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.

still smiling, reassured him, "Don't worry

Delilah

Hamilton won't be

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

a woman who matches him in both background and ability, not someone

caught the taunt in her words and replied with a restrained smile, "Is writing anonymous letters the kind of ability you're

Delilah's smile didn't waver.

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 then.

letter or not, Natalia was determined to prove that Minister Dawson's faith in her wasn't

up," Collin called

breath, Natalia made her way

- live interpretation of a

booths, Natalia and Delilah began their simultaneous interpretation as the

Natalia with a furrowed brow but soon, his expression softened

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

resilience and confidence befitting

to himself, thinking Natalia's talents were wasted

was confident, despite the outcome, that everyone present would

exchanged uneasy glances, their expectations vastly

Delilah was announced the winner, despite the clear disparity in performance. This decision left a bitter taste, marking a blatant disregard for fairness

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,

erupted in murmurs and gasps at

slightly darkened. It was the first time she realized that

another booth, raised an eyebrow at