Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 169 Hamilton had been loitering outside until Ryan left.

Ryan didn't stay long, just long enough to grab a bite and have a cup of tea.

He had wanted to stay longer.

Just that evening, he'd made it official with Natalia, and the reality of it hadn't quite sunk in yet.

Only when he was with her did he feel truly grounded.

But this was Scarlett's house, and as a man, he felt somewhat out of place.

Natalia had intended to drive Ryan back to his hotel.

But Ryan had declined.

Hamilton was still around, just standing downstairs. If Natalia went to see Ryan off, it would inevitably mean another encounter with Hamilton.

Previously, Ryan might not have had a say.

But now, Natalia was his girlfriend, fair and square.

He naturally didn't want his girlfriend hassled by another man.

"I'll call you when I get to the hotel." "Alright." As Ryan descended the stairs, he saw Hamilton, standing still as a statue, a thin layer of snow dusting his shoulders.

Upon seeing Ryan emerge, Hamilton let out a scornful chuckle.

"How does it feel, Mr. Holzer, to be used as a human shield?" Ryan's eyes sparkled with a pleasant warmth.

"Mr. Fowler, jealousy is an unattractive trait." Hamilton snorted and bent his head to light a cigarette.

"Want one?" Ryan shook his head.

"I don't smoke, and Natalia doesn't like the smell of it." Hamilton scoffed, "Really? She never complained about my smoking when we were together." Ryan let out a laugh.

"Not complaining doesn't mean liking, Hamilton. Do you even know what she likes?" Hamilton was left speechless, his face stiffening.

With a forced bravado, he retorted, "And do you think you know, Mr. Holzer? Don't forget, I'm the one who lived with her for three years." Ryan was somewhat aware of the dynamics between Natalia and Hamilton.

To say they lived together for three years was more like Natalia accommodating him for three years.

But he didn't want to linger on that with Hamilton. What use was there in arguing now? Better to focus on treating Natalia right.

"Goodbye, Mr. Fowler." Hamilton could only scoff, his eyes brimming with disdain.

"Mr. Holzer, I'll be waiting for the day you get kicked to the curb." After Ryan left, Hamilton too drove away.

He knew that Natalia probably wouldn't cdown tonight.

And he was doomed not to see her.

Driving slowly, Hamilton took his time. On Christmas Eve, most families were gathered together, so the streets were not busy.

His phone kept ringing.

Many were calling him, but he didn't answer.

He just pulled over to the side of the road, watching the gently falling snowflakes outside.

Hamilton had never felt so hollow.

It was as if someone had brutally scooped out something important from his heart.

Eventually, he couldn't resist and dialed Natalia's number, only to be reminded by the mechanical voice on the other end that he was still blocked.

A surge of irritation welled up inside Hamilton.

He did have a work phone, but he didn't call again.

Probably she wouldn't answer anyway.

He opened WhatsApp, considering sending Natalia a message.

But seeing the long string of unread messages, he felt it was probably pointless.

Yet, he sent one anyway.

[Natalia, enough is enough. End this tantrum, break up with him, and I'll let all this slide.] [Think about it. What haven't I provided for you? Haven't I treated you well?] [If it's Eveleen you're worried about, I'll limit my contact with her. Let's make up, Natalia.] The moment the last message was sent, he saw a red exclamation mark appear.

[You are not friends with the recipient. Please send a friend request first.] Hamilton was so angry he almost threw his phone out the window.

Tiredly tossing the phone aside, he closed his eyes.

He had to admit, letting Natalia go was the biggest mistake of his life.

Everything since then had spiraled out of control, starting the moment he agreed to let go.

He should have kept her close, regardless of her crying, pleading, or threatening her own life.

A primal rage rose from deep within, urging him to take what he wanted without regard for the consequences.

Regardless of how she chose or whether she wanted it, he'd simply seize her, keep her close.

But the rational part of his mind told him that wouldn't work, that it would only push her further away.

In frustration, Hamilton slammed his fist on the steering wheel, the horn blaring into the night. Rubbing his temples, he was about to start the car when his phone buzzed with a message. He hoped it was Natalia, but it was from Alden.

[Hamilton, Eveleen tried to kill herself.] Hamilton's brow furrowed deeply.

Before he could reply, a call cin. It was Victor.

Hamilton answered with a frown.

"Hamilton, Eveleen attempted suicide. She slit her wrists in the m bathroom of the private room. We found her too late; not sure if she can be saved," Victor's voice was grave. Hamilton's face turned grim. After a while, he managed a terse, "Got it." Eveleen had been rushed to Benevolent Care Hospital.

When Hamilton arrived, the crowd from the evening's gathering was there, along with Lucinda and Patrick.

Lucinda's eyes were red from crying.

Patrick looked somber, his gaze laden with concern.

As Hamilton approached, all eyes turned his way.

Alden quickly stepped forward.

"Hamilton, the doctors just issued a critical condition notice." Hamilton's temples throbbed.

"None of you noticed?" Alden's frown deepened.

"She was the only woman in the room, said she was going to the restroom. We couldn't exactly follow her in. Besides, who would have erin. thought she'd actually go through with it..." Actually, Alden thought that it was all just for show, a scare tactic at most. But nobody caught on, and now it was a real mess in the room.

Guess Eveleen just dug her own grave.

Hamilton's brow furrowed deeper, a storm brewing in his expression.

Before he could speak up, Lucinda suddenly cover, dropping to her knees in front of him like smelo queen in a soap opera.

"Mr. Fowler, I'm beggin' ya, for old times' sake, help Eveleen out, would ya? She's just got it bad for you, that's all. Since when is loving someone a crime?" Alden couldn't help but roll his eyes. What a load of bull.

Sure, loving someone was no crime.

But did that give her the right to harm Natalia's life? Even though Eveleen took the plunge, he didn't have an ounce of sympathy for her.

Hamilton's scowl didn't budge. Without a word, he gestured for Alden to help Lucinda up.

But Lucinda wouldn't budge, as if she was determined to get Hamilton's stamp of approval.

Bad timing for Hamilton, whose mood was already in the gutter.

With Lucinda pulling this stunt, it was like she was asking to be sent packing.

"If that's how you want to play it, Mrs.

Schafer, then stay on your knees Hamilton said coldly, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife through butter.