Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 255

Natalia hung up the phone, turning her gaze towards Ryan.

"Sorry about that, Ryan. Hope you don't mind."

Ryan just laughed.

He didn't mind.

Because he got the whole Hamilton situation.

That sense of urgency, he'd felt it before.

Just never thought the tables would turn like this.

Ryan looked at Natalia.

After a moment, he asked, "Natalia, what if I had refused to let go back then? What would've happened to us?"

Natalia, who was in the middle of texting, paused.

She didn't quite know how to respond.

Because she wasn't sure either.

But with Hamilton in the mix, no matter how persistent, it probably wouldn't have worked out.

"Ryan, let's leave the past in the past," she said.

Ryan only laughed.

Easier said than done, right?

But now, he wouldn't force his way between them.

If Hamilton made her happy, he'd be happy for her.

If he hurt her, he'd be there to whisk her away, no questions asked.

The morning briefing at the Foreign Affairs Department focused on a mission surrounding a collection of artifacts that had been illegally exported from Ylandia.

A Chinese-American tycoon had discovered these artifacts and intended to repatriate them through proper channels.

However, he was falsely accused of smuggling them.

The team, including Natalia, comprised fifteen people: artifact experts, Foreign Affairs Department officials, legal advisors, and defense personnel to ensure their safety.

Leading the mission was the nonagenarian Old Mr. Spiegel, Alfonso.

The patriarch of the Spiegel family, Alfonso Spiegel, was over ninety but still sharp and full of vigor.

Caspian, the legal advisor, stood by Alfonso's side.

Alfonso's gaze swept over everyone and settled on Natalia. He paused, his usually sharp eyes softening.

"Child, come here."

Natalia approached hesitantly.

"Mr. Spiegel, it's an honor."

Alfonso nodded. "I've heard about your troubles. From now on, if you face any issues, just call Caspian. No one can bully you in Boria City."

Natalia was surprised by his words.

Caspian chuckled. "Grandpa, you're scaring her."

Alfonso looked at Caspian and then back to Natalia, smiling. "Don't be frightened, my dear. I just have a soft spot for young people I take a liking to, and you, my dear, have caught my eye."

Natalia smiled. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Spiegel."

"There's no need for formalities. In Boria City, kids your age call me Grandpa Al. You should too."

After a glance at Caspian and his encouraging nod, Natalia smiled and said, "Thank you, Grandpa Al."

Before she left for the mission, Natalia called Hamilton, who was in the middle of a board meeting at the Fowler Group.