Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

"Feeling hard done by?"

The man's eyes shimmered with empathy.

His long fingers gently brushed the corner of her eye, wiping away a hint of moisture.

Natalia stared at the man standing before her.

It took her a moment before she managed to ask, "How did you get here?"

Hamilton Fowler chuckled, "Came to Boria City on a business trip."

Natalia fought back the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Actually, I'm not that upset, just a bit frustrated. I know I'm better than her."

"Yeah, you're a thousand times better than she is," Hamilton laughed, "So, shall I help you get some justice?"

Natalia looked at Hamilton, and after a moment, she smiled, "The Foreign Affairs Department isn't really your playground. Let's leave it. There'll be other chances." Hamilton's face still wore a smile.

"You're right, I shouldn't interfere. But someone else can."

With that, he gestured for Natalia to notice the group standing nearby.

It was only then she realized there were several people standing in the shadows.

Almost all of them were key officials from the Foreign Affairs Department.

Dawson was there, and even Delia and Caspian Spiegel had shown up.

Next to Caspian, there were also staff from the ethics committee.

Natalia stared at these people, somewhat unable to grasp the situation. She glanced at Hamilton.

Hamilton chuckled, "Everyone was in the conference room next door, watching your competition with Delilah. It was clear who won and who lost. Whether Minister Dawson showed favoritism or the Powell family cheated, everyone knows the truth." "The person who wrote the complaint has also been found, and they've confessed to the ethics committee. They were indeed slandering. You and Minister Dawson are both cleared now. So, don't worry, we'll definitely get you justice tonight." Natalia nodded, feeling a lump in her throat.

She hadn't felt much aggrieved before, just a bit indignant.

But now, she felt an unexpected surge of emotion.

Hamilton held her hand, turning to Dawson, "Mr. Dawson, I'll leave the rest to you."

Dawson nodded and led the group inside.

Hamilton, holding Natalia's hand, followed them.

Caspian walked alongside them, "How come you didn't call me about this?" he asked, a bit reproachfully.

Natalia laughed, "I didn't want to bother you all the time."

Caspian looked at her, "So you think it's okay to bother him?"

A hint of discomfort flashed across Natalia's face.

Caspian laughed, "My mom was watching your translation earlier. She kept marveling at how it reminded her of her younger days. I bet she won't let you go easily later." Natalia was taken aback, then looked up at Delia.

Delia was also looking her way.

Their eyes met, and Delia smiled, walking over.

"My dear, you did wonderfully today. Don't worry, our Foreign Affairs Department won't let talent go to waste."

Natalia smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Ms. Delia."

Delia patted her on the back, "Once this mission is over, come over for dinner. I have something to discuss with you."

Natalia paused, then nodded, "Okay."

In the hall, people were still buzzing about the competition.

Dawson pushed the door open, and the once lively hall quieted down.

Delilah, seeing Hamilton standing next to Natalia, her face turned sour.

She had always been in touch with the Fowler family and was well aware that Hamilton was due to attend the Fowler Group's board meeting tomorrow.

So, she had assumed Hamilton wouldn't come today.

Yet, against her expectations, he had come for Natalia.

Dawson scanned the room, then spoke up.

"We've all seen the competition just now. I believe everyone has formed their own opinion on who was better. The reactions at the moment the results were announced didn't escape my notice."

With a stern look, he continued, "How many here have abandoned fairness, and how many have accepted bribes, the ethics committee will investigate thoroughly."

"As for the outcome of today's competition..."

Before Dawson could finish, Delilah suddenly spoke up.

"Minister Dawson, I realize my skills are far inferior to Ms. Jenkins, so I'm willing to give up tonight's opportunity."

The room was taken aback by her statement.

No one expected her to voluntarily step down.

This was supposed to be about getting justice.

But now, because of Delilah's words, it seemed as if Dawson was pressuring them into giving up the opportunity.

Natalia's lips were tightly pressed.

But Hamilton suddenly laughed.

"Yours to give? Please!"

Delilah was taken aback, her face turning a shade paler.

Hamilton's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"This opportunity was stolen by you to begin with. The word you're looking for is 'return,' not 'give.' Surely, Delilah understands that much?"

Delilah's face turned from white to ghostly, and after a long pause, she forced a laugh.

"Hamilton, you're mistaken. This was supposed to be a fair competition from the start. Now that I recognize my inferiority, what's wrong with stepping aside?"

Caspian couldn't hold back his words, "Fair competition? Really? We all saw what happened in that contest. Is that how Delilah competes fairly? Need me to explain to you what fair competition actually means?" Delilah's face turned a shade of red, embarrassed.

But she was also wary of offending Caspian, and could only look at her grandfather for help.

Magnus wanted to defend his granddaughter, but Dawson had already spoken up again.

"Regarding tonight's contest, we won't make a hasty judgment. Everyone saw the competition and I'm sure has formed their own opinion. Let's put it to a vote, in the spirit of fair competition." This statement was a slap in the face to Delilah.

Delilah and Magnus's faces turned sour.

The voting results came in quickly.

Nearly everyone had voted for Natalia.

Delilah forced a smile, then turned to Hamilton and said, "Hamilton, I admit defeat. I'm not as skilled, but I'm still young. I'll catch up one day."

Hamilton let out a mocking laugh, "Talent? You've been lagging since day one, and that's not likely to change. I'd temper that optimism if I were you." Delilah's face stiffened.

Magnus's face grew long, "Hamilton, you don't even greet your elders, and now this is how you speak to Delilah!"

Hamilton's face was full of scorn, "Mr. Powell, how did you become my elder exactly?"

"You"

Magnus was fuming, staring at Hamilton. But Hamilton had already turned to Dawson.

"Let's head out if there's nothing more."

Dawson nodded.

Then, turning to Natalia, he said, "Be ready for a meeting first thing tomorrow morning. I'll send someone to pick you up."

Natalia smiled, "Thank you, Minister Dawson."

After exchanging goodbyes with Delia and Caspian, Hamilton led Natalia towards the exit.

But just as they reached the door, someone called out.

"Natalia."