Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 251

The moment Natalia Jenkins laid eyes on Delilah Powell, everything seemed to fall into place, albeit in a twisted kind of way.

Natalia had thought that when Delilah left the prestigious Fowler family, it was her waving the white flag of surrender. But now, it was clear that she was too naive in her assumptions.

After all, how could someone like Hamilton, who went out of his way to study nutritional science in depth, just give up so easily?

"Your competitor tonight is Delilah," Collin whispered urgently to Natalia as she entered the room.

"She has a bit of a knack for languages, and this task involves ancient artifacts. Old Mr. Powell, Magnus Powell, happens to be an expert in that field. So, Delilah might have a slight edge over you in this regard." Collin, ever the protective mentor, couldn't bear the thought of his protégé being at a disadvantage.

Natalia nodded, "I've been preparing rigorously and did extensive research, Mr. Collin. You don't have to worry."

Collin believed in Natalia's capabilities, but he couldn't help casting a worried glance towards the judges' panel.

This competition was unlikely to be a fair and square one.

Before he could voice his concerns, Delilah approached them.

"Ms. Jenkins, we meet again," she greeted with a thin smile.

Natalia responded with a natural, pleasant demeanor, "Delilah, what a pleasure."

Collin, slightly taken aback, asked, "You two know each other?"

Natalia was about to respond when Delilah quickly answered, "We've crossed paths a few times."

Collin's look of concern deepened, but he did not press further, instead offering a worried glance towards Natalia.

"Don't worry about me, teacher. I'm

excused himself to prepare, Delilah turned

I suppose Hamilton won't be

"You know, there's a saying - a woman who only relies on a man's protection

matches him in both background and ability,

and replied with a restrained smile, "Is writing anonymous letters the kind of ability you're referring to,

Delilah's smile didn't waver.

Ms. Jenkins, you should introspect rather than accuse others without evidence." After a brief pause, she added, "Let's just see who's better tonight, shall

Natalia returned the smile.

a skill contest

Natalia was determined to prove that Minister Dawson's faith in her

Collin called

Natalia made her way to

challenge was straightforward - live interpretation of a negotiation

booths, Natalia and Delilah began their

Natalia with a furrowed brow but soon, his expression softened

was competent, but Natalia was in a league of her own. Her professional expertise, adaptability,

the resilience and confidence befitting a representative of

to himself, thinking Natalia's talents were wasted in a mere translation

was confident, despite the outcome, that

judges exchanged uneasy glances, their expectations vastly overturned by Natalia's

concluded, to everyone's shock, Delilah was announced the winner, despite the clear disparity in performance. This decision left a bitter taste, marking a blatant disregard for fairness in

with her performance, but the judges felt that she seemed less like an interpreter and more like she was personally entering the negotiation ring. "An

and

soundproof booth, her expression slightly darkened. It was the first time she realized that

another booth, raised an eyebrow at Natalia. "Ms. Jenkins, are you satisfied with today's