Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 98

social media strikes Chapter 98 When Eveleen released that photo, the internet was already in an outburst. She had timed her

with the precision of an expert chess player. The photo she posted online had actually been captured much earlier, right at the start of the event. She simply waited for the right moment to release it into the wilds of the internet.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Her aim was clear: to spark a confrontation between Natalia and Hamilton. With Hamilton’s well-known temper, it was only a matter of time before he grew weary of Natalia’s incessant drama.

“So, Hamilton doesn’t give a damn about you, Natalia. Don’t you find that just a little bit pathetic?” Eveleen’s words were like a dagger to Natalia’s heart.

Even though Natalia didn’t put much stock in them, deep down, she knew that if Hamilton hadn't given his tacit approval, Eveleen wouldn't have dared to tweet that photo.

Plus, if he had really cared, he could have made her take it down. But he didn’t. The tweet remained online, a bold declaration that, reconciliation or not, they were a pair not to be trifled

with.

Taking a deep breath, Natalia confronted Eveleen, “Whatever is going on between Hamilton and me is our business, Ms. Schafer. His feelings—or lack thereof—are of no concern to you. Or are you someone of importance in this?”

Eveleen clenched her teeth in frustration—her status as an ex-girlfriend rendered weightless since Hamilton had declared his bachelorhood.

“| just find it sad that you’ve clung to him for years without any real commitment. It’s clear as day when someone doesn’t care, Natalia. To Hamilton, you’re nothing but a toy for his desires.” Natalia’s face paled, but she forced a smile. “I’m in it for the money. As for status or not-you

think | care?” With that, she turned on her heel and left.

Outside, Hamilton was waiting, his gaze dark and stormy. Natalia had a sinking feeling that he was upset-perhaps he had overheard her spat with Eveleen or was irked by her latest defiance. But she wasn’t about to apologize.

“Mr. Fowler,” she called out.

Hamilton merely grunted in acknowledgment.

Back at the table, Natalia remained silent, focusing on her meal. Victor sneered. “Who’s Ms. Jenkins putting on a show for?” “If you don’t like the performance, you're free to leave,” Natalia shot back.

Hamilton, meanwhile, didn’t join in, his mood visibly sour since returning.

Eveleen played the attentive ex, offering Hamilton morsels of food while Victor discussed the tangled web of high society politics. Natalia stayed quiet, feeling more like an outsider than

ever. Indeed, she was. She didn’t share a friendship with Hamilton like Eveleen did, and she was not part of their social circle.

Eveleen was right about one thing—she was nothing more to Hamilton than a toy for his desires. He paid no attention to her feelings and cared not about her will, as long as she was there whenever he was feeling it.

At this thought, Natalia felt the suffocation in her heart grow. As the dinner wound down, Eveleen suggested a night out. Hamilton, however, only glanced at Natalia. “I'm beat. You guys have fun,” he said, appearing genuinely tired.

Eveleen pouted but accepted his decision. As they left, they bumped into Ronin, the younger and casually dressed man with a sunshine smile.

“Ms. Jenkins,” Ronin greeted with a light in his eyes, then turned to Hamilton. “Mr. Fowler, fancy seeing you here again.” Natalia nodded at Ronin without saying a word, and Hamilton remained silent as well.

Unfazed, Ronin looked at Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, you seem to be rather down. Did something happen?”

Natalia smiled. “Just a bit tired, Mr. Joyner. Now, if you'll excuse me, | have to go back and rest.”

With that, she left. Ronin’s gaze lingered on her until she vanished. He then turned to Hamilton, with Eveleen glued to his side. “Mr. Fowler, what exactly is your relationship with Ms. Jenkins? If there’s nothing there, | might just make my move.” Hamilton’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Ronin, didn’t your father teach you not to covet another man’s woman?”

His voice was edged with a cold warning, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Already in a sour mood, the words from Ronin only added fuel to the fire that was churning inside.

Truth be told, Ronin was a bit intimidated by him.

And how could he not be? The name Hamilton was akin to the Grim Reaper within the upper echelons of society. Despite his young age, even men of his father’s generation had to bow their heads in his presence.

However, Ronin wasn’t cowed. He really did fancy Natalia, but it wasn’t love at first sight.

They had had numerous video calls before. He liked her even then, but after meeting her in person, his fondness only grew. “But first, she’d have to be your lady, Mr. Fowler,” Ronin said with a hint of defiance.

After uttering those words, someone called out behind him. He flashed Hamilton a grin and said, “Gotta jet, catch you later.” With that, he swiveled on his heel and entered the private lounge.

Amask of cool indifference settled on Hamilton's face.

Eveleen, standing beside him, couldn’t help but quirk a brow. “Ms. Jenkins sure has quite the allure.”

Hamilton shot her a glance, but all he said was, “Go have fun, just don’t stay out too late.”

Eveleen eyed him. “You're really not coming with us?”

“Nope,” Hamilton replied curtly.

With a pout, Eveleen turned and walked away.

Victor chuckled softly but didn’t say anything more, following Eveleen out.

Outside, Hamilton spotted Natalia leaning against the car, her gaze fixed on the crescent moon hanging in the sky. He lit a cigarette, watching her from a distance, not approaching.

Maybe it was an illusion, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that she was drifting further away from him. It irked him, truly. But he didn’t want to explode.

Lately, he had been losing control because of her more and more, and he didn’t relish that sensation. Just like Victor had said, getting worked up over a woman wasn’t worth it.

He stood there until the cigarette was finished, then finally made his way over to Natalia.

Hearing footsteps, she turned, and their eyes met.

“You here?” Her voice was soft.

M

Hamilton stepped closer, taking her by the waist, and pinned her against the car. “Ms. Jenkins, is your period over?” A flicker of discomfort crossed Natalia’s face. She had realized it was over when she visited the

restroom earlier at the restaurant.

“It’s over,” she murmured.

Hamilton let out a low chuckle and leaned in to kiss her.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ronin standing not too far off, watching.