Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 93

Chapter 93 Hamilton glanced at Natalia, then said. “A colleague from the office.” The man let out a laugh. “Oh, a colleague, huh? | almost took her for your girlfriend!”

Hamilton didn’t take the bait. Turning to Natalia, he made the introduction. “Caspian Spiegel, the managing partner at Think Law Associates.”

Natalia recognized the man from television.

Think Law Associates was a leading law firm handling high-profile economic disputes and celebrity divorces. Rumors had it that its head was both shrewd and ruthless, never losing aContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

case.

Yet, standing before the urbane Caspian, she found him disarmingly genteel. His light-colored suit made a stark contrast to Hamilton’s somber presence.

Indeed, looks could be deceiving.

She greeted him with a nod, “Mr. Spiegel, an honor.”

Caspian smiled. “Ms. Jenkins, you're quite charming.”

Natalia smirked. “Thanks, Mr. Spiegel.”

Caspian’s brow quirked. “Ms. Jenkins, have we met before?”

She shook her head. “I don’t believe so.”

She was certain this was their first encounter.

Caspian chuckled. “Then perhaps it’s just me. You seem familiar somehow.” Hamilton's gaze flickered. “Hungry, Natalia? We could grab a bite before mingling.”

Natalia nodded and made her way to the buffet. She picked at her food in a corner, wondering why Hamilton insisted on bringing her to such events. After all, her presence made no difference.

Once Natalia was settled, Hamilton’s attention returned to Caspian, who was now looking more intrigued. “That longing look... sure she’s not your girlfriend?” Caspian asked again. Hamilton sipped his drink, unfazed. “Since when have you taken an interest in personal affairs?”

Caspian’s laughter rang out. “Only yours, my friend. Your grandfather called me just the other day, asking if | knew any suitable young ladies. You know what he’s implying better than anyone.”

Hamilton remained cool. “Don’t mind him.”

15:52

Caspian nodded. “Thought as much. Your marriage isn’t for anyone else to decide.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Caspian steered the conversation back to business. “Did you investigate the person | asked?” Hamilton nodded. “I did, but no leads.”

He paused, then added, “Who exactly are you looking for?”

Caspian fell silent for a moment before revealing, “My sister.”

Hamilton’s expression tightened slightly as Caspian gave a wry smile.

“| have an older sister, twenty years my senior. She vanished when | was just a kid. My parents, especially my mother, can’t seem to forget her. Just the mention of her brings tears.”

Hamilton nodded sympathetically. “I'll keep the search going.”

“Thanks,” Caspian clapped his shoulder.

Natalia, feeling full from just a few bites of desserts, stood and wandered out to the terrace. The chill in the air made her clutch the shawl tighter. A drink was offered to her side.

Turning, she saw Ronin Joyner, the heir to Ron Group, their new business partners.

She nodded respectfully. “Mr. Joyner.”

“Ms. Jenkins, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person — even more stunning than on video.” As Ronin extended a glass toward her, she declined. “Sorry, Mr. Joyner, | don’t drink.”

Ronin chuckled softly. “Ms. Jenkins, you're fooling no one. I’ve heard you can hold your liquor.” She remained firm. “I’m on medication lately, so it’s not advisable.”

Ronin, realizing he couldn't insist, changed tack. “How about a dance later, then?”

Before Natalia could refuse, she caught sight of Hamilton, his gaze cool and detached, watching from afar. She excused herself and approached Hamilton.

Ronin followed, persistent. “Ms. Jenkins, surely you won’t deny me this dance?”

Natalia offered a polite smile. “Mr. Joyner, I’m afraid | really can’t dance.”

“Who cares if you can’t dance? I'll teach you.”

Their voices carried over as they made their way towards Hamilton and Caspian.

Caspian chuckled and teased, “Seems like the young exec from the Joyner family has taken quite a shine on your colleague.”

He laid a heavy emphasis on the word ‘colleague’.

Hamilton just smiled softly, offering no reply.

15:53

Natalia approached, calling out, “Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton nodded and, without hesitation, wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Caspian’s eyes flickered with amusement. Ronin, on the other hand, looked puzzled.

“Mr. Fowler, is Ms. Jenkins your girlfriend? | thought Eveleen was your lady.”

Natalia glanced at Hamilton. His gaze was dark and inscrutable, a mix of emotions hidden within. Taking a deep breath, Natalia broke the silence first. “I’m Mr. Fowler’s date for the evening.” Hearing this, Hamilton gave Natalia a look. It was a look filled with brooding shadows.

Ronin chuckled. “Just his date, huh? Then surely, a dance with me shouldn't be a problem?” Natalia still declined. “I’m sorry, | really can’t dance.”

As Hamilton’s expression grew increasingly stormy, Caspian quickly intervened. “Mr. Joyner, why don’t we discuss that dispute case of yours?”

Ronin seemed to catch the undercurrents between Hamilton and Natalia. Thus, he didn’t press his luck further and left with Caspian.

Once Ronin had gone, Natalia turned to face Hamilton. “I’m sorry. | didn’t expect him to be so persistent.” Hamilton looked at her and laughed softly. “Ms. Jenkins, he’s just looking for a one-night stand.”