Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 201

The voice calling out was too familiar; Natalia Jenkins didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

Her instinct was to pull away, but Hamilton Fowler once again drew her closer into his embrace.

"Hamilton?"

Betty's voice rang out, causing Natalia to freeze mid-motion, ceasing her struggles.

"Fancy that, Betty, a lady of your stature acknowledging my existence?" Hamilton's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Betty bristled internally. Who in high society didn't know Hamilton?

What was he implying? That she was beneath him?

The Holzer family had always kept a low profile. In terms of fame and influence, they indeed fell short compared to the Fowlers.

Yet, Betty, by all means, still held a senior position in relation to Hamilton.

"Hamilton, regardless, I am your elder, and you would do well to remember that. Besides, we are in Boria City, not Silkwood City."

Hamilton's smile remained, but his eyes were frosty.

"Do you really think I'd be intimidated in Boria City?"

Betty's expression stiffened. Hamilton wasn't afraid of anyone.

Even here, amid the crème de la crème of Boria City, the name of the Fowler family head carried enough weight to command respect.

But how could she swallow her pride?

In her eyes, Natalia was clearly not a match for her dear Ryan. Was she not allowed to voice her opinion?

"Hamilton, this is an internal gala at the Foreign Affairs Department. What business does an outsider have here?"

smile vanished instantly. "I just wanted to see for myself, Betty, how capable you are, to declare that she can't

You really think your family holds that much power?"

family had the clout to back those words was

they did, they

she hadn't expected Hamilton to

as you know, leaves much to be desired. Someone like her joining the Foreign Affairs Department would only serve as a joke, wouldn't it?" "And what about her personal life? Is it not just

at Hamilton, speechless for a moment before stammering, "That's not, I mean, weren't you

was vulnerable." Hamilton glanced at Natalia in his arms. "When her mother was in a car accident and she desperately needed money, I made her sign that agreement. If sacrificing to save her own mother equates to a disordered private life, then I

Hamilton, suddenly

of emotions listening to Hamilton's defense. She hadn't

after all, was

dropping to hide the flurry of emotions in her

away. People won't look for reasons; they only see the outcome. I just hope Ms. Jenkins will be sensible in the future and stop clinging to my Ryan!" With that, Hamilton scoffed, "Betty, let's get one thing straight-who's clinging to whom? Ryan Holzer makes trips to Silkwood City every other day, even visiting on

son-that's the most effective solution. If Ryan could

Before Betty could retort, Ryan's voice

hurried over, catching Hamilton's

had only left for

are you

addressing her son, "Nothing much, Ryan. I just saw Ms. Jenkins and

returned

words had fallen on deaf ears,

in matters concerning Natalia

do you mean,

Betty's patience wore thin.

on the verge

a bit weary. I think I'll head back

his mouth to respond, his gaze landing on Hamilton's hand

grabbed Natalia's arm, and pulled her

attempting to

a glare, and he

caught their previous conversation, he could guess that his mother's words to Natalia were far from kind. "Natalia, I still have something to tell

and shook her head. "Ryan, maybe we can talk over the phone? I'm really quite