Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 95

Natalia’s nerves snapped taut. She looked at Hamilton, trying to appear natural. “I've been meaning to learn about some upscale sanatoriums, you know, planning ahead for my mom.”

Hamilton’s gaze bore into her as though trying to read her mind.

Natalia didn’t dare to look away. Hamilton was suspicious by nature, and she couldn't afford to show any guilt. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded.

“Are you planning on settling down in Boria City for the future?”

Natalia paused, actually having decided to ditch that particular sanatorium the moment she learned it belonged to the Spiegel family.

If she were to leave, she had no intention of re-entering Hamilton’s orbit.

“Perhaps.”

“Like Boria City?”

Natalia shook her head. “Not particularly, but it is the capital, after all. The healthcare here is a notch above the rest.”

Hamilton’s response was noncommittal. “But the cost of living and medical bills here are much steeper, Ms. Jenkins. Silkwood City’s healthcare is quite decent, too.”

Natalia’s lips were pressed tightly together, choosing not to engage.

Hamilton dropped the subject.

“Get ready. I’ll take you out for dinner.”

“Out?” Natalia’s question wasn’t surprising, given their history. Over their three-year relationship, they seldom dined out.

Apart from social engagements, Natalia usually cooked at home. After all, their affair wasn’t exactly public knowledge. They were hardly the type to go on dinner dates like any ordinary couple.

Hamilton nodded. “Yeah, after that, we'll go horseback riding.” A flicker of interest crossed Natalia’s eyes. “Alright.”

She changed into fresh clothes, and Hamilton led her out. His hand was large and warm, and she couldn’t help but look up at his silhouette.

Hamilton was undeniably handsome, different from those boyish faces on TV. His allure wasn’t just his looks. It was his aura. The early winter sun draped over him, and absurdly, Natalia thought this typically cold and

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ruthless man seemed almost warm.

She looked away, about to speak, when Hamilton’s phone began to ring.

At the sound, Natalia instantly closed her mouth.

Hamilton answered the call with a lazy expression, “Landed? Alright, be safe. Head straight there, I'll give them a heads-up.” After hanging up and making another call, Hamilton finally turned to Natalia.

“Ms. Schafer in town?” she asked.

Hamilton frowned in confirmation. “Yeah, here for a commercial shoot.”

Natalia managed a bitter smile. “So, you will be accompanying Ms. Schafer?”

Hamilton’s eyes darkened as he looked at her. “So eager to see me go?”

Natalia pressed her lips together. “I just wouldn’t want to hold up your date with Ms. Schafer.”

His face grew stormier. “Rest assured, if | wanted to date, you couldn’t stop me.”

She said no more. Indeed, Hamilton’s comings and goings were never hers to decide. After sorting things with Eveleen, Hamilton took Natalia out for a bite.

At the stable on the outskirts of Boria City, which was another Spiegel family property. Stepping out of the car with Hamilton, Natalia spotted Caspian, flanked by two women. One of them was familiar; it was the same woman who, at a charity dinner they attended, had claimed to be Eveleen’s friend and warned her to steer clear of Hamilton. Her name was Thalia.

Natalia’s step faltered at the sight.

Hamilton glanced back. “What’s wrong? Feeling ill?”

Natalia pursed her lips. “It’s nothing.”

Hamilton raised an eyebrow. “Speak up if you’re not well.”

She nodded and followed him inside.

Caspian greeted them with a wave. “Hamilton, Ms. Jenkins, we meet again.”

Natalia nodded as Caspian introduced the woman beside him. “This is my fiancée, Bianca, a photographer.”

“Bianca, this is Mr. Fowler,” he said, pausing before adding, “and his colleague, Ms. Jenkins.” Hamilton's gaze flickered, but he remained silent.

2/4 Bianca exchanged greetings and then fell quiet. However, Thalia couldn't resist a dig. “I should’ve known. It’s none other than Ms. Jenkins, the mistress.”

Her words soured Hamilton's mood instantly. His brow arched, a cold light in his eyes. It was the first time he had heard someone call Natalia a mistress to her face. Corporate rumors and internet trolls were one thing, but this was different. An unpleasant feeling stirred within him.

After all, Natalia was his woman. No one else had the right to belittle her.

With a sneer, he asked, “Caspian, and who might this be?”

Caspian’s face was a mask of displeasure. “My cousin’s daughter, spoiled rotten, | apologize.” He then glared at Thalia. “Come here and apologize!”

Thalia snorted, clinging to Caspian’s arm.

“Uncle, | won’t apologize. You have no idea. She’s the one who butted into Eveleen and Mr. Fowler’s relationship. Don’t be fooled by her looks; she’s nothing but a bitch, a vixen!”

“Thalia!” Caspian’s face sunk into a scowl, his gentlemanly demeanor replaced by a stern chill.

Thalia’s eyes flashed with a fury she could barely contain, but she held her tongue, glaring daggers at Natalia.

Natalia let out a mocking chuckle and spoke up, “You go on and on about me homewrecking. Did you see it with your own eyes, or is this just the latest gossip you’ve heard?”

After she finished, Hamilton glanced her way, his gaze deep and inscrutable.

Thalia glared back at Natalia. “Do | really need to see it to know it’s true? Everyone knows Eveleen and Mr. Fowler were the perfect couple. If it weren't for you, they would’ve patched things up ages ago!”

Natalia scoffed again. “Thalia, you’re giving me too much credit. If they wanted to reconcile, | certainly couldn’t stop them. Ask Mr. Fowler if you don’t believe me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“It's obvious you're the one playing dirty, or they would’ve made up by now,” Thalia retorted, then turned to Hamilton. “Mr. Fowler, have you been so bewitched by this bitch?”

Hamilton’s brow furrowed. “Thalia, if you can’t use your head, don’t let your mouth run wild.”

Thalia opened her mouth to argue, but Caspian cut her off. “Shut it yourself, or do you need me to do it for you?” “Uncle! How can you side with an outsider?”

Caspian ignored her and turned to Natalia with an apologetic look. “I apologize, Ms. Jenkins, for not keeping a tighter rein on my niece.”

Natalia gave a slight, composed smile. “It’s fine, Mr. Spiegel. Just see to it that she learns some manners.” That set Thalia off. “Natalia, who do you think you are, talking to me like that?”

Caspian shot her a warning glance. Instantly, Thalia fell silent.

It wasn’t until Natalia had left for the stable that Thalia exploded in frustration. “Uncle, whose niece am | exactly if she gets all your support?”

As Natalia turned into the stable, Hamilton came up behind her, his arms encircling her waist firmly.

“Seems like trouble follows you wherever you go, Ms. Jenkins,” he remarked in a tone that was neither warm nor cold.

Natalia let out a dry laugh. “Yes, everyone probably thinks | stole Ms. Schafer’s man.