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.

him, "Don't worry about me, teacher.

to prepare, Delilah turned to

Jenkins, I suppose Hamilton

with scorn, "You know, there's a saying - a woman who only relies on a man's protection will always remain nothing

needs is a woman who matches him in both background and

a restrained smile, "Is writing anonymous letters the kind

Delilah's smile didn't waver.

me? Besides, sometimes where there's smoke, there's fire. Perhaps, Ms. Jenkins, you should introspect rather than accuse others

Natalia returned the smile.

skill contest then. Fine

Delilah was behind the anonymous letter or not, Natalia was determined to prove that Minister

up," Collin called

a deep breath, Natalia made her way

challenge was straightforward - live interpretation of a negotiation process

into soundproof booths, Natalia and Delilah began their

watched Natalia with a furrowed brow but soon, his

a league of her own. Her professional expertise, adaptability,

the resilience and confidence

to himself, thinking Natalia's talents were wasted in

that

exchanged uneasy glances, their expectations vastly

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

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

room erupted in murmurs and gasps at the

booth, her expression slightly darkened. It was the first time she realized that being too good could

by another booth, raised an eyebrow at Natalia. "Ms. Jenkins,