Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 199

Hamilton clutched Debby's borrowed phone, his thumb hovering over the call button with a sense of urgency. The call connected, and he barely got out a "Natalia" before the line went dead. Staring at the disconnected call, frustration knotted in Hamilton's gut. Was it so bad now that she wouldn't even exchange a word with him?

Turning to the nurse, he asked, "When did she mention moving her mother to Boria City?"

Debby shrugged, "Yesterday. Ms. Jenkins said it's getting unsafe around here, that trouble could come knocking any minute. And between you and me, whoever's giving her grief must be off their rocker. Ms. Jenkins is such a sweet girl; who could stand being talked to like that?" A pang of something-guilt, regret-twisted in Hamilton's chest.

He handed the phone back to Debby. "She didn't come by today?"

Debby shook her head. "Ms. Jenkins is tied up with other things. Just yesterday, after hours, some Mr. Cheng came looking for her, talking about work. But if you ask me, the guy had eyes only for Ms. Jenkins. I bet he's got a thing for her."

Hamilton feigned confidence. "Don't worry, Natalia wouldn't give him the time of day."

Debby wasn't buying it. "Looks to me like it's you she's not giving the time of day. You can't even get through to her without using my phone."

"I'm not barred from calling her. I just wanted to surprise her!" Hamilton blurted out, a touch too defensively.

Debby rolled her eyes. "Quit the act. I know for a fact she's blocked you. You might as well give up. It's clear as day she can't stand you."

With no desire to prolong the conversation, Hamilton turned on his heel and left the hospital.

His next stop was Ron Group, but Natalia was a no-show. Ronin was the one who greeted him.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Fowler. What brings you to our humble abode?"

Hamilton was blunt. "Where's Natalia?"

Ronin's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Sorry, I'm not inclined to tell you that."

Hamilton's expression darkened. "Listen, Ronin. You and your Ron Group haven't exactly set roots in Silkwood City."

Ronin nodded sagely. "But with Natalia with us, I'm sure we'll flourish here soon enough."

Hamilton's laughter was cold and brief. "If that's your angle for getting close to her, just know this: Hurt her, and I'll wipe your Ron Group off the map."

Departing with a final glare, Hamilton left Ron Group. Behind him, Mason emerged from an office.

Ronin approached, his voice low. "Mason, did you hear that? Don't even think about pulling any shady moves on Natalia."

Mason's face twisted in anger. "Get lost!"

to step into

"Mr. Fowler."

standing at

surprise. "Switching sides to Ron Group,

Ivy Gemstone shortly after Natalia's departure

decided to join

"And the

"She mentioned something about a meeting in Boria

paused, his mind racing.

"That's right."

nod, Hamilton tossed his cigarette in the trash and strode

to Boria City. She had just finished

second before she ignored him, loading her luggage

after her.

to

"Natalia, Eveleen's been committed. Her

that got to do

our father, at least forgive her this once. If she gets out, I'll send her abroad, far from you. Please, just this once. If you forgive her, I'll let you return to the family name." The offer was laced with condescension, but Natalia

grew up without a father or a sister.

even talk to

committing Eveleen to an institution. No one knew the true extent of her breakdown that first night. Natalia almost

even see us

came crawling to me for help, huh? Patrick, you really think I'm

Natalia's eyes. "Don't make me air

last thing she wanted was any further connection with Patrick, let alone add the scandal of

had

on pushing her, she was not

Patrick's face turned pale.

serious. If you're willing, I'll

lost! Who the hell

him out, Natalia got into her car and drove

feeling helpless. With no other choice, he pulled out his phone and made

Boria City.

disembarked from the plane, she saw Ryan waiting

"Ryan."

her way over to

luggage from her hand.

"Not really."