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?"

how capable you

Dawson, a successor chosen by Collin, yet the Holzer family decides she can't enter? You really think your family holds that much power?" Betty's face tightened. Those words were meant to

Holzer family had the clout to back

they wouldn't allow

hadn't expected

joining the Foreign Affairs

was taken aback, staring at Hamilton, speechless for a moment before stammering, "That's not, I mean, weren't

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 really don't know what to say about the

suddenly at a

standing by, felt a mix of emotions listening to Hamilton's defense. She hadn't expected him to frame their past

all, was

to hide the flurry of emotions

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

Natalia, then monitor your son-that's the most effective solution. If Ryan could keep his distance from Natalia,

Before Betty could retort, Ryan's

hurried over, catching Hamilton's

immediately darkened. He had only left for a

what are

much, Ryan. I

he returned home lately, Betty would nag him

fallen on deaf

needn't involve yourself in matters concerning Natalia and

you

Betty's patience wore thin.

and son seemed on the verge of

I'm feeling a bit weary. I think I'll head back

respond, his gaze landing on Hamilton's

grabbed Natalia's arm, and pulled

his tongue, attempting to

Natalia shot him a glare, and

guess that his mother's words to Natalia were far from kind. "Natalia,

we can talk over the phone? I'm really quite tired today." Ryan was desperate, fearing that this incident might push Natalia to set boundaries between them, refusing even