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 me, teacher.

Collin excused himself to prepare, Delilah turned to Natalia with a

suppose Hamilton won't be protecting you

- a woman who only relies on a man's protection will always remain nothing more than an object of amusement." Delilah's eyes

both background and

and replied with a restrained smile, "Is writing anonymous letters

Delilah's smile didn't waver.

have proof it was me? Besides, sometimes where there's smoke, there's fire. Perhaps, 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,

Natalia returned the smile.

skill contest

of whether Delilah was behind the anonymous letter or not, Natalia was determined to prove that Minister Dawson's faith

Collin

breath, Natalia made

challenge was straightforward - live interpretation of a

booths, Natalia and Delilah began their simultaneous interpretation as the

a furrowed brow but soon, his expression softened into one

a league of her own. Her professional expertise, adaptability, and the authoritative presence required

the booth, Natalia transformed, embodying the resilience and

to himself, thinking Natalia's talents were wasted in

the outcome, that

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,

an interpreter and more like she was personally entering

murmurs and gasps at the judges'

booth, her expression slightly darkened. It was the

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