Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Delilah was on edge these days.

She had hoped that the speech at Alfonso's 80th birthday bash would stir some reaction from Mrs. Joyner.

But it seemed Mrs. Joyner had more patience than she gave her credit for, as there had been no move against Natalia so far.

Adding to her frustration was Natalia suddenly quitting her job at the Foreign Affairs Department. Delilah knew how dedicated Natalia was to her work, so this move felt off.

Especially now that she had taken on a project with Collin, she should have been more driven than ever. Yet, she chose this moment to step back.

Delilah tried to dig around but couldn't find any solid reason for Natalia's decision. Amidst her growing irritation, Ingrid's call came through.

"Delilah, you're going to want to hear this."

Delilah couldn't help but let out a sarcastic chuckle.

"Seems like you know me so well."

Ingrid just laughed in response.

"That's because I do."

Trying to keep her impatience in check, Delilah urged, "Just get to the point. What is it?"

Cutting straight to the chase, Ingrid revealed, "Natalia's pregnant. Bet you didn't see that coming."

Delilah's face went white as a sheet. "What did you just say?"

"Natalia's pregnant."

"Are you certain?"

"Absolutely. I'm at Nova Hospital's maternity ward as we speak."

Delilah's frustration boiled over, and she threw her phone aside.

Magnus entered the room just in time to witness her outburst.

"What's got into you now?"

Delilah was nearly in tears with fury. "Grandpa, Natalia's really pregnant. That woman... she's ruined everything for Hamilton!"

Magnus's expression darkened. "Who told you this?"noveldrama

"Just got off the phone with someone from the Spiegel family's third branch. I suspected as much before, but no one believed me. Now look, she's practically due!"

Magnus was silent for a moment before finally saying, "What's the rush? The baby isn't born yet, is it?"

"How can I not be worried? Hamilton won't even glance my way, and if Natalia has his child, I'll never be able to compete!"

Magnus shot her a stern look, reminding her of his teachings before heading out toward the garden's tower.

Delilah, unable to hide her frustration, followed. "Grandpa, why are you heading here? Shouldn't we be dealing with Natalia right now?"

Magnus replied, "That's exactly what I'm doing," before instructing someone to open a door.

When Delilah saw who was inside, her eyes widened in shock.

Meanwhile, Natalia was trying to distract herself from a vague of unease by looking at a

her phone from today's

on

"I think the baby looks like me," she said, a hint of pride in her voice.

Hamilton, ever the charmer, agreed, "Then she's got good genes."

Trying to change the subject from her anxiety, Natalia asked, "Hamilton, do you prefer boys or girls?"

It was the first time she'd brought

up

the topic of their child so directly since becoming pregnant. Hamilton, visibly moved, responded, "I'd love either, as long as they're ours."

BU?

After a brief pause, they discussed potential names, settling on giving the baby

the Fowler surname.

Their moment was shattered by the sudden appearance of a motorcycle speeding towards them. Hamilton managed to protect Natalia from the impact.

As they assessed the situation, they recognized the driver as Lucinda, who launched into a maniacal rant.

"Natalia, you're going to pay!"

She began a countdown, ending with a twisted promise of vengeance for Eveleen.

The tension was palpable as they braced for what was to come, their future hanging in the balance.

No sooner had Natalia heard the words than a thunderous explosion erupted behind her.

In an instant, flames leaped into the sky, alarms blared, and sirens wailed through the neighborhood.

Hamilton leaped forward, protecting Natalia under him.

Instinctively, Natalia shielded her belly.

But before she could lose consciousness, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen.

The baby.

Then, a warm liquid trickled down onto her cheek from above.

Crimson spread rapidly, staining the ground before her eyes red.

Hamilton...