Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 145 Alden watched the unfolding scene with a pulsing vein at his temple.

That Ronin was a real pot-stirrer.

All this talk of "dates"? Hamilton had hardly been seeing Eveleen lately.

If it wasn't for today's appointment with the plastic surgeon, he doubted Hamilton would've bothered showing up.

Yet there was Ronin, spinning it like Hamilton and Eveleen were out on sintimate rendezvous.

Alden glanced at Natalia, whose expression was unreadable.

She didn't care whether Hamilton was actually on a date with Eveleen or not.

Was that supposed to be surprising? Even when they were together, it wouldn't have been a big deal, let alone now that they were apart. Hamilton had no reason to be discreet anymore. Forget dating; even if they were sleeping together, it wouldn't be any of her business.

She turned to Ronin and casually said, "Let's go." Ronin smiled and waved them off.

Hamilton clenched his teeth, struggling to control the anger that threatened to boil over.

He had underestimated her.

He thought her nonchalance was just a facade, b ut she had truly moved on.

Hamilton watched their figures disappear.

His hands, buried in his pockets, were clenched tight, the veins bulging.

Internally seething, yet his face remained impassive.

He didn't want anyone thinking he couldn't let go.

Eveleen's face was a picture of discomfort, her heart filled with resentment.

Hamilton had said nothing, b ut his gaze never left Natalia.

Even though Eveleen was right there, even though she felt slighted, Hamilton hadn't shown the slightest intention of coming to her aid.

"Hamilton, did I say something wrong just now? I didn't mean anything by it." Hamilton gave her a look.

"What do you think?" Eveleen choked up, "I was just afraid Ms. Jenkins was still upset." Hamilton chuckled, "Do you think what you said made her less angry? Eveleen, keep your distance from her going forward and stop picking fights." Eveleen's face grew even more sour, but she becincreasingly docile in front of Hamilton.

"I understand. I'll stay out of Ms. Jenkins' way from now on." Hamilton decided not to press further.

"Let's go, your doctor is waiting." Eveleen obediently followed behind Hamilton.

Alden rolled his eyes behind them.

Eveleen was so fake, thought Alden. How could the world contain such pretense? He wondered how his brother could stand it.

As she exited the parking lot with Ronin, Natalia finally said, "Thanks, Mr. Joyner, for stepping in." Ronin raised an eyebrow, his smile enigmatic.

"No thanks necessary. After all, my intentions weren't entirely pure." Natalia's mouth twitched, but she dropped the subject.

She could tell Ronin was somewhat interested in her, b ut their interactions had been limited, and even if she were considering starting something new, she wouldn't rush into a decision. Ronin continued, "Besides, I wasn't just doing it for you. Back in Boria City, he madelook pretty bad, so this was a bit of payback." He laughed, "Do you think he's fuming enough to be sick yet?" Natalia's eyes dropped, a smile playing on her lips.

"You might be disappointed then." Hamilton had a strong sense of possession, b ut that was all it was.

He never truly cared about her.

Especially now that they had no ties, he had even less reason to get angry over such things.

Ronin laughed again, leaving the conversation there.

Sthings are clearer to onlookers than to those involved.

And that suited him just fine. He hoped Hamilton would remain oblivious until Natalia had completely moved on.

Natalia changed the subject to talk about the new branch in Silkwood City.

The preparations were nearly complete, which was the main reason for Ronin's father to visit.

They chatted as they rode the elevator up.

Exiting the elevator, they were quickly led to a private room where two men were waiting.

One was Caspian.

The other, Natalia recognized from her research on Ron Group, was the president, Mason Joyner.

Mason's eyes narrowed slightly when he saw Natalia, a flicker of intrigue passing before he regained his composure.

"Dad," Ronin greeted, "This is Ms. Jenkins. What do you think? Even more stunning in person, right?" Mason, exuding authority, scrutinized Natalia as if seeing through her.

After a long moment, he nodded.

"She is indeed beautiful, and it's rare to find someone with strong professional capabilities too." Ronin smiled proudly, "Naturally." Caspian also observed Natalia. "You look much better than the other day." Natalia smiled in response, "Feeling better does wonders for one's appearance." Caspian's gaze softened involuntarily.

Mason turned to Caspian and asked, "You know Ms. Jenkins as well?" Caspian nodded. "I'm currently handling a case for her." He left it at that, not wanting to delve into the complexities of Liliana Spiegel's case with others.

Mason nodded, giving Natalia another glance before dropping the subject.

Caspian had other clients to attend to, but before he could excuse himself, Hamilton emerged from the elevator. His gaze flicked, then settled on Natalia.

"What do you think of Mr. Joyner?" Caspian asked her.

Natalia wasn't sure what he was getting at, but replied, "He's been great, very supportive in all respects." Caspian chuckled and playfully slapped Natalia on the back. "That's the spirit. Let's make sure we get along from now on." As Hamilton stepped out of the elevator with Eveleen and Alden in tow, he overheard this exchange and his gaze turned frosty.

He made a beeline toward the group.

"President Joyner."

Mason's face registered surprise upon seeing Hamilton. Despite his youth, Hamilton commanded an intimidating level of respect in the upper echelons of society. Even someone as seasoned as Mason wouldn't dare pull rank in his presence.

"Mr. Fowler, it's been a while," Mason said with a veneer of cordiality.

"Indeed, it's been too long. President Joyner, you didn't even drop a line to let us know you'd be in Silkwood City."

Mason said, "I was just passing through and cto have a quick look and then I'm off. You know, Ronin's going o'm to be staying in Silkwood City. I asshe's already informed you." Hamilton's eyes shifted to Ronin and he let out a half-hearted laugh. "Not only did he inform me, he even poached one of my people."

t Ronin clicked his tongue, "Well, Mr. Fowler, if you can't keep your team together, you can't blothers for swooping in, right?" Ronin's words hit Hamilton like a dagger to the heart.

He was right. Natalia wouldn't even give Hamilton a second glance now.

Hamilton's countenance grew even darker.

Mason, sensing the tension, didn't want to alienate Hamilton with the Ron Group's impending move to Silkwood City.

"Mr. Fowler, why don't we catch up over dinner sometsoon?" Hamilton's smile was thin as he glanced nonchalantly at Natalia.

"Since we've bumped into each other, let's make it tonight."