Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 276 "This place used to be Caspian's sister's yard. Sigh, it's been years since anyone lived here. They wouldn't let anyone touch anything inside. Sometimes, the more you look at it, the more it hurts inside," the elderly man sighed softly.

It was then Natalia remembered the stories she had heard about Ms. Delia losing her daughter.

She pursed her lips, about to say something, when suddenly she heard someone call out.

"Dad, I heard we had visitors?" Turning around, they saw a woman approaching.

It was none other than Ryan's aunt, Caspian's aunt, Ingrid.

Seeing Natalia, Ingrid's smile vanished as if it had never been there.

"I thought it was someone important, but it's just you, a lowlife!" Alfonso's face darkened instantly, "Watch your mouth!" Ingrid was taken aback by her father's shout, "Dad, I'm only telling the truth. This woman seduced Ryan, and that's not all, she's been seen cozying up with other men. You wouldn't believe she was even kept by someone and had a miscarriage." "Shut your mouth!" Alfonso roared again, glaring at Ingrid.

"Get out of here, now!" Ingrid was fuming, "Dad, I'm speaking nothing but the truth. If you don't believe me, ask the Holzers. Our Ryan, because of her, won't even look at other women now. Dad, don't tellshe's charmed you too." "Mavis." Ingrid was cut off by a voice and turned to see Hamilton and Caspian standing not too far away, both looking equally displeased.

"If Mavis doesn't know how to speak, I wouldn't mind teaching her." Hamilton spoke with a stern face.

Ingrid hesitated, but before she could say more, Caspian approached.

She was visibly intimidated by Caspian. In this family, she feared no one but him.

Caspian, with a stern look, radiated an intense aura.

"Caspian, I'm only speaking the truth. She was indeed kept by-" Before she could finish, she was met with a slap that left everyone stunned, including Natalia.

She hadn't expected Hamilton to physically confront Ingrid. The shthat had risen in her heart from Ingrid's words seemed to dissipate at that moment.

Hamilton's slap left Ingrid's face swollen, "Mavis, I said I wouldn't mind teaching you how to speak. Shall we continue, or are you done?" Dazed by the slap, Ingrid glanced at Hamilton and then at Caspian.

"Caspian, are you going to let the Fowlers act so brazenly in our Spiegel territory?" Caspian's smile was chilling, "Aunt, did you think you could be disrespectful here just because it's Spiegel territory?" Ingrid, pale with rage, challenged, "Caspian, do you even know who your real family is?" Caspian's expression was unchanging, "I've warned you more than once. Now, leave this place immediately!" Seeing no support from those around, Ingrid, teeth clenched and glaring at Natalia, stormed off.

After her departure, Alfonso's expression remained severe. He looked at Natalia with a mix ofand complexity before turning to Hamilton.

The matters of the young were not for him to meddle in, but he couldn't help feeling sorry for Natalia.

He knew the sacrifices Natalia made for her mother while being with Hamilton, who he had seen grow up to be somewhat cold-hearted. He feared Natalia had suffered much.

en Sighing, he tapped Hamilton's forehead with his cane, "You better treat Natalia right, or even I won't stand by." Hamilton, already upset by Ingrid's speech, felt even more troubled. He looked at Natalia tenderly, then smiled at Alfonso.

"Mr. Spiegel, Natalia's my girlfriend now. Who could possibly care for her more than me?" Alfonso huffed, "You better be!" Turning to Natalia, he said, "If this young man ever bullies you, cto your grandpa. I'll set him straight!" Natalia glanced at Hamilton, then smiled, linking arms with Alfonso, "Will do." As they were called to dinner, Alfonso walked Natalia to the dining hall, with Caspian and Hamilton following behind.

Caspian glanced at Hamilton, "She's aiming for a political career. Her ne past if not addressed, will always be a ticking tbomb." Conte Hamilton remained silent, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

After dinner, Natalia and Hamilton didn't stay long. They had a flight to catch in the afternoon and needed to head to the airport.

Before leaving, Alfonso pulled Natalia aside, pressing something into her hand.

"Take care, and don't be a stranger. Visit your grandpa whenever you can."

Natalia froze, unable to utter a word before Hamilton was already at her side, e, taking her hand and leading her outside.

Once they were out in the open, she finally glanced down at the object in her hand To her surprise, it was an emerald green ring.

She paused for a moment, then quickly dialed Caspian's number.

Caspian's voice cthrough the line, laced with a hint of amusement.

"It's a gift from your great-grandfather, a welcpresent. Just accept it." Natalia was at a loss for words.

"Isn't this a bit too lavish?" The item clearly wasn't ordinary.

After all, her connection with the Spiegel family was nothingamaren than a fleeting encounter. They had offered her help, but accepting such a valuable gift didn't feel right.

But Caspian had already ended the call.

Natalia looked up at Hamilton.

Hamilton glanced at the ring, "Keep it, but wearing it is another story." Natalia looked at him puzzled, "What do you mean?" Hamilton simply reached out, his slender fingers weaving through hers.

"It means, your fingers shouldn't be adorned with such things."