Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 251

The moment Natalia Jenkins laid eyes on Delilah Powell, everything seemed to fall into place, albeit in a twisted kind of way.

Natalia had thought that when Delilah left the prestigious Fowler family, it was her waving the white flag of surrender. But now, it was clear that she was too naive in her assumptions.

After all, how could someone like Hamilton, who went out of his way to study nutritional science in depth, just give up so easily?

"Your competitor tonight is Delilah," Collin whispered urgently to Natalia as she entered the room.

"She has a bit of a knack for languages, and this task involves ancient artifacts. Old Mr. Powell, Magnus Powell, happens to be an expert in that field. So, Delilah might have a slight edge over you in this regard."

Collin, ever the protective mentor, couldn't bear the thought of his protégé being at a disadvantage.

Natalia nodded, "I've been preparing rigorously and did extensive research, Mr. Collin. You don't have to worry."

Collin believed in Natalia's capabilities, but he couldn't help casting a worried glance towards the judges' panel.

This competition was unlikely to be a fair and square one.

Before he could voice his concerns, Delilah approached them.

"Ms. Jenkins, we meet again," she greeted with a thin smile.

Natalia responded with a natural, pleasant demeanor, "Delilah, what a pleasure."

Collin, slightly taken aback, asked, "You two know each other?"

Natalia was about to respond when Delilah quickly answered, "We've crossed paths a few times."

Collin's look of concern deepened, but he did not press further, instead offering a worried glance towards Natalia.

Natalia, still smiling, reassured him, "Don't worry about me, teacher. I'm fine."

After Collin excused himself to prepare, Delilah turned to Natalia with a smirk.

"Ms. Jenkins, I suppose Hamilton won't be protecting you tonight?"

Her voice dripped with scorn, "You know, there's a saying - a woman who only relies on a man's protection will always remain nothing more than an object of amusement."

Delilah's eyes were full of mockery.

"What Hamilton needs is a woman who matches him in both background and ability, not someone clinging onto him like a vine."

Natalia caught the taunt in her words and replied with a restrained smile, "Is writing anonymous letters the kind of ability you're referring to, Delilah?"

Delilah's smile didn't waver.

"Ms. Jenkins, slandering isn't a commendable habit. Do you have proof it was me? Besides, sometimes where there's smoke, there's fire. Perhaps, Ms. Jenkins, you should introspect rather than accuse others without evidence."

After a brief pause, she added, "Let's just see who's better tonight, shall we?"

Natalia returned the smile.

"So, it's a skill contest then. Fine by me."

Regardless of whether Delilah was behind the anonymous letter or not, Natalia was determined to prove that Minister Dawson's faith in her wasn't misplaced.

"Natalia, you're up," Collin called out to her.