Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 128

Patrick had been itching to hitch his wagon to the prestigious Fowler family for far too long.

It all started a decade ago when he orchestrated the charade of Eveleen posing as Natalia to reconnect with Hamilton.

But Eveleen, with her capricious nature, wasn't content with just having Hamilton's wealth—she wanted his heart, too.

Now, his scheming had backfired, and it seemed that Natalia, the underdog, was reaping the benefits.

Natalia let out a chuckle. "If Hamilton truly intended to marry Eveleen, do you think I'd be the one to stand in their way?"

Patrick felt a sting at her words. He had thought that once Eveleen returned, Hamilton would reconcile with her in no time. The proof was in the pudding when Hamilton immediately gave her the spokesperson role for Ivy Gemstone upon her return. His family had been all set for a grand merger with the Fowlers.

But to his dismay, not only was there no talk of marriage, but Hamilton also showed no sign of warming up to Eveleen again.

Patrick snorted. "Hamilton marrying Eveleen is inevitable, Natalia. If you know what's good for you, you'll step away from Hamilton sooner rather than later. Otherwise, neither you nor the woman in there will have a happy ending!"

With those words, he stormed off without another peep.

Natalia stood there, her nails digging into her palms. If there was one person she despised more than anyone over the years, it was Patrick.

For his own gain, he had all but abandoned his wife and daughter. Tatiana, bless her heart, might not hold much resentment, but Natalia had harbored a deep hatred for him ever since she learned about her true parentage. This man was the root of all her misfortunes.

Taking a deep breath to collect her thoughts, she walked toward the curb. The last night bus was about to make its final round.

Staring absently at the bus stop, Natalia felt a sudden chill. She glanced over her shoulder, only to see the usual hustle and bustle of passersby.

After a short pause, she looked away.

For some reason, she had a feeling that someone was staring at her. However, that only lasted for a fleeting second.

Shaking off the feeling, she looked at her phone. The bus would only arrive in a few more minutes. Then, she decided not to wait for the bus and hailed a cab instead.

Moments after she left, a man stepped out from the shadows. His gaunt face was marred by a vicious scar.

As he watched Natalia's taxi disappear, he clicked his tongue. "Quite vigilant!"

Once in the cab, Natalia couldn't help but look back one more time. Seeing no sign of trouble, she finally relaxed a bit. It must have been her imagination.

Approaching home, her phone rang. It was Ryan.

"Natalia, there's a Synergy Economics Summit tomorrow morning in Silkwood City. Our scheduled interpreter had a last-minute hiccup. Can you fill in? It's French."

Natalia hesitated. "Tomorrow morning? Isn't that cutting it a bit close?"

These summits were a whole different ballgame compared to the investment meetings she was used to, with much higher stakes. Interpreters usually prepared months in advance.

Ryan's voice was upbeat. "It's tight, I know, but I have faith in your abilities. Mr. Collin is confident you'll nail it."

Laughing, Natalia replied, "Aren't you afraid I'll botch it?"

"You've pulled off miracles with less prep time back in school."

After a moment's thought, she agreed, "Alright, send me the materials, and I'll get on it tonight."

There was a pause before Ryan spoke again, "Thing is, the documents contain sensitive info, so I can't send them over the net. I'll have to deliver them. Are you free?"

Natalia bit her lip. "I'll come to you. Where are you?"

"I can drive over; it won't take long. Same complex as last time?"

"Yeah," Natalia said.

"Be there in a moment. See you later," Ryan said.

Expecting to arrive before him, Natalia was surprised to find Ryan already waiting.

"You got here fast," she remarked.

Ryan had actually been nearby when he called.