Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 113

Natalia found herself at a loss for words upon Alden's remark. She knew he was looking out for her best interests, but the knowledge that Hamilton was standing as a sentinel over Eveleen made it difficult to truly let go. Deep down, she harbored a bitter reluctance.

Clutching the documents in her hand, Natalia avoided further conversation with Alden. They had a quick meal, and then she headed back to the office.

Upon their return, Natalia caught wind of office chatter—Eveleen was upstairs, weeping again. Natalia listened with half an ear, refusing to let it disrupt her focus. She wondered how long Hamilton would keep Eveleen’s projects on hold. Surely, it couldn't be for much longer.

Natalia shook off her scattered thoughts and dove into her work. The end of the year was always hectic, with annual reports to finalize and plans for the next year to be crafted.

After wrapping up a meeting with her department's key players, Tess came running over, her voice tinged with urgency. "Boss, Eveleen's here looking for you. She's waiting in your office."

Natalia hesitated for a moment before opening the door. Eveleen was seated at her desk, her expression unreadable.

"Natalia, are you enjoying this?" Eveleen asked as soon as Natalia appeared.

With a tight smile, Natalia replied, "Ms. Schafer, if you have something to say, please be direct."

A chill flickered across Eveleen's face. "Why play dumb? Wasn't it you who had Hamilton stop my projects?"

Natalia chuckled. "Eveleen, that child is Hamilton's, no matter how you slice it. Did you really think he wouldn't care about your antics?"

Eveleen's face twisted with rage, and then she laughed coldly. "Natalia, let me tell you, Hamilton might have cut me off, but do you know how much he just invested in the Schafer family to make up for it?"

Natalia paled at her words. Eveleen stood and approached her. "What do you think you are compared to me, Natalia? You should know better than anyone that you can't beat me."

She paused, then whispered in Natalia's ear, "And do you really think that little piece of evidence will do anything to me? Even if Hamilton doesn't protect me, don't forget about your dear mother, hanging on by a thread."

Natalia's hand shot out, gripping Eveleen's collar. "If you dare touch my mother, you'll regret it!"

Eveleen simply laughed, brushed off Natalia's hand, and strode out of the office.

Shaking with anger, Natalia stood still as Tess hurried over with a glass of water.

"Boss, are you okay?"

Natalia took the water with a nod, but her heart was heavy. She realized she truly couldn't win against Eveleen—not with Hamilton by her side.

With a bitter laugh, tears began to flow. She had lost—truly lost—and wanted no more to do with this mess or with Hamilton and Eveleen.

She had more pressing matters to attend to. That man had been her childhood dream, but it was he who had shattered it. Upon waking, she realized that the person she held in her heart might have already died that year by the seaside, leaving her with nothing but scars and pain.

...

After work, Natalia packed up and left the office. She had an international investors' conference to attend that evening—a joint venture by the Commerce and Foreign Affairs Departments, taking place in Silkwood City.

A senior colleague she had recommended to Lionel had urged her to participate once he learned she was based in Silkwood. Reluctantly, she had agreed.

As she arrived at the International Convention Center, the sky had darkened. Stepping out of her car, she heard a familiar voice.

"Natalia!"