Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel Chapter 131

Hamilton's brow furrowed instantly. "You sure about that?"

Natalia's face was still a shade paler than usual. "Yes."

If she couldn't be certain the first couple of times, there was no mistaking it today.

"When did you notice?"

"Just these past few days."

Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly, and his long fingers gently lifted her chin. "Someone who had a grudge against your mom?"

Natalia pressed her lips together in a thin line. "Maybe."

She wasn't entirely sure. But apart from Patrick and Lucinda, she couldn't think of anyone else.

"I'll have Killian follow you around."

Killian was Hamilton's personal bodyguard.

Natalia pursed her lips and nodded.

Hamilton pinched her cheek gently. "Don't overthink it, you'll be fine."

Natalia's lips moved as if to speak, but eventually, she said nothing more. Yet, somewhere deep down, she couldn't shake off a feeling of unease.

After they left, a black sedan slowly pulled up to the curb.

Quill was behind the wheel; Orpheus, with a bruise marring his face, sat in the passenger seat, and in the back was Eveleen.

Eveleen looked absolutely furious. "I told you to make your move quickly, but no, you had to dawdle. Now look where we are; she spotted us before we could grab her. Useless, all of you!"

Quill was seething. "Easy for you to say. Why don't you fucking try kidnapping someone in broad daylight?"

Eveleen's voice dripped with arrogance. "Who gave you the right to speak to me like that?"

In her eyes, these desperadoes had no business even being in her presence.

Orpheus clicked his tongue. "Enough, Ms. Schafer. You wanted to partner up with us for this job. You didn't want to get your hands dirty and raise Hamilton's suspicions, yet you expected us to jump at your command? How is that supposed to work? Since you've come to us, let us handle our business. You want that woman dead, right? Consider it done."

Eveleen glared at Orpheus. "You better make sure of it."

With that, she put on her sunglasses and mask and stepped out of the car.

Once Eveleen was out of earshot, Quill asked, "Is she for real? Hamilton doesn't even seem to care that much about her."

Orpheus, toying with a lighter in his hand, sneered. "Ever heard the saying, 'first love's tears weigh its weight in gold'?"

Everyone who knew Hamilton knew how much he cared about Eveleen. If it weren't for the fact that she was a celebrity, stirring up a huge fuss if she were touched, he would have thought kidnapping Eveleen would be more effective.

But now, even though he had his sights set on Natalia, working with Eveleen wasn't a bad deal.

Hamilton took Natalia straight back to his apartment.

"The security here is tighter than at your place. Stay here for a while."

Natalia was silent for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Hamilton wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace. "Scared?"

Natalia couldn't deny it. "A little."

Hamilton pinched her cheek playfully. "You're not so brave now. What happened to that boldness when you were talking back at me?"

Natalia bit her lip and fell silent.

Hamilton didn't leave the house that afternoon, choosing to stay and keep her company. But Natalia was distracted the whole time. She had this nagging feeling that something was bound to happen.

Hamilton pulled her close. "How about we do something else to take your mind off things?"

Natalia frowned and pushed him away. "Hamilton, I'm not in the mood."

But his kiss landed firmly on her lips.

Natalia resisted briefly before being held even tighter by Hamilton.

"Don't worry, I've got you."

The tension that had been building in Natalia all day eased under his comforting words, and she slowly relaxed.

Hamilton didn't push further but instead took her for a bath before tucking her back into bed.

Just as Natalia was settling down, her phone rang. It was her mother's caregiver. Her heart leaped into her throat.

"Hello, what's the matter at this hour?"

"Ms. Jenkins, there's been a complication with your mother. The doctors are in there trying to revive her now."

Natalia felt a buzz in her head. "What happened?"