Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 253

Natalia turned around to see Ryan Holzer standing at the doorway, watching her.

It had been a while since they last met. He had lost weight but seemed more vibrant than ever.

Ryan had come in with Dawson. He had intended to go over and greet Natalia, but Hamilton had been hovering around her the entire time.

Now, seeing her about to leave, Ryan couldn't help but call out to her.

A smile flickered across Natalia's eyes. "Ryan, it's been a while."

Ryan nodded. "Indeed, it has. How have you been lately?"

After saying this, he glanced at Hamilton standing next to Natalia, a hint of bitterness crossing his mind.

Even though he hadn't been to Silkwood City recently or inquired specifically, he was aware that Hamilton and Natalia were probably on the verge of making up. Ronin Joyner had been nagging him about it almost every day.

Natalia bit her lip. "I'm okay, Ryan. How about you?"

Ryan nodded, masking the sourness in his eyes. "So-so, I guess."

Just as Natalia was about to say something more, Hamilton suddenly pulled her into his arms. "Mr. Holzer, didn't you mention something about starting to date? How's that going?"

Ryan laughed. "I heard Mr. Fowler has started the dating game too."

Hamilton's face darkened instantly.

Before he could respond, Natalia's phone rang. "I need to take this call," she said, walking away.

Hamilton's gaze followed her, and Ryan, observing his expression, couldn't help but scoff. "Hamilton, if you're going to hold on to her so desperately, you better treat her right. If you don't, I'll definitely take her away from you again."

Hamilton's expression turned icy. "And what right do you have, Ryan?"

Ryan's eyes were filled with sadness. "Maybe I don't, but Hamilton, are you really any better? Do you truly love her, or is this all just about possession?"

Hamilton's face was grim. "Ryan, you—"

Ryan cut him off. "If you truly loved her, you wouldn't have resorted to such low tactics, bringing my aunt into it to humiliate her, right?"

Hamilton hadn't expected Ryan to bring this up. He glanced at Natalia, who was standing there, staring in their direction, panic flickering in his eyes.

He turned back to Ryan. "Even if I hadn't done that, something else would've happened, right?"

His words seemed more for Natalia's sake than Ryan's. Natalia had her fair share of admirers, but the one Hamilton had always been concerned about was Ryan. He could tell she had genuinely wanted to be with Ryan.

Initially, he couldn't stand the thought of Ryan being around Natalia, so he had schemed to bring Ryan's aunt into the picture.

Now that this was out in the open, he feared Natalia would be angry and stop talking to him forever.

Ryan chuckled. "Maybe, but it certainly wouldn't have been as embarrassing."

Hamilton glared at Ryan coldly. "Mr. Holzer, it's getting late. We should head back."

Ryan looked at Natalia. "I'm sorry for how my family treated you, leading to our breakup. I've never blamed you, and I hope you won't settle for less in the future. I just want you to be happy."