Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)
Chapter 190

When Natalia clicked on the message, she didn't check out Hamilton's updates this time. Instead, her gaze landed on the necklace adorning Eveleen's neck-a delicate pendant carved into the shape of a pink crystal lisianthus. She used to have one just like it, a gift from Hamilton, the only thing he'd left her when he walked out of her life. But her own necklace had been destroyed by Graham in a fit of rage.

She could still picture the chaos of that day: her sister Tatiana bruised from Graham's assault, their home's furniture in shambles, and amidst the wreckage, the shattered pieces of her precious crystal pendant scattered under the table. That had sparked a blazing row with Graham, which ended with her on the receiving end of his wrath.

Clutching her phone, Natalia's grip tightened. She had been somewhat angry last night, which was probably why she hadn't noticed what Eveleen was wearing, including that necklace. But now, seeing it, a dull ache resurfaced in her chest. It took her a moment to force a laugh.

So the necklaces she'd given away weren't unique after all.

She had thought her childhood memories were the only treasures she had left-because they were one-of-a-kind. But that wasn't true. Nothing was.

Swallowing the bitterness rising in her throat, Natalia took a deep breath, closed the app, and blocked Hamilton's number once again. She wanted nothing to do with him, not even the slightest connection.

After wiping Tatiana's hands and face, Natalia prepared to head downstairs for some food when Ryan's call came through unexpectedly.

She adjusted her mood and picked up.

"Happy New Year, Ryan."

Ryan's voice carried a cheerful note. "Yeah, Happy New Year, Natalia. Where are you?"

"I'm at the hospital with my mom."

"Wait for me, I'll be there soon."

Natalia paused, puzzled. "You're in Silkwood City?"

"Yep," Ryan replied before the line went dead.

Confused, Natalia stared at her phone. Why had he come to Silkwood City so early on New Year's Day?

She wasn't sure how to deal with the affection Ryan offered, feeling increasingly undeserving of it.

Ryan arrived shortly after, bringing with him a thermos of homemade dumplings.

"I wanted to come last night, but my grandpa wasn't feeling well. Did you spend the evening at the hospital too?"

Natalia, eyeing the dumplings, managed a smile. "Yeah, thank you, Ryan."

"Don't mention it."

As they shared the dumplings, Ryan suggested, "It's a holiday. How about we catch a movie or something?"

Natalia agreed, feeling bad for keeping him cooped up in the hospital. After changing into fresh clothes, she joined Ryan at the cinema.

No sooner had they entered than someone called out.

"Natalia."

Looking up, Natalia saw Elliott waving at her, a woman standing by his side.

Natalia nodded at Elliott and approached to greet him.

"Mr. Lehner, happy Spring Festival."

Elliott grinned at Natalia and then glanced at Ryan.

"And who's this?"

Before Natalia could respond, Ryan extended his hand to Elliott. "A friend of Natalia's."

Elliott nodded and made small talk with Natalia before she and Ryan headed into the theater. Once they were out of sight, Elliott promptly called Hamilton.

Hamilton, as the head of the Westley family, was busy entertaining a constant stream of visitors. Leaning back on the couch, he chatted idly with the guests until Alden rushed in. "What's the source of the leak?" Hamilton asked as he stood to leave.

Alden frowned. "The photo was originally posted by a fan, but then Eveleen's agent bought some online influencers to spread it."

The smile on Hamilton's lips grew cold. He had thought she would learn from her mistakes.

"The pictures are being taken down online. They should be gone soon. But, brother..."

"Go say hello to Alden for me. No need to change the story."

Alden's eyes lit up with understanding.

"Really, bro? Okay, I'm on it."

Then, after a pause, Alden looked at Hamilton. "Bro, about the photos, aren't you going to explain to Natalia?"

At the mention of Natalia, Hamilton felt a twinge of discomfort.

She doesn't care, so what's there to explain?

Besides, he had already explained everything the night before.

"No need."

Just then, his phone rang.

"Hamilton! What are you up to?"

Hamilton's expression was less than pleased. "What do you want?"

Elliott chuckled mischievously. "Did you really break up with Natalia?"

Hamilton was unamused. "You're calling on New Year's just to ask about that? Elliott, don't you have anything better to do?"

"I'm just trying to get the scoop. Otherwise, how would I know if Natalia's cheating or just making friends?"

Hamilton's stride halted abruptly.

"What friends is Natalia making? You saw her? Who is she with? Where?"

"At the movies. Just now. Natalia came with some handsome guy named Ryan, I think."

Hamilton ended the call abruptly and dialed Natalia's number.

However, the familiar tone of the automated message greeted him once again.

Hamilton's expression darkened considerably.

His number, newly unblocked, was already blacklisted again?

All because of Eveleen's embrace the night before?

With a stony face, he turned to Alden.

"Call Natalia. Tell her there's new evidence in Graham's case."

Alden, confused, complied.

The movie hadn't started yet, and when Natalia saw Alden's name on her phone, she answered.

"What's up, Alden?"

"Natalia, there's new evidence in Graham's case. Can we talk over the phone?"

"Can we talk over the phone?" she asked, her voice measured.

"It's not a good idea."

There was a brief silence. "I'll meet with you-and only you. If Hamilton's there, forget it. I'll wait for the official police update." Hamilton overheard her words loud and clear, snatching the phone from his colleague.

"Natalia, what the hell-"

Before he could finish, she hung up.

Hamilton stared at the disconnected call, his face a stormy mix of anger and frustration.

He stormed out, dialing Elliott as he went.

"Which theater?"

After hanging up, Natalia's mood had noticeably soured.

Ryan spoke softly, trying to offer comfort. "It's a holiday, Nat. Don't let it get to you."

She managed a strained smile.

"Yeah."

As the movie started and the lights dimmed, Natalia seemed distracted, her mind elsewhere.

About twenty minutes in, a figure slipped into the theater, apparently a latecomer.

Natalia assumed was just another moviegoer, but then, to her surprise, the person took the empty seat beside her.

Soon after, Hamilton's voice broke through the darkness.

"Natalia, you said you didn't care," he murmured.

"So why did you block me?"