Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Hamilton gently guided her to the table.

"You're here without anyone to look after you; I can't be at ease. Can't keep relying on takeout for meals."

Natalia glanced at him but didn't argue further.

She had already decided to take a break from her job at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

As her pregnancy progressed, it was becoming increasingly inconvenient.

Even though Delilah no longer worked there, whether the Powell family still had influence over the Department of Foreign Affairs was uncertain.

After discussing it with Dawson, he agreed to her decision.

However, transitioning out of her role was a process.

Natalia continued her routine of leaving early and returning late until the end of November, just before Old Mr. Spiegel, Alfonso's birthday celebration, when her work was nearly handed over.

Natalia, nearly five months pregnant, could usually hide her belly under loose and thick sweaters.

But in a dress, there was no hiding it.

Therefore, she initially didn't want to attend Alfonso's birthday party, but to her surprise, Caspian personally came to pick her up.

"No need to dress up. Wear whatever you usually do. My mom and granddad really miss you. Just show up, make an appearance, and if you don't feel like staying long, you can head back early."

Unable to refuse, she agreed.

She turned to change her clothes.

Caspian glanced at Hamilton, who had just finished a phone call at the door.

"How are things with the Fowler family? Your grandfather called me recently; he seems to have figured out I've been pressuring the Fowlers."

Hamilton scoffed, "Ignore him. Business as usual."

Caspian nodded but soon frowned, "I heard your father brought back a son he had out of wedlock, and your grandfather seems quite fond of him?"

Hamilton's gaze darkened, "Just trying to pressure me."

Caspian sighed, "He's still your grandfather. He wouldn't do anything to you, but Natalia might not be so lucky. Be careful."

"Regardless, make sure she's protected."

Hamilton softened as he overheard the nanny chatting with Natalia inside the room, then nodded firmly.

Alfonso's birthday banquet wasn't a lavish affair.

But the old man was highly respected in Boria City.

That day, almost all notable figures of Boria City were present.

As Natalia got out of the car with Caspian, it attracted quite a bit of attention.

Together with Hamilton by her side, everyone was curious about Natalia's identity. But Caspian didn't say anything and directly led Natalia into Alfonso's room.

The old man's eyes lit up when he saw Natalia.

"You little rascal, decided to visit me, huh?"

Natalia smiled apologetically.

"May you live as long as the southern mountains."

After saying this, she handed the old man a prepared gift.

Alfonso accepted it with a smile and started introducing her to the people around him.

"This is Caspian's father, Travis Spiegel. You must know him."

It was Natalia's first time meeting Travis Spiegel, but she recognized him from television and the news.

Natalia greeted him softly, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Spiegel."

Travis Spiegel seemed a bit startled at first but then nodded, "Good, feel free to visit us more often."

Natalia smiled in response.

Alfonso continued the introductions, but when they reached a certain family member, Ingrid couldn't help but roll her eyes.

She was about to speak when she caught Hamilton's gaze and swallowed her words instead.

She still felt a sting at the sight of Hamilton, not to mention the olde man and the entire main house seemed enchanted by Natalia, treating her better than their own daughter.

Ingrid muttered to herself and walked away.

After making the rounds, Delia pulled Natalia aside.

"I heard from Huaijin that you've handed off your work?"

Natalia nodded, "I'm taking some time to focus on family now."

Delia frowned, about to say something, when Magnus Powell and Delilah walked

in.

Natalia tensed up, her expression souring.

Delia caught the change, "If you don't want to stay, you and Hamilton can go for a walk. There's not much here for you anyway, just a bunch of old folks."

Thanking Delia, Natalia preferred to avoid the Powell family.

After her previous miscarriage, she knew all too well the dangers lurking in the shadows.

"Thank you, Ms. Delia."

Delia smiled, "Go on then."

Natalia left with Hamilton, crossing paths with the Powell family.

Delilah, dressed in an extravagant gown, stood in stark contrast to Natalia's casual sweater.

Delilah lifted her chin, eyeing Natalia, "Ms. Jenkins, attending the Spiegel family's celebration like this?"

Natalia chuckled, but before she could say anything, Caspian's voice came from behind.

"Natalia's practically family. She can dress however she feels comfortable. Since when did Delilah become the fashion police?"

Delilah's smile froze on her face.

"That's not what I meant, Mr. Spiegel. You misunderstood."

Caspian gave her a look, "Delilah, you should mind your own beeswax. It's always

best. I heard you've stirred up quite the storm recently."

Delilah's face flushed with embarrassment.noveldrama

That incident had almost become her Achilles' heel.

Just when people had started to forget, Caspian had to bring it up again at such

an event.

Biting her lip hard, she tried to retort, "Mr. Spiegel, I—"

"Cut the niece act. I'm not your uncle."

Delilah was left speechless, her eyes reddening, while Magnus's temples throbbed with frustration. But since they were at the Spiegels' and needed their favor, he had n@choice but to swallow his pride.

"Caspian, Delilah is still young. Yes, she made a mistake, but that doesn't mean

she's beyond forgiveness."

Caspian snorted, "Young? What,

she's not of age or can't tell right from wrong? If that's the case, then she's even less fit for the Foreign Affairs Department. We wouldn't want her embarrassing our country, now, would we?"

Caspian had effectively backed the Powells into a corner.

Magnus's face turned a shade redder with anger.

He forced a smile.

"Caspian, you're being a bit harsh. Everyone deserves a chance to right their

wrongs. Isn't that the mark of true forgiveness?"

Then, turning to Natalia, he added, "Ms. Jenkins, I apologize on behalf of Delilah

for any offense she may have caused. Can we consider the matter closed?"