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."

flickered across Delia's eyes. "Yes, she wouldn't know Liliana. Where could my

there, and by the time they left, night had fallen completely. A full moon hung low in the sky, prompting Natalia to remember that today was

lightly, "Mr. Collin, I never celebrate

looked at her, surprised. "What's a young girl like you talking about? Not

reply, her eyes betraying a touch of

for you to mingle." Natalia was about

who had insulted her, Hamilton committing Eveleen to a psychiatric facility. Every action of Hamilton's seemed to reach her ears,

mind. Facing Hamilton,

all the subtle shifts on Natalia's face from a distance. She had been smiling a moment ago, but the instant she saw him, that smile disappeared. He couldn't quite describe

past cruelty. He regretted not realizing sooner that the woman who had always been by his side was the one who truly

followed in his car. He could tell she was avoiding him, but he was determined not to give up. He wanted

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

lit up when he saw Natalia, and he came over immediately.

greeted him with a smile, "Mr. Collin mentioned it was a Foreign Service event,

her to be interested in such affairs. "If I'd known you

"Young Ryan, will

Once Collin had left, Ryan escorted Natalia to the dining area. "Today's the Lantern Festival. Let's not fill up here; how about

need to go out of your

light, chatting with her about the afternoon's progress at

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

before speaking up, her voice smooth as silk, "Let's not jump to conclusions. Chase has always been selective about

nodded knowingly, exchanging knowing smirks. "Still, Chase seems quite taken with her, and

a touch, "She's just a junior from Chase's alma mater. It's only natural for him to