Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 178

Hamilton's fist hovered just inches from Natalia's face. There was an unmistakable shade of pain in his eyes that refused to dissipate.

"Natalia, you're protecting him like this? Aren't you afraid I'll hit you too?" His voice was a low growl, barely concealing the threat behind it.

Of course, Natalia was scared. She knew all too well how hard Hamilton could hit; she had seen it firsthand. Yet, she couldn't stand by and watch him beat up Ryan again. The guy had already taken enough flak for her sake, and she refused to be the cause of his pain once more. It would only deepen her guilt.

After a moment of tense silence, Natalia scoffed at Hamilton. "Hamilton, he's my boyfriend. Am I supposed to protect you instead?"

That hit Hamilton like a punch to the gut. He stared at the scene before him, and after what felt like an eternity, he let out a bitter chuckle and withdrew his fist. Without another word, he turned and followed a staff member inside.

Once he was gone, Natalia finally allowed herself a sigh of relief. After exchanging a few comforting words with Ryan, she followed the staff member into the building.

The routine interrogation lasted nearly three hours. After it ended, Natalia was escorted to a holding cell.

Hamilton emerged from the interrogation room to find Caspian already waiting for him. Throughout the questioning, Hamilton's mood had been as stormy as a rough sea, causing the interrogators to tread on eggshells.

Caspian nodded to the pale-faced staff, signaling they could leave, before turning to Hamilton. "I checked into Graham's accounts like you said. Lots of suspicious transactions, the biggest one from three years ago. I've started spreading the word; now we wait to see who slips up first."

Hamilton, lighting a cigarette, grunted noncommittally.

Caspian studied him. "You look like hell. Regretting your decision to come here?"

Hamilton's face was a mask of stoicism. "Who said I have any regrets?"

With a chuckle, Caspian teased, "Most guys wine and dine the girl they like, take them to the movies. You? You bring her to the station."

Hamilton snorted, the image of a movie date with Natalia flashing in his mind. But would she ever give him the chance? Right now, she wouldn't even spare him a second glance.

The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. After a long silence, he finally spoke again. "She let Ryan hold her."

Caspian paused, then burst into laughter, rife with schadenfreude. "Hamilton, they're in love. What's so strange about a hug? You can't handle that? Who knows what more they do in private!"

Hamilton's expression darkened even further, and Caspian knew he had hit a nerve.

"Shut up, Caspian. Nobody's mistaking you for a mute."

Caspian's laughter subsided as he lit a cigarette of his own—a rare indulgence, as Bianca hated the smell. He only smoked when the nights grew long and arduous, and now, seeing Hamilton like this, he felt the urge to join him.

The smoke curled between them, Hamilton's features obscured in its haze. Caspian took a drag and then spoke up. "Hamilton, do you even know what you want?"

Hamilton's brow furrowed, but he remained silent.

Caspian continued softly, "I've seen the contract you two have. Even without breaking it, there's only a little over a year left. Once it's up, you'll have to let her go. Why put yourself through all this? As a businessman, you understand better than anyone that this is a losing deal."

"You're going through all this trouble just to be with her for one more year? The cost-to-benefit ratio is way off. Is it worth it?"