Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 146 Mason quirked an eyebrow in slight curiosity.

Since Hamilton brought it up, it wouldn't be polite for him to refuse outright. "Sure, why not?" In just a few exchanges, the dinner was set.

The people around them, however, had a mix of reactions.

Natalia's eyelids twitched a few times.

She couldn't fathom what Hamilton was up to.

It felt like he was up to no good, perhaps even scheming to sabotage her job.

As for Eveleen, her face was a portrait of displeasure.

Hamilton was supposed to be here for her consultation with the plastic surgeon, and now he was going to dine with Natalia.

"Hamilton, we've got other plans, remember?" Hamilton glanced over his shoulder at Alden and said, "You take her to the doctor." Alden nodded in agreement and said to Eveleen, "Ms. Schafer, let's go." Eveleen was fuming. "I won't go. Hamilton, I want you with me." Ronin couldn't help but chuckle.

"Mr. Fowler, seems like the lady is vexed. Perhaps you should accompany Ms. Schafer first." Hamilton looked at Eveleen and said, "Eveleen, have you forgotten what I told you before?" Of course, Eveleen hadn't forgotten.

Since that phone call, Hamilton had indeed started to distance himself from her.

He was never particularly close before, occasionally showing up when she needed him, but rarely initiating contact otherwise. After that call, his demeanor beceven colder.

He would still help her, appearing whenever she needed him, but his attitude was unmistakably chillier. Eveleen felt utterly wronged, b ut she knew that making a scene would only embarrass herself more.

Swallowing her hurt, she pleaded, "Could you at least takehlater?" Hamilton glanced at Natalia who deliberately avoided his gaze.

Whether or not to take Eveleen hwas his choice; why should she care! Hamilton felt increasingly irritated by Natalia's apparent indifference.

He neither agreed nor declined, merely stating, "We'll see after this is over." The private room's door closed.

Eveleen's facade of hurt disappeared as if it had never been there.

She glared at the door with clenched teeth.

That damn Natalia was like a bad penny, always turning up. Even after splitting with Hamilton, she still clung to him like a siren.

"I'd advise against any foul play," Alden said, having noticed Eveleen's fleeting expression.

Eveleen jolted, having forgotten Alden's presence.

"Me? Of course not, Alden. You're overthinking it. I'm just upset that Hamilton isn't here for me. Could he be blamingfor the other day's mishap?" Alden chuckled, "Ms. Schafer, drop the act. At the end of the day, you're just one of my brother's exes. Stop trying to play the role of Mrs. Fowler." Eveleen bit down on her teeth, forcing a smile.

"Alden, you have no idea what your brother and I have been through, so don't talk out of turn." Alden's eyes narrowed, but before he could speak, Caspian interjected.

"Ms. Schafer, have you been in touch with Orpheus lately?" At his words, Eveleen stiffened.

Alden blinked, immediately catching on to something.

Panic flashed across Eveleen's face.

"Sir, I'm not sure what you mean. I've never even seen Orpheus." Caspian, hand in his pocket and a cold glint in his eye, retorted, "It doesn't matter if you don't understand, as long as someone does." After a pause, he looked at Alden and said, "I'll stop by later to see the old Mr. Fowler." Alden frowned, nodding at Caspian.

Eveleen's hands, hanging by her sides, clenched involuntarily.

Who was this man, and what did he know? But she quickly dismissed the thought. Their dealings had been in person, without traces like phone calls or stored numbers.

Caspian must be bluffing.

And even if he wasn't, she thought with a sneer, what could they do? Hamilton wouldn't really harm her. Just like he knew she was behind the cyberbullying of Natalia, and how Natalia's miscarriage was her doing.

Hamilton, cunning as he was, had always shielded her.

Reassured by these thoughts, Eveleen calmed down.

Inside the private room.

Ronin wasn't thrilled to see Hamilton but held his tongue at Mason's invitation.

Once settled, Mason attempted to direct Hamilton to the seat of honor, but he lazily took a spot next to Natalia.

"I think I'll keep Ms. Jenkins company," said Hamilton.

Natalia's heart skipped a beat, her expression souring, b ut with Mason silent, she felt it wasn't her place to complain.

Seeing Hamilton beside Natalia, Ronin took his place on her other side.

Mason watched the scene unfold, his gaze flickering, ultimately saying nothing.

As the dinner commenced, Mason turned the conversation to Westley's latest happenings.

Natalia, feeling out of place, stayed quiet, uninterested in contributing.

Ronin leaned in and whispered, "I didn't ask what you like. I hope the dishes are to your taste. Feel free to order something else if you prefer." Natalia smiled, shaking her head. "I'm not picky." Their quiet conversation brought them closer together.

Hamilton, noticing their near-touching heads, felt a chill run through his gaze.

He set his glass down on the table with a clink and chuckled lightly, "I hear Ms. Jenkins is about to seal the deal with Ron Group soon. Is that so?" Mason nodded. "Yeah, I really admire Ms. Jenkins, so, about our Silkwood City branch, looks like we'll be leaving it in Ms. Jenkins's capable hands." Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly and said, "President Joyner seems to have quite the insight into our Ivy Gemstone staff." Ronin couldn't help but chin,

"Of course, a talent like Ms. Jenkins is on everyone's radar. If someone doesn't appreciate her naturallym others are ready to swoop in." Hamilton's eyes narrowed again, and after what seemed like an eternity, he finally cracked a smile and lifted his glass. "Then I suppose congratulations are in order for Mr. Joyner, for securing such a valuable asset?" Ronin lifted his glass as well, not one for formalities. "Much obliged." Natalia, caught between the two men, acted as if she were invisible.

Mason's gaze settled on Natalia thoughtfully.

After a moment, he picked up his glass and looked her way.

"Ms. Jenkins, the future of Silkwood City is in your hands." Natalia smiled and raised her glass to respond, but before she could speak, her drink was taken from her hand.

Hamilton frowned at her. "Aren't you aware of your own health? Daring to drink?" Natalia's lips tightened, but after a moment, she smiled and said, "My health is none of your concern, Mr. Fowler."

With that, she picked up another glass and toasted to Mason, "I look forward to working more closely with you, President Joyner." She tilted her head back and downed the drink in one go. Hamilton's expression darkened.

Natalia could handle her liquor, but a recent bout of fasting had taken a toll on her stomach.

After finishing her drink, she felt a burning pain there.

Taking a deep breath, she turned to Mason and said, "Excuse me, President Joyner, I need to use the restroom." With that, she stood up and walked out.

Hamilton, with a stern face, followed her out.

Ronin made to follow but was suddenly stopped by Mason.

Natalia let out a sigh of relief once inside the restroom.

She had thought she could face Hamilton with composure.

Yet there was still a numb ache in her heart.

But she believed that one day, she would be able to let go.

She took a deep breath to ease the discomfort in her heart and body.

When she felt a bit better, she opened the restroom door and stepped out.

She was about to splash swater on her face when she saw Hamilton leaning against the wall outside, his gaze icy. Natalia washed her face nonchalantly while Hamilton just watched her quietly.

When she finished and walked out, he finally spoke.

"Natalia, is this the next sugar daddy you've lined up for yourself?"