Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 153 He had been careless, after all.

All he had intended was to whisk Natalia away from Silkwood City, thereby cutting off her contact with Ronin.

But he hadn't reckoned with Ryan.

Hamilton's face was a study in storm clouds as he pulled his car over to the curb and got out.

Before he even reached them, their laughter carried on the breeze, twisting his features into an even deeper scowl.

Hamilton approached, his eyes dark and brooding.

At the sight of him, Natalia's smile froze, her lips petrifying mid-curve.

"Ryan, let's get going," she said, her voice holding an edge of urgency.

Ryan, having noticed Hamilton, simply nodded to Natalia, his expression unreadable.

"Where are you heading?" Hamilton's frown deepened as he posed the question.

Without a word, Natalia reached for Ryan's car door.

Hamilton's jaw clenched, and he moved forward to slam the door shut again.

"Natalia, are you deaf? I asked you where you're going!" The strain on Natalia's face was palpable.

"Hamilton, don't you think you're overstepping a bit? We're nothing more than colleagues now." Hamilton's face darkened, and his gaze flicked to Ryan.

"So you're leaving with him?" Natalia raised an eyebrow, challenging. "Is that a problem?" Hamilton's composure was slipping.

After what seemed an eternity, he finally spat out, "Natalia, you really are easy! Any man that shows up, you'll just go with him." A bitter laugh escaped Natalia, her eyes glistening with fragmented pain.

"Think whatever you want." She tried once more to open the car door, but Hamilton pressed it shut with force.

His face was grim. After a tense silence, he managed, "Sorry, I misspoke." He paused, then added, "Just stay here tonight. It's a suite. I promise I won't touch you unless you agree. Plus, it's closer to our partner company. We have an early meeting, and it'll be convenient from here." But Natalia was unmoved.

Ryan chuckled from the sidelines.

"Mr. Fowler, if you continue to obstruct us, we'll have to call the police." Hamilton scoffed. "Ryan, Natalia is here on business, and we still need to prepare our negotiation strategy for tomorrow. Please don't interfere!" Ryan's laugh was laced with disbelief. He had dealt with many people over the years, but Hamilton's brazenness was a first.

"You're obviously pursuing your own agenda while trying to sound righteous." "Mr. Fowler, please consider Natalia's reputation. She's no longer involved with you, and even if you need to discuss strategy, sharing a room is inappropriate." A dangerous glint passed through Hamilton's eyes.

"Even if we're no longer involved, we've shared a bed for three years, makingcloser to her than you, Mr. Holzer! And sharing a room withdamages her reputation, but leaving with you doesn't? Your little schemes aren't as invisible as you think!" Hamilton's words hit Natalia like a slap, her expression souring instantly.

"Hamilton, stop projecting your filthy thoughts onto others." With that, she marched to the other side of the car and got in.

Hamilton watched her climb into Ryan's car, a pained look flashing across his face.

'Filthy thoughts?' Would Ryan dare to claim he had no intentions toward her? Ryan met Hamilton's gaze, then followed Natalia into the car.

As the two drove away, Hamilton got back into his own vehicle and trailed them. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

At the very least, he had to ensure Natalia wasn't staying with Ryan.

Inside the car, Natalia broke the silence.

"Sorry, Ryan." Ryan had always been a knight in shining armor, his charisma and demeanor impeccable. And yet, because of her, Hamilton had maligned him.

Ryan smiled gently. "There's nothing to apologize for. I do have those intentions, so he wasn't entirely wrong." Natalia managed a wry smile. She knew she wasn't worthy of someone like Ryan.

In every way, she fell short.

Ryan, sensing Natalia was still entangled with her past, wasn't in a hurry. After all, he had waited three years already; a few more wouldn't hurt.

"Have you had dinner?" he asked softly.

She shook her head. The negotiations had run late, almost until ten o'clock, and she had planned on ordering room service at the hotel. But things had unexpectedly taken a different turn.

"How about I take you out for something good? What are you in the mood for?" Natalia chuckled. "Anything's fine, really. I could just make sinstant noodles later." Ryan glanced at her. "Is that how you usually get by?" "Occasionally," Natalia admitted.

A complex emotion flashed in Ryan's eyes. He pulled the car over and stepped out, returning moments later from a nearby bakery with a Black Forest cake in hand.

Natalia had always loved Black Forest cake since her college days. However, during the years with Hamilton, she had nearly forgotten her own preferences. And here was Ryan, still remembering after all this time. She sighed softly, a warmth blossoming in her despite herself.

Hamilton, meanwhile, was behind in his car, his gaze fixed on the vehicle ahead. When Ryan's car stopped and he emerged from the bakery with the cake, Hamilton's brow furrowed even deeper.

He felt like a voyeur peering into a date he had no part in. Reflecting on his three years with Natalia, it dawned on him that they had never shared moments like this. His mood soured further, and he lit another cigarette, his attention never straying from the car in front.

What were they doing in there? Would Ryan take advantage of the situation? The more he thought, the more agitated he became, almost ready to get out and confront them when the car ahead started moving again.

Ryan dropped Natalia off at her hotel, a gentleman to the end.

At the Spiegel family inn, a room was always kept on hold, a cozy nook for the wayward traveler.

"If you ever find yourself in Boria City without a place to crash, just buzz Caspian," Ryan told Natalia, his tone friendly yet insistent. "This door's open for you." Natalia gave a slight nod, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Got it, thanks, Ryan."

Ryan studied her for a moment. "I ordered you sroom service. Grab a bite to eat, and hit the han early. I'l swing by in the morning to drop you off at the conference." Shaking her head, Natalia protested gently, "That's alright, I can hail a cab. You must have a lot on your plate these days, right?" But Ryan wasn't having any of it.

"What's the harm in playing chauffeur to a lady I fancy?" he quipped, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Ryan," Natalia stammered, caught off guard by his words.

He reached out, tousling her hair in a brotherly gesture. "No pressure, really. Just think ofas any old pal." Natalia met his gaze and, after a brief hesitation, nodded her consent.

"Thank you, Ryan."

Ryan had thought about lingering, but sensing that Natalia might feel burdened, he made sure she was The made sure settled and that the room service was on its way before taking his leave. After Ryan departed, Natalia retreated to the bathroom. The day's fatigue ebbed away with the steam and warmth of the shower, granting her a moment's reprieve.

Drying her hair and sitting at the table, she unfolded the wrapper of the Black Forest cake.

Just as she was about to indulge in the chocolatey confection, a sharp rap at the door startled her.

"Room service," announced a voice from outside.

Natalia rose to open the door, expecting a tray of comfort food.

But as the door swung open, she was blindsided by a slap that cout of nowhere.