Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Orpheus Fowler!

Patrick never expected the person who called him out would be Orpheus.

The man standing before him was almost unrecognizable. Though only in his twenties, his face was covered in a scruffy beard.

Wearing a baseball cap, his eyes were filled with gloom and malice.

"How come you're here?"

He remembered, wasn't Orpheus sent away?

Orpheus gave a small laugh.

"Why can't I be here?"

Patrick's face was a mix of emotions.

The whole debacle with Eveleen and Orpheus kidnapping Natalia was something he knew all too well.

Now, if Orpheus got caught by Hamilton, Eveleen wouldn't be spared from trouble either.

"Aren't you afraid Hamilton will find you?"

At the mention of Hamilton, a sinister look briefly crossed Orpheus's face.

"Hamilton? He's nothing. Our old man took back the reins of the Fowler empire not too long ago. Without the Fowler empire backing him, do you think he can do anything? Besides, I'm back because the old man wanted me back. He took the power from Hamilton and it actually made it easier for me to return. What do you think that means?"

Patrick was skeptical of Orpheus's words.

Anyone with eyes could see Hamilton was leagues above Orpheus.

Westley wouldn't hand over the Fowler empire to Orpheus if he had any sense.

But Orpheus showing up now seemed like a lifeline to him.

Lately, he had been backed into a corner.

Schafer Pharma's finances were a mess, and he couldn't even pinpoint the problem.

He was close to losing it all.

And Eveleen was of no help, only dragging him down further.

Thinking about it, Patrick was filled with regret.

If he knew Hamilton cared so much for Natalia, he would have kept her close.

Even raising her as his own out of wedlock if necessary.

Natalia was not only beautiful but her relation to Hamilton was genuine, sparing Patrick the constant worry of their secret being exposed.

But now, regret was useless.

"What do you want today, Orpheus? And where is my wife? Where is Lucinda?"

Orpheus laughed, "Your wife?"

He pulled out a smartphone, its screen filled with photos of Lucinda.

In the photos, Lucinda was surrounded by a group, bruises marking her arms and face.

Patrick's face turned red with anger instantly.

"What's this? Where is she?"

Orpheus chuckled, "My brother thinks your wife had a hand in kidnapping Natalia's barely alive mother, so she's been detained." Patrick's expression darkened.

"That's impossible, she wouldn't do something like that."

He had warned her just days ago; going against Natalia was not wise.

Their only move was to wait for the right moment for Eveleen to return home, only then could they seize a new opportunity.

"She wouldn't kidnap that woman!"

Orpheus's face still bore a sinister smile, "I know it wasn't her."

Patrick was stunned, "It was you?"

Orpheus's gaze flickered, "I didn't kidnap her, but I cooperated with someone to settle a score."

Hamilton had made his life miserable; it was a pity he hadn't finished him off.

Patrick felt a sinking feeling.

It was as if his family was being used as pawns.

But now, he had no choice but to move forward.

"What do you want from me today?"

Orpheus looked at Patrick, "I just wanted to tell you, the financial issues your company is facing? Natalia's behind it, using Ron Group to cut off nearly all your funding."

"What?" Patrick was shocked, "That bitch!"

He had assumed it was Hamilton's doing.

But Natalia?

Was that wild child really capable of growing to such extents?

Then, realization hit him, "Why are you telling me this?"

"Patrick, let's collaborate just this once. I'll help you through your financial crisis, and you, in turn, sabotage Natalia's NorthSuburb project for me. As for your wife, you should push your daughter harder. Even though she's almost a lost cause now, a first love is always a first love." Just before leaving work, Natalia received a call from Hamilton.

"What do you feel like eating?"

Natalia paused, "Stop wandering around, just stay put in the hospital, will you?"

Hamilton, "I'm already outside your office. I'll take you somewhere nice."

Natalia was taken aback, "Hamilton, can't you just focus on getting better?"

Hamilton laughed softly, "I'm fine, Ms. Jenkins. Whatever you want, I can provide."

Natalia chose to ignore his flirtatious remark.

"Then don't park in front of the office."

Tess was a gossip. She and Hamilton weren't official yet, and she didn't want rumors flying everywhere.

Hamilton laughed, albeit a bit disheartened, "Am I that embarrassing?"

"Yep."

After hanging up, Hamilton chuckled to himself as he was about to send her a message, his phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, Hamilton answered immediately.

Alden's voice came through from the other side.

"Bro, Grandpa brought Ethan back home. And from what it seems, if you insist on being with Natalia, he's planning to hand over the reins of the Fowler fortune to Ethan. Grandpa's keeping him close, making it impossible for us to even touch him. I don't know what got into Grandpa's head."

Hamilton's expression darkened.

He hadn't expected the old man to pull such a move on him.

He didn't care much for the Fowler fortune, even found it somewhat distasteful.

But he knew he needed to control it.

Even if it was just to protect his lady, he needed it in his grasp.

He remained silent, lighting a cigarette with a thoughtful frown.

"We might not be able to touch him, but that doesn't mean he won't stir up trouble himself. Let's spread the word about his return, especially to his old cronies. And check who he's been meeting since he got back."

"Alright." Alden paused, then hesitantly added, "Also, got a call from the doctor at Eveleen's clinic this afternoon. She's not doing well, seems like severe depression. I've arranged for a psychologist to see her." Hamilton stayed quiet for a moment, "Understood."

He ended the call, just as Natalia emerged from the office.

Tess was with her, the two of them chatting and laughing until Natalia's eyes landed on Hamilton waiting by the door, her smile vanishing completely.

Even her brows furrowed in concern.

Seeing her reaction, Hamilton felt a pang of frustration.

But Natalia seemed to look through him, ignoring his presence.

That's when Tess gasped.

"Mr. Fowler, what brings you here?"

After saying that, she nudged Natalia, "Boss, Mr. Fowler's here."

It was as if Natalia noticed Hamilton for the first time, offering him a polite smile.

"Mr. Fowler, good to see you."

Hamilton stared at her with a stern face, replying through gritted teeth, "Ms. Jenkins, likewise."