Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Meanwhile, on the other side of town...

Delilah was fuming after hearing that Natalia hadn't left and Hamilton had invited her over again. Magnus watched her with a frown. "Con, what's the use of throwing a tantrum?" Delilah was livid. She had thought this time, it was over between them for good. Yet here they were, still entangled with each other. "That Natalia, why can't she just vanish for good? As long as she's around, Hamilton will probably never givea second glance." Magnus snorted, "What's the rush? Someone will deal with Natalia sooner or later. Eveleen's death is all pinned on her by the Schafer family, not to mention the Fowler family. They'll never tolerate her sticking around Hamilton forever." Delilah raised an eyebrow, "Grandpa, did you have a hand in Eveleen's demise?" Magnus huffed, "She was a liability. Better to make suse of her in the end." Delilah frowned, "But the Schafer family are all duds. Can they really pull it off?" Magnus chuckled, "Never underestimate the power of vengeance." When Natalia emerged from the bathroom, she found Hamilton lost in thought. She sat down at the table without a word. Hamilton snapped back to reality and caressed her face, "What would you like to eat?" Natalia dodged his hand, "Anything's fine." She had lost her appetite, especially after seeing Lucinda earlier. Hamilton could tell she was upset but didn't press further, simply ordering sof her favorite dishes.

It wasn't until they finished eating that he asked, "Heading back to your apartment later?" "Going to Scarlett's place," Natalia stated without hesitation.

Hamilton smiled, then offered her a glass of water, "Stomach troubles again?" Natalia lowered her gaze, "It's alright." This pregnancy wasn't as taxing as the last.

"I can have the housekeeper swing by Scarlett's to cook for you. Just for meals, then she'll leave. It won't disrupt your life." Natalia paused before declining, "No need. I'm not that fragile." Hamilton held her hand, "Natalia, I just want to do something for you." Her fingers tensed, but she soon withdrew her hand and took a sip from her water glass. Hamilton let out a dejected chuckle, "What about security? And a driver? You shouldn't be driving while pregnant. And maybe a bodyguard for when you're out?" Natalia glanced at him and then looked away. Hamilton chuckled again, dropping the subject.

As they left the restaurant, they bumped into Ronin.

Ron Group's Silkwood City branch was in a turmoil. Deals were falling through left and right, and even long-tpartners were backing out. The NorthSuburb project was facing one issue after another. Ronin had been running ragged, caught between endless meetings and social engagements.

Seeing Natalia seemed to lift his spirits, "Natalia! How have you been?" After the funeral, he hadn't seen her. She still looked as heart-wrenching as ever.

Natalia forced a smile, "I'm okay, you?" Ronin sighed, "Not great. My company's been having sissues." He explained the situation to Natalia, who instantly frowned. It was clear someone was targeting Ron Group. Hamilton seemed indifferent, but Natalia didn't press the issue, simply advising Ronin, "Try to drink less. Not everything has to be solved over drinks." Ronin nodded, then turned to Hamilton, "Take good care of Natalia." Hamilton scoffed, "As if I needed your advice." Ronin retorted, "I heard your old man's not in favor of you two? Maybe you should let go. Look at me, my old man said no to pursuing Natalia, so I backed off. No point in causing more pain." Natalia frowned, and Hamilton's gaze darkened, "President Joyner told you to back off?" Ronin shrugged, "What else? Why do you think I gave up?" Hamilton scoffed, "Afraid you can't compete?" Ronin laughed mockingly, "Compete with you? Please. I stepped back because of Ryan, not you." Hamilton looked guiltily at Natalia, who seemed preoccupied.

"What did President Joyner exactly say about not chasing Natalia?" Hamilton pressed.

Ronin smirked, "Probably didn't wantto offend you. After all, you're known for throwing punches when things don't go your way." Hamilton's face fell at the jab, but Ronin was already saying his goodbyes to Natalia and walking away.

Once he was gone, Hamilton leaned in, "What were you thinking about just now?" Natalia dismissed it, "Nothing." Without further discussion, they headed back to their car.

Climbing into the car, Hamilton finally broke the silence.

"Thinking about Mason?" Natalia let out a wry smile. Though she hated to admit it, Hamilton was the one who understood her best these days.

"Yeah, it was Ronin who first brought up the idea ofjoining Ron Group, but it was Mason who really pushed for it. + couldn't figure out why he was so keen on havingthere." "Then, when I left, he said I looked a lot like a woman he had a crush on." Hamilton chuckled, "You believe that? If it was just that, he wouldn't have gone out of his way to block Ronin from pursuing you. And if he was really scared of offending me, he wouldn't have taken you on knowing I didn't want you to leave." Natalia frowned.

"I've always felt something off about Mason. My mom was kidnapped right when he was at the hospital, and he had visited the hospital two days before that too." Hamilton took her hand, his long fingers gently stroking her ring finger.

Natalia tried to pull away, but he firmly held on.

"Natalia, two days before your mom's incident, Mason made a special trip to play chess with my grandfather." Natalia was stunned, forgetting to retract her hand.

Hamilton gently held it, weaving his fingers through hers.

"I suspect he had a hand in this." "So, was it you who dealt with the Ron Group situation?" Natalia asked.

Hamilton was filled with guilt.

"I might not be able to do much about my grandfather, but if Mason is trully involved Won't let him get away with it." Natalia looked down, whispering a "thank you." Hamilton was about to respond when his phone rang.

It was Grandfather.

Seeing the caller ID, Natalia withdrew her hand.

"If you're busy, I can take a cab home." Hamilton immediately hung up.

"It's fine, nothing's more important than getting you home." With that, he started the car and drove off.

Natalia remained silent throughout the ride.

When they arrived at the base of the Scarlett building, she got out, and Hamilton followed. Natalia frowned.

"I'll walk you up." Natalia faced him, "Hamilton, you

really don't have to do this. You know better than anyone that the closer you are e to me, the more danger I'm in You know there are people who don't want us together. So please, keep your distance, Hamilton." With those words, she turned and headed upstairs.

Hamilton lit a cigarette, taking a drag before sending Natalia a message.

I can't just ignore my wife and child because of others.

Natalia, trustone more time.