Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 197

No sooner had they stepped out of the diner than Debby's call came through, her voice laced with panic, "Ms. Jenkins, you better come quick. It's absolute mayhem here." Natalia hung up, and Hamilton took her wrist, guiding her to the car with urgency.

"I've got the local police on their way, and Elliott's got the security team deployed. It'll be under control, don't worry."

Yet Natalia's face remained ashen, her mind racing with a singular, torturous thought.

She had dragged Tatiana into this mess.

Eyes shut tight, her heart was a storm of sorrow and rage.

Maybe she should never have tried to compete with Eveleen.

But she refused to be cowed. Why should she, Natalia, be bullied by Eveleen?

Why should it matter that she was the cherished first love?

Eveleen and Hamilton, perched upon their high pedestals, their relationship ambiguously competitive.

Was Natalia destined to be their collateral?

Hamilton, seeing her distress, chose silence over words.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened, tendons standing out. He knew that if anything happened to Natalia's mother this time, whatever chance he had with Natalia would likely vanish. Upon arriving, Natalia dashed to Tatiana's floor. The elevator doors slid open to a scene of chaos.

Her photographs were strewn across the floor, turned into slanderous flyers by frenzied fans. The words "homewrecker" and "mistress" seared into her eyes.

The fans had been cleared, but onlookers still crowded the hallway, whispering and pointing as she passed.

Ignoring them, Natalia made her way to Tatiana's room, Hamilton trailing with a darkening expression.

them, and Natalia immediately asked, "How's my

need to

with relief, managing

aren't under my command.

Hamilton, her voice soft, "Thank you," before heading straight

deepened at her gratitude but held

long time. And I hear it's not just here; fans are spreading these flyers all over town." Hamilton's face darkened. Before he could respond, Scarlett rushed

see this? Your precious first love's handiwork! Do you understand how devastating this is

expression was grim,

her, or is your so-called detachment already your benevolence to Natalia? Or perhaps, a stern warning to Eveleen will suffice?" Hamilton's

her eyes ablaze, "Am I overstepping, or did I hit a

He would protect Natalia.

insulted

But Eveleen?

could only promise detachment, treating her

couldn't guarantee

aching for her friend, lashed out, "Natalia's blind for loving you

flyers at Hamilton, inadvertently hitting

struck squarely, protested, "This has nothing to

who associates with him is

hell does this have

Scarlett's words, "What

Hamilton, but her sympathy for

remain clueless to

her in return? For your so-called first love, what have you done to her? Hamilton, people have hearts, why can't you see Natalia's pain?" As Scarlett's words echoed, a

pause, he finally

welled with

ache, not to mention what Natalia had been

stuck around you, Hamilton? Did you really think you're the only one in this world with a bit of cash? Or did you think, if she really wanted to, she couldn't find someone who'd truly cherish her?" Hamilton's face stiffened, and as he looked up,