Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 200

Natalia laid eyes on Delia for the very first time. A woman in her seventies, her hair a crown of silver, carried a spirit that defied her years. Her eyes, even at this age, sparkled with a clarity that was arresting.

Dawson seemed to feel the gaze upon him and paused, casting a look their way. Noticing, Delia also turned, her gaze settling on Natalia's face. For a moment, her expression wavered into a distant haze, as if she were seeing a ghost of someone else. It wasn't until Dawson beckoned to her that she snapped back to the present. "Ms. Delia, this here is Natalia, Ms. Jenkins. Caspian has mentioned her to you before, I believe."

Delia's face broke into a warm smile. "Natalia, I've heard a lot about you from Caspian. I've been meaning to meet you sooner; can't believe it took us this long."

Her eyes lingered on Natalia's face, as if through her she could see someone else, filled with a poignant nostalgia. For an instant, there was even a sour twinge at the tip of her nose. She hadn't believed others when they said there was a resemblance. Now, seeing Natalia in person, she knew it was true. Her daughter had also been so beautiful, so talented, and yet...

Natalia's lips curved up. "Ms. Delia, it's wonderful to meet you. You're even more radiant in person than on TV."

Delia chuckled at the compliment. "You're quite the looker yourself, my dear. You must come over for dinner sometime; I'll whip up something delightful." As she spoke, Delia felt the familiar sting at her nose once again.

Natalia nodded, "I'd like that very much. I'll make sure to find the time."

Dawson watched the exchange with a soft grin. "Alright, Ms. Delia, let's let them get on with their day. Natalia's the main translator for the summit; she's got her hands full."

Delia blinked, "Oh, is that so? Well, you better get to it then. We'll catch up another time."

Indeed, Natalia was swamped with work. After a brief exchange, she and Collin headed back to the conference.

Delia watched her leave, still somewhat dazed. "Dawson, do you think she might be..."

Dawson's chuckle interrupted her thoughts. "Ms. Delia, I checked. She doesn't even know Liliana."

"Yes, she wouldn't

had fallen completely. A full moon hung low in the sky, prompting

"Mr. Collin, I never

surprised. "What's a young

but didn't reply, her eyes betraying a touch of

about we join a banquet? It's mostly families from the Foreign Service, could be good for you to mingle." Natalia was about to decline when she turned and saw Hamilton standing not too far away. Dressed in black, he seemed to blend into the night, and it was unclear how long he

him. Hamilton pulling his investment from the Schafer family, Hamilton canceling Eveleen's endorsement, Hamilton suing those who had insulted her, Hamilton committing Eveleen to a psychiatric facility. Every action of Hamilton's seemed to reach her ears, intentional or not. Yet Natalia felt indifferent.

I'll come with you," Natalia changed her mind. Facing Hamilton, she'd rather be at a gathering

moment ago, but the instant she saw him, that smile disappeared. He couldn't quite describe what he felt at that moment. It was as if, without knowing when, he'd gone

always been by his side was the one who truly cared for

in his car. He could tell she was avoiding him, but he

with the rumors of Collin's successor, made her the center of attention the

when he saw Natalia, and he came over immediately. "Natalia,

with a smile, "Mr. Collin mentioned it was a Foreign

affairs. "If I'd known you were interested, I would've come to pick

the side, "Young Ryan, will you take care of

dining area. "Today's the Lantern Festival. Let's not fill up here;

out of your way. I'm happy to just

kept the conversation light, chatting with

ladies huddled together, stealing glances at Natalia from time to time. "Margaret, surely that's not your son Chase's new girlfriend?" one of

chuckle before speaking up, her voice smooth as silk, "Let's not jump to conclusions. Chase

women around her nodded knowingly, exchanging knowing smirks. "Still, Chase seems quite taken with her, and who can blame

junior from Chase's alma mater. It's only natural for him to look out for an underclassman, given his