Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 160

Victor's eyes lit up like fireworks on the Fourth of July the moment he laid eyes on Natalia.

He had been itching to get close to her for some time now.

But he could tell, as clearly as the writing on the wall, that Natalia wasn't exactly fond of him.

He had planned to orchestrate a "chance" encounter with Natalia, but as luck would have it, today, they had stumbled upon each other naturally.

"Ms. Jenkins, long time no see."

Natalia barely gave him a glance, not even bothering with a response.

Victor wasn't put off; he pressed on.

"Maybe if you're free later, I could take you out for a bite to eat?"

A wave of nausea swept through Natalia at the thought.

"Let's not and say we did. I can't afford to dine on your dime."

With that, she turned to leave.

But Victor stepped right in her path.

His brow furrowed as he looked at Natalia, his face etched with conflict.

After a moment of silence, he spoke.

"Ms. Jenkins, about before... I'm sorry."

Victor truly regretted the harsh words he had exchanged with Natalia in the past.

Had he known his heart might someday skip a beat for her, he would've bitten his tongue.

Natalia frowned, wondering what game this man was playing now.

She had no intention of indulging him, sidestepping to go by, but then Hamilton grabbed her wrist.

"Who are you dining with?"

Natalia let out a laugh.

"Where do you get off? Such a busybody!"

She broke free from Hamilton's grasp and headed into a nearby private dining room.

Before the door could swing shut, Ronin's voice spilled out from within.

Hamilton's expression darkened in an instant.

A Ryan on the left, a Ronin on the right, and now a Victor in the mix.

Natalia really knew how to play the field.

Victor caught the look on Hamilton's face, and it made him pause. He had never thought Hamilton truly harbored feelings for Natalia.

How could someone as icy as Hamilton fall for a woman like Natalia?

Especially with Eveleen in the picture.

As long as Eveleen was around, Hamilton would never truly see Natalia.

But now, Victor sensed he had been wrong.

And not just wrong – spectacularly so.

Whether Hamilton had feelings for Eveleen was beyond him, but one thing was crystal clear: he, Victor, was smitten with Natalia.

Victor glanced at Eveleen.

Eveleen, catching his gaze, let out a mocking laugh.

"You have sights set on Ms. Jenkins now? Seems Ms. Jenkins is quite the belle of the ball. What do you think, Hamilton?"

Hamilton, already in a foul mood, felt a surge of irritation at her words.

He shot Victor a look. "You're really going after her?"

Victor shrugged. "Is there a problem? She's single, after all."

Hamilton snorted. "Don't get your hopes up. You don't stand a chance!"

With that, he strode out.

Victor followed with a chuckle, "Why not? Hamilton, you're not still hung up on her, are you? After all, you've got Eveleen. She's been waiting for you for how long now? You can't keep her hanging forever, can you?"

Hamilton glanced at Eveleen but said nothing, climbing into his car.

Eveleen's face twisted into a scowl.

What was Hamilton's game? Ignoring her like this?

She moved to pull open the car door, but Hamilton rolled down the window instead.

"Go on home; I’ll be there for the surgery tomorrow."

Eveleen stalled. "Hamilton, you're sending me home alone?"

"Let Victor send you," he said calmly.

Eveleen couldn't accept it. "I want you to!"

Hamilton lit a cigarette, his gaze drifting back to the restaurant.

That private room was tightly shut, hiding whatever was happening inside.

"Either Victor gives you a ride or you take a cab. Your choice."

Eveleen's throat tightened as tears threatened to fall.

Yet, Hamilton didn't so much as glance her way.

His eyes stayed fixated on that private dining room.

Eveleen seethed with rage.

That witch Natalia, already cozy with someone else, what was there to pine for?

Was she really less than Natalia?

She wasn't about to walk away today.