Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Natalia practically bolted from the car.

Hamilton watched her flustered departure, chuckling to himself.

He picked up his phone and shot her a message.

Don't forget to miss me. I'll swing by in a couple of days when I'm free.

No sooner had he sent the message than his phone buzzed again.

Staring at the caller ID, Hamilton finally sighed and answered.

The moment he did, a furious voice blasted through.

"You good-for-nothing! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

Hamilton didn't respond, instead lighting a cigarette to calm the storm inside him.

The voice on the other end, belonging to Westley, continued to roar.

"So, you're willing to turn against your own brother over a girl, Hamilton? Impressive!"

Hamilton chuckled, "You flatter me. Ever since he got back, you've kept him so close. How could I possibly get to him?"

"Hamilton, cut the crap. Get back here right now!"

Hamilton remained silent, simply ending the call.

On the other end, Westley was so angry he nearly choked.

Orpheus lay in a hospital bed, battered and bruised.

The Fowlers were fuming with rage.

After hanging up, the old man stomped over to Orpheus's bedside, cursing internally at the sight of him.

He had hoped to use Orpheus to threaten Hamilton, but now that plan seemed laughable.

A deadbeat is just that, a deadbeat.

But he swore, as long as he lived, that girl would never be welcomed.

Natalia saw Hamilton's message as she entered the airport lounge. Holding her phone, she hesitated before replying with a simple "Ok." Hamilton, seeing her response, couldn't help but smile.

Natalia arrived in Boria City by 9 p.m.

Right off the plane, she received a call from Collin.

"Natalia, I've arranged a ride for you. There's been a slight hiccup, and we need you at the Foreign Affairs Department tonight." Natalia paused, puzzled.

Collin had told her the meeting at the Foreign Affairs Department was scheduled for the next morning, followed by her immediate departure.

"What happened?" she asked softly.

Collin was silent for a moment before explaining.

"Natalia, you were the original pick for this mission, but this evening, the Foreign Affairs Department received several anonymous letters accusing you of having an inappropriate relationship with Minister Dawson. They're questioning your previous endorsement by him too. You might have to prove yourself in a fair competition, but I believe in your capabilities."

Natalia's face darkened as she listened.

"I'm fine with competing fairly, but you know my relationship with Minister Dawson. We've barely met."

Collin sighed, "We all know the truth. It's not just about you; it's also about Minister Dawson's reputation. But don't worry, this will be resolved. It's not only affecting you but him as well."

Natalia bit her lip.

"I understand."

Though Collin reassured her, Natalia couldn't help feeling stifled.

As she'd told Collin, she wasn't afraid of competition.

But she detested these tactics.

Hamilton must have sensed her landing because he called right away.

Natalia answered, sounding tired.

Hearing her tone, Hamilton knew something was off.

"What's going on?"

Natalia decided to tell him everything.

After sharing, she felt a bit relieved, even managing to comfort Hamilton, "Don't worry, even if it's an open challenge, I've never been afraid." Hamilton's expression darkened, but his voice was light.

"Yeah, Ms. Jenkins's skills are unquestionable."

Natalia laughed at his comment, feeling a bit better despite knowing he was just trying to comfort her.

Arriving at the Foreign Affairs Department, she said, "I'm here now, gotta go."

Hamilton replied, "Don't worry, everything will be sorted out."

"Okay," Natalia responded, hanging up.

Hamilton's mood darkened further after the call.

He immediately dialed Alden, "Arrange a private flight for me. I'm heading to Boria City."

Alden was taken aback, "Bro, you've got the Fowler Group board meeting early tomorrow. You're flying to Boria City tonight?"

Hamilton confirmed, "I'll be back after handling things."

After hanging up with Alden, he thought for a moment and then called Dawson, who seemed to expect his call.

Hamilton kept his cool, but there was a storm brewing inside him. "So, the investigation is still ongoing, but as for Natalia, this is the hand we're dealt. It might actually be a blessing in disguise. She's been under a lot of scrutiny at the department lately, and this could be her chance to prove herself."

Hamilton didn't respond directly to that. Instead, he asked, "Are you going to step in to resolve this issue? If it's too complicated for you, I can handle it."

Dawson hesitated for a moment. Given his involvement, it was tricky for him to intervene directly. But Hamilton was an outsider, and this mission was confidential.

With a chuckle, Hamilton said, "Mr. Dawson, I understand you have your protocols, but this involves my lady. I can't just stand by and do nothing. I won't interfere with your operations; I just want to ensure Natalia's safety."

Dawson let out a soft laugh and finally replied, "As long as you don't meddle in our affairs, I have no reason to interfere with yours."

"Thank you, Mr. Dawson," Hamilton said with a smile.

Half an hour later, Hamilton boarded a private jet bound for Boria City.

Meanwhile, Natalia was entering a competitive arena designed specifically for her by the Foreign Affairs Department.

What she hadn't anticipated was the identity of her opponent.

Sitting across from her was none other than Delilah!