Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 144

Ronin's jab carried a hint of deliberate provocation.

After all, Hamilton had burned his bridges in Boria City pretty badly, hadn't he?

With his hands casually tucked in his jeans pockets, Hamilton gave Ronin a cool look.

It was a while before he let out a scoff, "Since when did you and Ms. Jenkins get so chummy, Mr. Joyner? And if memory serves, I believe I made it quite clear that you should keep your hands off another man's lady."

Natalia's brows furrowed sharply, ready to interject, but Ronin had already beaten her to the punch.

"Oh? Is Ms. Jenkins still your woman, Mr. Fowler? Because the last I heard, you two were done. And Ms. Jenkins is about to ink a deal with us at Ron Group. Soon, she won't be working for Ivy Gemstone; she'll join the Ron Group."

Ronin's demeanor was the polar opposite of Hamilton's.

Hamilton was deep and reserved.

But Ronin? He was all sunshine, inside and out.

Even when he was just stating facts, he managed to make it sound like a boast.

Natalia pursed her lips in response.

Hamilton's face darkened instantly, turning his gaze to Natalia.

"You're signing with Ron Group?"

Natalia met his gaze unflinchingly.

"Mr. Fowler, you are well aware that I'm in need of money. Ron Group made me a very generous offer. I see no reason to refuse."

Hamilton's eyes grew colder.

He smirked, then shifted his gaze to Ronin.

"Perhaps you aren't aware that Ms. Jenkins has a special clause in her contract with Ivy Gemstone, Mr. Joyner. Leaving us might not be so easy."

Natalia's frown deepened.

"Are you going back on your word now, Mr. Fowler?"

Hamilton's smile didn't reach his eyes. "What do you mean, going back on my word? I never agreed to anything in the first place."

Turning to Ronin, he added, "Unless you are willing to cover Ms. Jenkins' penalty for breaking her contract, Mr. Joyner."

Ronin clicked his tongue, "So Ivy Gemstone keeps its talent with these kinds of tactics, huh?"

His tone lightened, "Ron Group operates differently. If we're going to entice Ms. Jenkins to join us, then consider the breakup fee a small token of our sincerity."

After saying this, he raised his eyebrows at Hamilton. "Is that satisfactory, Mr. Fowler?"

A spark flared in Hamilton's eyes as the tension between the two men thickened.

Alden quickly stepped forward, placing himself between them.

"Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Joyner, if you've got business to attend to, please go ahead."

Without hesitation, Natalia took Ronin's arm and they headed out.

Ronin couldn't resist throwing a parting shot over his shoulder with a grin, "See you around, Mr. Fowler."

Hamilton's expression could sour milk.

Alden eyed Hamilton for a moment before speaking up, "Bro, didn't you have an appointment with the plastic surgeon for Eveleen? We're going to be late."

With a grimace, Hamilton headed outside, only to see Ronin opening the car door for Natalia.

She smiled at him before gracefully sliding into the passenger seat.

Hamilton's temples throbbed.

She had once told him she disliked riding in other men's cars.

Yet there she was, having been in Caspian's and now Ronin's car.

It seemed all those sweet nothings were just that—nothing.

Hamilton bit back a scoff, doubting whether anything Natalia had ever told him was true.

A wave of unidentifiable irritation washed over him as

he tossed the car keys to Alden.

"You drive."

Without argument, Alden caught the keys and got behind the wheel.

However, as they pulled away, Alden's brow twitched.

Their car was heading in the same direction as Ronin's.

Surely, they weren't going to the same place, were they?

Meanwhile, in Ronin’s car.

Natalia's mood was far from bright.

Although Ronin had said the breakup fee was a gesture of Ron Group's goodwill, it was no small sum.

In truth, if she let Ron Group pay it off, she would be indebted to them.

Natalia let out a bitter laugh.

Hamilton always knew how to back her into a corner!

She massaged her temples, which throbbed with pain.

Ronin, oblivious to her discomfort, chuckled, "What's wrong? Still hung up on him?"

Natalia bit her lip and said, "No."

But Ronin didn't mince words, "You're clearly still into him."

Her mouth tightened, and she stayed silent.

Ronin seemed unconcerned. "You'll get over him soon enough, Natalia. There are plenty of good men out there."

Natalia looked down and asked, "How did you know Hamilton and I were over?"