Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Lucinda was pounding on the car window, tears streaming down her face, shouting for Hamilton to wait. But Hamilton just started the engine and drove off without looking back. Inside the car, there was a moment of silence before Hamilton finally spoke up.

"Natalia, about Eveleen..."

He didn't get to finish his sentence before Natalia cut him off.

"You don't need to explain. I heard everything."

Hamilton glanced at her, then gently placed his injured hand into hers.

"I'll make sure someone keeps an eye on her. She won't cause any more trouble."

Natalia looked at the hand now resting in hers and after a moment, she held onto it.

But for the rest of the drive, she remained silent.

"I'll pick you up tonight," Hamilton said softly, almost pleadingly, as she was about to get out of the car.

Natalia nodded and stepped out of the car.

It wasn't until Natalia's figure had disappeared that Hamilton pulled out his phone and called Alden.

"How's Eveleen doing?" he asked.

Alden sighed. "Same as always. Crying, making a scene. The doctors say surgery might help her walk again, but we'd need a top specialist. Should we look for one?" Hamilton's gaze darkened. "Let her rest for a while."

Alden hesitated before speaking again. "Bro, maybe it's better if she just... you know. You and Natalia are back on good terms. Keeping her around is like having a ticking time bomb, who knows when Natalia will get fed up because of Eveleen again." Hamilton massaged his temples, sighing deeply before replying, "Just make sure she doesn't stir up any trouble, and keep her in the dark about Patrick's situation."

After hanging up, Natalia got busy at the office.

The NorthSuburb project was launching in the next few days.

She also started the handover process with Ronin.

Ronin listened to her detail the tasks, his frown deepening not because he didn't want to take over, but because he was reluctant to see Natalia leave.

"Do you really have to go?" he asked.

Natalia smiled. "What do you think?"

Ronin leaned back in his chair, sighing. "I thought you'd stay with the company for a long time. I didn't expect you to leave after just six months."

Natalia wanted to say that if it weren't for Hamilton driving her to a corner, she wouldn't have considered leaving so soon.

While they were chatting, Mason's secretary knocked on the door.

"Ms. Jenkins, President Joyner would like to see you in his office when you're available."

Natalia nodded, put down her work, and headed to Mason's office.

Upon her arrival, Mason nodded at her.

"Take a seat."

After Natalia sat down, Mason poured her a cup of tea and pushed it towards her before he finally spoke.

"Natalia, I still hope you'll reconsider leaving."

Natalia laughed softly. "President Joyner, you should know I'm determined to leave."

Mason smiled, albeit a bit sadly. "I know."

He paused before adding, "Do you know why I wanted to keep you at Ron Group? You remind me of someone I used to have feelings for. That's why I wanted to take care of you. But if your heart is set on the Foreign Affairs Department, I won't stand in your way. Even when you're in Boria City, we can still keep in touch."

Natalia was taken aback by his reason but managed to keep her composure. "I see. And here I thought you were using me to get back at Hamilton. My apologies for misunderstanding."

"You're overthinking it. Westley and I are old friends, and I have no business rivalry with Hamilton. Why would I want to target him?"

Natalia didn't reply, just smiled.

"So, still set on leaving for the Foreign Affairs Department?" Mason asked.

Natalia nodded.

Mason sighed. "Well, I respect your decision."

Leaving Mason's office, Natalia felt puzzled. How much of what Mason said was true, and how much was just for show?

The afternoon was spent finishing the handover process.

By the time she left the office, it was getting dark.

Hamilton's car was parked at the curb. As Natalia approached, Tess called out, "Boss."

Natalia paused, and Hamilton stepped out of the car.

Tess was surprised. "Mr. Fowler, you're here again?"

Hamilton nodded, walking over.

"What brings you here this time?" Tess asked.

Hamilton smiled. "Picking up my girlfriend."

Tess's eyes widened in shock,

17.

grabbing Natalia's arm. "Boss, did you hear that? Mr. Fowler said be's

here to pick up his girlfriend!

Natalia met Hamilton's gaze, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"Yes, I heard."

Tess was still in disbelief. "Boss, aren't you surprised? Mr. Fowler has a girlfriend! And she's from our company!"

Natalia nodded. "What's so

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surprising about that? Mr. Fowler's

at the age where it's normal to be in

a relationship."

a

Still shocked, Tess continued, "But who is she? I might even know her."

Hamilton glanced at Natalia.

Feeling a bit awkward, Natalia quickly said, "Tess, your ride's here."

Before Tess could respond, Natalia pushed her towards the car.

After Tess's car had driven off, Natalia turned to find Hamilton staring at her with a dark expression.

He walked over, took her hand, and led her to the car.

Once they were in the car, he pinned her down with a force, "Ms. Jenkins, aren't you planning to go public with us?"

Natalia grabbed his tie, retorting, "Maybe Mr. Fowler would like to know what it feels like to be kept a secret."

Hamilton clenched his teeth in frustration but held back his words.

"So, how long do you plan on hiding me?"

"That depends on your behavior!"

Hamilton snorted and pinched her waist before letting her go.

Back home, the housekeeper had dinner ready. Seeing them return, she quickly tidied up, ready to leave.

Natalia's expression was slightly awkward, but the housekeeper was all smiles.

"Ms. Jenkins, do try to persuade Mr. Fowler. He's been skipping meals again. It'd be nice if you moved back in."

Natalia glanced at Hamilton, who was raising an eyebrow at her.

She scoffed and looked away, thinking to herself, *What a manipulator*.

After dinner, Natalia headed for the

shower, Just as she finished, Hamilton suddenly came in and wrapped his arms around her

"Hamilton, go take a shower!"

"I did, just used the guest bathroom."

With that, he carried her towards the bed.

That's when Natalia's phone started ringing.

Struggling to reach it, she saw it was Ryan calling.

Hamilton's face darkened instantly.

Natalia answered the call.

AQUAS

Just as she said, "Ryan," Hamilton pressed his lips to hers.