"Relax, Mr. Fowler. I never regret my actions," Natalia declared with unwavering resolve.
Hamilton felt an oppressive heaviness in his chest. But he said nothing more. He just watched Natalia, waiting until her IV drip was finished before they both left the hospital together.
After eating something and getting a nutrient boost, Natalia felt some of her strength return.
When Hamilton moved to embrace her, she pushed him away.
"I can walk on my own."
Hamilton let out a derisive snort and didn't press further.
Exiting the emergency room, Hamilton said, "Let's head home. I'm not comfortable with you being out and about in your condition. If anything else happens, I don't want to be your fallback. Plus, the housekeeper made your favorite dish."
Natalia could sense his attempt to keep her close, but under the circumstances, his gesture felt like a joke.
She lowered her gaze and replied, "No. Please thank the housekeeper for me."
With that, she hailed a taxi from the curb.
Hamilton felt like he had gone out of his way for her, yet she wouldn't give him the time of day. He wasn't about to keep chasing after her. Fuming, he left.
It was only when he got into his car that he noticed the gift bag on the dashboard.
He had sincerely picked out a present for her after work, and the thought of giving it to her had filled him with anticipation. Now, he felt like a fool.
With a cold laugh, he tossed the bag into the glove compartment. She was just a woman, after all. He didn't need her.
Hamilton started the car and drove away.
Natalia stood on the sidewalk, her emotions indistinct.
Perhaps there was a sense of relief. After all, she no longer had to entangle herself with Hamilton and Eveleen.
Suddenly, Scarlett called.
"Natalia, how did it go?" she asked, her voice laced with caution.
During the check-up, the medication Natalia had taken was discovered. If Hamilton found out Scarlett had provided the drugs, she feared for her life. Although she had the nerve to berate Hamilton to his face, it didn't mean she wasn't afraid of him.
Natalia's eyes were clouded with complexity. "It's settled, I suppose."
Scarlett's eyes lit up. "He agreed?"
Natalia hummed in affirmation.
Scarlett's excitement was palpable. She had initially thought Natalia's approach was too drastic, but now, as long as they could get away, it was worth it.
"Shall we celebrate tonight?"
Natalia chuckled wryly, "No celebration needed, but I do want to stay at your place for a while."
With plans to split from Hamilton, she wouldn't be returning to the apartment. And after the kidnapping, she didn't want to live alone anymore.
Scarlett quickly agreed. "No problem, you can stay as long as you want—even a lifetime!"
After ending the call with Scarlett, Natalia saw a car pull up in front of her. Frowning, she saw the door swing open, and Ryan stepped out.
"What brings you here?" asked Natalia.
Before she could get an answer, the backseat window rolled down, and Ronin Joyner's smiling face appeared. "Ms. Jenkins, long time no see."
Natalia returned the smile, "Mr. Joyner, indeed it's been a while. What brings you to Silkwood City?"
Ronin raised an eyebrow and said, "I'm here for some business, and when I heard Ryan wanted to check on you, I tagged along. Hope you don't mind?"
Natalia laughed light-heartedly, "Of course not."
If she managed to resign from Ivy Gemstone, she might work for Ron Group in the future.
If that happened, Ronin would be her boss. She wasn't about to offend him now.
Ryan eyed Natalia with concern. "Why do you look so pale? And you've lost weight."
Natalia replied, "I've been sleeping poorly. It'll pass." She paused, then added, "Thank you for that day, Ryan."
It was only later that she learned Ryan and Dawson had chased after her relentlessly, heedless of their own safety, in an attempt to rescue her.
Ryan chuckled, "No need to thank me. I only regret not being a better driver to stop that car. Then you wouldn't have suffered so much."
Natalia fell silent.
Ronin couldn't help but interject. "Are we just going to chat on the sidewalk? Ms. Jenkins, how about joining us for dinner? We can also discuss our business."
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