Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Natalia looked up, her stomach churning with disgust.

Victor stood before her with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile, "Long time no see, Natalia." Without a word, Natalia tried to walk past him.

But Victor blocked her way again.

"Am I really that terrible, Natalia? You won't even spare me a glance?" he quipped.

Natalia let out a derisive laugh, "Mr. Henkel, you're quite self-aware, I'll give you that."

Victor's face still held that infuriating smile.

He huffed, "Yet, I find myself particularly drawn to you. What to do?"

Natalia sidestepped him, holding back her revulsion, "Then, Mr. Henkel, you're as despicable as ever!"

Victor seemed unfazed by her harsh words.

To him, a woman with spirit was all the more thrilling.

And Natalia, in his eyes, was the kind of woman who ignited a man's desire to conquer.

"Still hoping Hamilton will take you back?" Victor taunted as Natalia walked towards the elevator.

Victor chuckled from behind, "You saw it yourself. Despite how harshly Hamilton treated Eveleen, he can't let her go. You'll never understand how important Eveleen is to him. You, my dear, will always be the third wheel." Natalia paused, turning to look at Victor, "Do you know what you look like right now?"

Victor's impatience grew as he faced her. He hadn't expected Hamilton to commit Eveleen to a psychiatric facility for Natalia's sake.

He had hoped to swoop in once Natalia left Hamilton.

But now, his chances seemed slim.

Desire flashed in his eyes as he looked at Natalia.

He considered taking a drastic step, not believing Hamilton would turn against him over a woman.

He stepped forward to block Natalia, but she quickly stepped back and delivered a sharp slap across his face.

The slap drew the attention of everyone around.

"If you lay a finger on me, I'm calling the police!" Natalia warned.

Victor, red with fury, sneered, "Don't worry, Natalia. I wouldn't dream of doing anything here."

Touching his stinging cheek, he added, "But remember, this is the second time you've hit me. I'll make you pay for this!"

With a menacing threat, Victor left.

Natalia watched his retreating figure, still feeling nauseous.

She knew if not for the crowd, Victor might have acted on his threat.

A janitor, noticing her discomfort, quickly approached, "Miss, are you alright?"

Natalia nodded after a moment of silence.

"I'm fine, thank you."

The janitor advised, "That man doesn't seem like good news. Stay away from him."

Grateful, Natalia nodded, "I will. Thank you."

With that, she entered the elevator.

Back in Tatiana's hospital room, Natalia's face relaxed slightly.

Though she knew Victor hesitated because of Hamilton, unease still gnawed at her.

She hesitated before calling Tess.

"Tess, I need a new driver, someone with good reflexes."

Though Tess wondered why a driver needed such skills, she agreed.

Feeling somewhat relieved, Natalia hung up.

Tatiana had fallen asleep again after briefly waking.

Natalia sat beside her, her heart softening.

Tatiana looked so frail, almost unrecognizable.

Feeling sorry, Natalia whispered, "Don't worry, Mom. You'll get better."

Debby, the nurse, tried to comfort her, "Don't worry, Ms. Jenkins. She'll recover slowly."

Natalia managed a smile, "She was so beautiful before all this."

Curious, Debby asked about Tatiana's past appearance.

Natalia showed her a photo on her phone, "See? Wasn't she gorgeous?"

Debby agreed, noting how Tatiana resembled a noble lady.

Natalia joined her, admiring her mother's beauty and grace.

She thought about how different things could have been if not for Patrick's betrayal.

Filled with a sudden surge of hatred, Natalia wished for vengeance against Patrick for all he had taken from them.

But with her company's unstable situation, she dared not act rashly.

After spending the day at the hospital, Natalia left as evening approached.

As she stepped outside, she saw Hamilton's car pulling up.

Hesitating, she was about to speak when Hamilton, leaning back lazily, broke the silence.

"Looking for a driver, Ms. Jenkins?"