Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 111 Hamilton's voice cut through the air, followed promptly by another command.

“Chere.” Natalia’s steps faltered upon hearing him, but only for a moment before she resumed her march towards the exit.

She didn’t want to stay despite realizing how awkward it would look to leave so soon after arriving as if confirming she didn’t belong in this exclusive gathering.

But the truth was, she couldn't bear the thought of spending another minute with this crowd.

Victor's disdain for her was mutual; she had no interest in him either. So why stay and sour her own night? And as for Hamilton...

Natalia let out a wry chuckle. Her first love was right by his side; was she expected to stick around just to be overshadowed? Standing tall, she didn’t hesitate as she made her way to the door.

But when Hamilton saw her determined to leave, his face darkened instantaneously.

Alden, sensing the tension, quickly reached out to stop her. “Ms. Jenkins, now that you're here, you can’t just up and leave like this.” Natalia offered a laugh, though it lacked mirth. “Sorry, Alden, but | really don’t like it here.” Alden frowned, glancing at Hamilton, hoping he would say something to convince her to stay. But Hamilton remained silent, his gaze heavy on Natalia.

Victor, ever the instigator, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. “Alden, let her go if she wants to. She shouldn't have been invited in the first place. What's the point of bringing someone like her, just to spoil the mood?” Finally, Elliott couldn’t hold back. “Victor Henkel, that's quite enough. Ms. Jenkins isn’t here for you.” Victor clicked his tongue, throwing Elliott a meaningful glance. “Since when did you becso chummy with Ms.

Jenkins?” Elliott ignored him, turning to Natalia instead. “Ms. Jenkins, since you're here, why not join us for a bit? It’s Hamilton's birthday, after all. We should be having fun.” Eveleen chimed in with a laugh, playing the gracious hostess. “Yeah, cand have sfun. Otherwise, it might seem like we're not welcoming.” Her words, dripping with an air of exclusive ownership, effectively set Natalia apart from the group.

Natalia had no intention of staying, but Eveleen’s comment sparked a defiant streak in her. She stepped forward, moving towards Elliott. “If Ms. Schafer insists, I'll stay and join in the festivities.

Eveleen’s smile froze on her face.

Hamilton's expression turned to stone as he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. “Take one more step and see what happens.” Natalia’s lips were tight, and she didn’t respond but also didn’t move any further.

The room fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the unfold.

Eveleen’s expression was the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her apart.

However, she still feigned friendliness as she said, “Hamilton, what are you doing? You're scaring Ms. Jenkins.

She's quite close to Elliott, so what's wrong with her wanting to sit with him?” However, Hamilton only scoffed. “Drinks ontonight. | got to go.” With that, he wrapped his arm around Natalia’s waist and the two left. The door closed behind them, and the entire room was silent.

Eveleen’s complexion paled considerably. She was already humiliated by the evening's turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had been scrapped without mention.

And now, Hamilton was leaving with Natalia, leaving her behind? Alden couldn't help but comment with a smirk, “Looks like it’s clear who's closer to whom here.” Victor, losing interest, tossed his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. “Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to make an impression, right, Eveleen?” Eveleen stood abruptly, following Hamilton out.

Once outside the room; Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking lot. As they reached his car, a voice called out, Turning around, Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her face.

*Hamilton!” She clutched at his sleeve. “Are you really going to leavelike this?” Hamilton opened the car door and turned to Natalia. “Get in and wait.” Without a word, Natalia climbed into the car.

From his coat pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed, then wiped away her tears.

12:08 Chapter 111 Natalia watched the scene from Inside the car, forcing a bitter smile. She really shouldn't have ctonight.

As she lowered her gaze, avoiding the scene outside, tseemed to stretch on until Hamilton finally got back into the car. His first words were laced with sarcasm. “Ms. Jenkins, you've really outdone yourself this time.” Natalla understood he was referring to her decision to walk towards Elliott instead of sitting by him and Eveleen.

She had no explanation for her actions; she simply didn't want to be near them.

She didn’t argue, merely murmured an apology, “Sorry, | shouldn't have come.” Hamilton's brow furrowed with frustration. “What? You feel wronged now?” Natalia remained silent for a long moment before quietly saying, “No.” Back at the apartment, Hamilton was greeted by a clean, empty table-no food, no cake. His scoff was sharp and bitter. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you're not even cooking dinner this year?” Natalia chuckled. “Well, it’s not like you're going to eat it anyway.” Hamilton's eyes narrowed sharply for a moment before he spoke, “Just go makesspaghetti.” He started stripping off his clothes as he headed toward the bathroom.

Natalia stood still for a moment before finally heading into the kitchen.

By the tthe spaghetti was ready, Hamilton had emerged from the bathroom. He glanced at the plate on the table.

It was still the s“longevity spaghetti” Natalia made for him every year on his birthday.

The man’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and his expression finally softened a bit.

He took a seat at the dining table and started eating at a leisurely pace.

Natalia turned and walked towards the bathroom.

When she cout after her shower, Hamilton had already retreated to the bedroom. He was leaning against the window, on the phone.

Natalia could just barely make out the voice on the other end.

“Hamilton, Eveleen’s drunk and won't stop crying. Cover, will you? None of us can calm her down.” Hamilton lit a cigarette “I've left her a chauffeur. Have the driver take her home.” “Con, Hamilton. Eveleen put her heart into planning your birthday. It’s not cool to brush her off. Are you really going to hurt her over that bitch? Think about it, man, is it worth it?” Hamilton took a drag and replied without emotion, “Mr. Henkel, aren’t you overstepping a bit?” 19.00 Chapter 111 There was a cluck of disapproval from Victor. “Man, you're being cold, Hamilton.” Upon hearing footsteps, Hamilton turned to look at Natalia. “Mind your own business.” With that, he hung up the phone.

Then, he gestured towards Natalia. “Chere.” Natalia took a deep breath and walked over.

As she approached, Hamilton pulled her into his embrace. “Ms. Jenkins, where's my birthday present?” Natalia avoided his gaze. “I didn’t get you one.” Hamilton let out a sardonic laugh and pinched her waist a bit harder.

“Getting bolder, aren't we? Not only skipping out on dinner but also no gift?” Natalia gave a faint laugh. Looking up into his eyes, she retorted, “Do you really miss a gift from me?” Hamilton certainly didn’t miss it, in fact, he didn’t care about the gift at all. Yet, he wanted to give Natalia a hard time.

Earlier that evening, she had blatantly walked towards Elliott right in front of him, clearly not taking him seriously.

He looked down at the woman in his arms. Still so pure and clean, yet somehow different.

Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly. Then, he leaned down, and his hot kiss landed on her lips.

Natalia didn’t resist, not wanting to make things awkward anymore.

What happened next seemed to naturally follow.

But just before things progressed, Natalia suddenly asked, “Hamilton, are you engaged to Eveleen?” Hamilton's movements froze. He laughed and took hold of Natalia’s chin. “Do you care?” Natalia looked away. “I just don’t want to be the other woman.” Hamilton seemed to be in a good mood as he kissed her lips gently. “Don’t worry. Ms. Jenkins, you'll never be the other woman.”