up.

"Happy New Year, Ryan."

Ryan's voice carried a cheerful note. "Yeah, Happy New Year, Natalia. Where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital with my mom."

"Wait for me, I'll be there soon."

Natalia paused, puzzled. "You're in Silkwood City?"

"Yep," Ryan replied before the line went dead.

Confused, Natalia stared at her phone. Why had he come to Silkwood City so early on New Year's Day?

She wasn't sure how to deal with the affection Ryan offered, feeling increasingly undeserving of it.

Ryan arrived shortly after, bringing with him a thermos of homemade dumplings.

"I wanted to come last night, but my grandpa wasn't feeling well. Did you spend the evening at the hospital too?"

Natalia, eyeing the dumplings, managed a smile. "Yeah, thank you, Ryan."

"Don't mention it."

As they shared the dumplings, Ryan suggested, "It's a holiday. How about we catch a movie or something?"

agreed, feeling bad for keeping him cooped up in the hospital. After changing into

had they entered than someone

"Natalia."

waving at

nodded at Elliott and approached to

Lehner, happy Spring

at Natalia and then glanced

"And who's this?"

Natalia could respond, Ryan extended his hand to

and made small talk with Natalia before she and Ryan headed into the theater. Once they were out

as the head of the Westley family, was busy entertaining a constant stream of visitors. Leaning back on the couch, he chatted idly with the guests until Alden rushed in. "What's the source of the leak?"

was originally posted by a fan, but then Eveleen's agent bought some online influencers to spread

cold. He

are being taken down online. They should be gone soon. But,

Alden for me.

eyes lit up

bro? Okay, I'm

after a pause, Alden looked at Hamilton. "Bro, about the

Hamilton felt

so

already explained everything the night

"No need."

his

What are

than pleased. "What

chuckled mischievously. "Did you

was unamused. "You're calling on New Year's just to ask about that? Elliott, don't you have anything better to

just trying to get the scoop. Otherwise, how would I

Hamilton's stride halted abruptly.

is Natalia making? You saw her? Who

the movies. Just now. Natalia came with some handsome guy named Ryan,

the call abruptly and

the familiar tone of the automated message greeted

Hamilton's expression darkened considerably.

newly unblocked, was already blacklisted

Eveleen's embrace the night

face,