Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 111

Hamilton's voice cut through the air, followed promptly by another command.

"Come here."

Natalia's steps faltered upon hearing him, but only for a moment before she resumed her march towards the exit.

She didn't want to stay despite realizing how awkward it would look to leave so soon after arriving as if confirming she didn't belong in this exclusive gathering.

But the truth was, she couldn't bear the thought of spending another minute with this crowd.

Victor's disdain for her was mutual; she had no interest in him either. So why stay and sour her own night?

And as for Hamilton...

Natalia let out a wry chuckle. Her first love was right by his side; was she expected to stick around just to be overshadowed?

Standing tall, she didn't hesitate as she made her way to the door.

But when Hamilton saw her determined to leave, his face darkened instantaneously.

Alden, sensing the tension, quickly reached out to stop her. "Ms. Jenkins, now that you're here, you can't just up and leave like this."

Natalia offered a laugh, though it lacked mirth. "Sorry, Alden, but I really don't like it here."

Alden frowned, glancing at Hamilton, hoping he would say something to convince her to stay. But Hamilton remained silent, his gaze heavy on Natalia.

Victor, ever the instigator, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Alden, let her go if she wants to. She shouldn't have been invited in the first place. What's the point of bringing someone like her, just to spoil the mood?"

Finally, Elliott couldn't hold back. "Victor Henkel, that's quite enough. Ms. Jenkins isn't here for you."

Victor clicked his tongue, throwing Elliott a meaningful glance. "Since when did you become so chummy with Ms. Jenkins?"

Elliott ignored him, turning to Natalia instead. "Ms. Jenkins, since you're here, why not join us for a bit? It's Hamilton's birthday, after all. We should be having fun."

Eveleen chimed in with a laugh, playing the gracious hostess. "Yeah, come and have some fun. Otherwise, it might seem like we're not welcoming."

Her words, dripping with an air of exclusive ownership, effectively set Natalia apart from the group.

Natalia had no intention of staying, but Eveleen's comment sparked a defiant streak in her. She stepped forward, moving towards Elliott. "If Ms. Schafer insists, I'll stay and join in the festivities."

Eveleen's smile froze on her face.

Hamilton's expression turned to stone as he watched Natalia head towards Elliott. Without waiting for her to reach her destination, he stood abruptly and grabbed her. "Take one more step and see what happens."

Natalia's lips were tight, and she didn't respond but also didn't move any further.

The room fell silent, a tableau of shocked faces watching the drama unfold.

Eveleen's expression was the definition of fury. She glared at Natalia with hatred as if wanting to rip her apart.

However, she still feigned friendliness as she said, "Hamilton, what are you doing? You're scaring Ms. Jenkins. She's quite close to Elliott, so what's wrong with her wanting to sit with him?"

However, Hamilton only scoffed. "Drinks on me tonight. I got to go."

With that, he wrapped his arm around Natalia's waist and the two left. The door closed behind them, and the entire room was silent.

Eveleen's complexion paled considerably. She was already humiliated by the evening's turn of events. The engagement announcement she was anticipating with Hamilton had been scrapped without mention.

And now, Hamilton was leaving with Natalia, leaving her behind?

Alden couldn't help but comment with a smirk, "Looks like it's clear who's closer to whom here."

Victor, losing interest, tossed his cards onto the table with a lackluster flick. He glanced at Eveleen. "Ms. Jenkins sure knows how to make an impression, right, Eveleen?"

Eveleen stood abruptly, following Hamilton out.

Once outside the room, Hamilton led Natalia straight to the parking lot. As they reached his car, a voice called out.

Turning around, Hamilton saw Eveleen approaching, tears streaming down her face.

"Hamilton!" She clutched at his sleeve. "Are you really going to leave me like this?"

Hamilton opened the car door and turned to Natalia. "Get in and wait."

Without a word, Natalia climbed into the car.

From his coat pocket, Hamilton produced a handkerchief and offered it to Eveleen, who refused to take it. He sighed, then wiped away her tears.

Natalia watched the scene from inside the car, forcing a bitter smile. She really shouldn't have come tonight.