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.

smiling, reassured him, "Don't worry about

excused himself to prepare, Delilah turned to Natalia with

I suppose Hamilton

woman who only relies on a man's protection will always remain nothing more than an object of

him in both background and ability, not someone clinging onto him like a

the taunt in her words and replied with a restrained smile, "Is writing anonymous letters the kind of

Delilah's smile didn't waver.

smoke, there's fire. Perhaps, Ms. Jenkins, you should introspect rather than accuse others without evidence." After a brief pause, she added,

Natalia returned the smile.

it's a skill contest then. Fine by

anonymous letter or not, Natalia was determined to

up," Collin called out to

breath, Natalia made her way to the

of a negotiation process involving the

Delilah began

soon, his expression softened into one of pride

Her professional expertise, adaptability, and

and confidence befitting a representative of a major

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

confident, despite the outcome, that everyone present would

glances, their expectations vastly overturned by

competition 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

Jenkins had impressed everyone 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 interpreter should look the part," they argued, "and that's why Delilah is more suited for the

in murmurs and gasps at the judges'

entrance of the soundproof booth, her expression slightly darkened. It was the first

eyebrow at Natalia. "Ms. Jenkins, are