Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

After leaving Natalia, Hamilton headed straight to Alden's place, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He could handle everything with a cool head, except when it came to Natalia. From the beginning, he lost all sense of reason around her. Agreeing to her business proposal left him wondering if he'd made the right call. He couldn't stand to see her cry or pretend to be strong, and the thought of her collaborating with less-than-reputable characters made his stomach churn.

Alden poured Hamilton a glass of water and tried to offer some consolation. "Bro, I think it's not bad at all. It's better than you fighting all these battles alone, right?" Hamilton played with the glass in his hands. "I'd rather she kept hiding than get herself into danger again."

He blamed himself for all the pain Natalia had endured, haunted by nightmares of her lying in a pool of blood.

Alden frowned. "You can't think like that. If you want a future with her, you have to let her stand on her own two feet. She needs to be your partner, not someone you're constantly trying to protect."

"Natalia's not weak. She knows what she wants. You have to trust her."

"Supporting each other can be a beautiful thing."

Hamilton couldn't help but smile and nod in agreement, realizing he was doomed to lose when it came to Natalia.

"And the kid?" Alden suddenly asked.

Hamilton paused. "The kid's still with Killian. Adults have to take risks, but children shouldn't be dragged into it."

Alden nodded, understanding the weight of Hamilton's decision.

"So, you and Natalia... is there something more than business between you two?"

Hamilton shot him a look. "Given the circumstances, I'd rather we just stick to business."

Alden clicked his tongue, thinking to himself that business arrangements could be controlled, but feelings were another story. Perhaps their collaboration might just bring them closer than they thought. He kept these thoughts to himself, though. The next morning, Natalia visited Stafford Pharmaceutical and was greeted by a man in his thirties with a bright and handsome face.

"Hello, I'm Natalia from Jen Group."

The man smiled. "Nice to meet you, I'm Emeric."

Natalia was taken aback but recovered quickly. "Pleasure to meet you, Emeric."

Emeric was surprised she knew about his other ventures. "You've done your homework on me?"

Natalia smiled. "It's always good to know who you're dealing with. I'm sure you've looked into me as well."

They shared a laugh, and Emeric led her into his well-decorated office, asking if she'd like something to drink.

"Just water, please," Natalia replied.

Emeric made a call, but was immediately interrupted by another call. With a sigh, he excused himself to pick up his sister from the lobby.

Left alone, Natalia reviewed the documents on the table. Soon, a woman with long, curled hair and heavy makeup entered, carrying two glasses of water. She examined Natalia with a scrutinizing gaze before hastily leaving after delivering the water.

Natalia sensed something was off but decided to focus on the upcoming meeting with Emeric.

When Emeric returned, they discussed the partnership. Stafford Pharmaceutical was venturing into international markets, requiring high-end business translators to navigate the differing regulations.

they wrapped up, Emeric offered to take Natalia out for lunch, but she declined, suggesting they celebrate after finalizing the

The girl wore the same clothes she had seen in Hamilton's car the night before, and instantly, Natalia felt

hugged her leg, pleading, "Pretty lady, protect

woman apologized for the interruption,

protectiveness towards the little girl, her heart racing with

clearly aiming to scoop Amora into her

tears that chose that moment

froze mid-action, a look of surprise crossing

was Amora who, clinging to Natalia's leg, asked, "Why are you crying, pretty

on Amora as her tears

wiping Natalia's tears away with her tiny hands. "Pretty lady, don't cry. I didn't cry when I

child before her made her heart ache as

into you and hurt you? I'll make it better," the little girl offered, bending

little girl up.

little girl continued to wipe Natalia's tears, and after she finished, she hesitantly

give you my candy so you

head, gently closing Amora's hand. "I don't

into her arms, "Sorry about that. She

don't know why I lost control

shook her head.

to leave with Amora, she reminded,

pouted, "Will she

her head with a

"Good, 'cause Daddy Killian says crying gives

I don't cry, and

gently

Jolene, she

"You

nodded. "Yes, quite

and after a quick glance at

she asked, "Are you

Natalia nodded again.

softly, "That

looked puzzled, "What do

mentioned you, and

on his

smile, "Please say hello to Killian for

"Of

once more before asking, "May I

and a half," Jolene replied, pinching Amora's

child would be

walk toward the elevator, only to be suddenly

by a small figure.