novelxo Chapter 273
For the next two days, Natalia was busy handing over her tasks to Ronin while preparing the documents for the Foreign Affairs Department. She had thought, based on their previous speculations, that Mason wouldn't let her go that easily.
Yet, to her surprise, Mason remained silent until the last day of handover.
Doubts started to creep into Natalia's mind, wondering if she had overthought the situation.
With the handover complete, she called Hamilton and then prepared to head straight to the airport after work.
However, as she was leaving the office, she was stopped by a woman.
"Ms. Jenkins, hello, could we have a chat?"
Natalia frowned at the elegant and gentle woman standing before her, "And you are?"
"My last name's Yoder, I'm Hamilton's mother."
Natalia was taken aback, before nodding slightly, "Alright, let's head to the nearby café."
From the moment Bella Yoder saw Natalia, her gaze never left her.
Once seated, she smiled, "Ms. Jenkins, you're indeed beautiful. No wonder Hamilton is so smitten."
Natalia couldn't figure out Bella's intention and could only offer a faint smile in response.
"Thank you for the compliment."
Yet, Bella's eyes still sparkled with amusement, "Don't worry, I'm not here to cause you trouble or to ask you to leave Hamilton. I just wanted to meet the person who has won over this stubborn boy." Natalia was slightly taken aback.
She had assumed that Hamilton's mother would share his grandfather's attitude, but it seemed she was mistaken.
Bella pushed the coffee towards Natalia, "Hamilton can be a handful. He must have given you a hard time, huh?"
Natalia shook her head, "He's been quite caring towards me."
After taking a sip of her coffee, Bella smiled and said, "Ms. Jenkins, Hamilton has never opened up to anyone, not even to me, his mother. You must be the first person he's truly opened up to. So, I'm asking you to be a bit more patient with him. He might not know how to show it, but I can tell he really loves you."
Natalia wasn't sure how to respond.
Bella didn't wait for an answer. She placed her coffee cup down and pulled out an invitation from her bag.
"Hamilton's grandfather is celebrating his 80th birthday next week, and I hope you can attend as Hamilton's girlfriend."
Natalia looked at the invitation pushed towards her and smiled wryly.
"You must be aware of the grandfather's attitude towards me. So, perhaps it's best if I don't attend the birthday party."
Bella chuckled, "I know, but as Hamilton's official girlfriend, Ms. Jenkins, there are some battles worth fighting. I'll be expecting you there."
With that, Bella stood up and left.
Natalia silently stared at the invitation before finally picking it up.
When Hamilton came to pick her up, he noticed her unease, "What's wrong?"
Natalia turned to him, "Your mother just came to see me."
Hamilton's expression darkened instantly.
"What did she say?"
Natalia showed him the invitation, "She invited me to your grandfather's birthday party."
Hamilton scoffed, "You don't have to listen to her."
Natalia bit her lip, choosing not to respond.
She knew well the grandfather's attitude towards her and didn't want to subject herself to humiliation.
But the thought of Delilah attending the party without her made her somewhat uncomfortable.
Hamilton noticed her hesitation, "Do you want to go?"
Natalia looked down, "No."
Yet she couldn't help asking, "Will Delilah be there?"
Hamilton's expression flickered slightly.
After a moment of silence, he said, "The Powell family is close to the old man."
It was clear to Natalia then. Delilah would definitely attend, and her role there was not to be questioned.
She remained silent, lips pursed.
Hamilton sighed, "I promise, there will be no intimate interactions with Delilah at the party, okay?"
Natalia felt a sting in her heart.
She wished he wouldn't attend.
Regardless of their interactions,
Westley Fowler would surely
introduce Delilah as the future granddaughter-in-law of the Fowler family.
But the words died on her lips. After all, Hamilton was a Fowler.
It was his grandfather's birthday. What right did she have to ask him not to go?
Hamilton could see her discomfort and caressed her cheek gently.
"How about you come with me?"
Natalia shook her head, "No, thanks."
She forced a smile, "I'd only be humiliated."
Hamilton frowned, holding Natalia's hand, "Natalia, just give me some more time."
Natalia nodded silently.
She was scheduled to fly to Boria City that evening.
Hamilton took her to the airport, finding it hard to let her go. They shared several passionate kisses.
"Just when I started enjoying our time together, you have to leave me again."
Natalia chuckled, "Mr. Fowler, why don't you join me?"
In a mock huff, Hamilton left several 'strawberry marks' on her chest.
"Stay away from Ryan there, got it?"
Natalia pushed him slightly, "I know."
Hamilton gritted his teeth, "When you're back, give me a whole night. No excuses about being tired." Natalia pushed him away, a mix of frustration and disbelief in her actions, before stepping out of the car.
Watching Natalia's figure
disappearing into the distance,
Hamilton finally took out his phone and dialed a number.
Bella wasn't surprised to receive a call from Hamilton.
Her voice, calm and composed, inquired, "When will you be back for dinner? I'll make your favorite dish."
Hamilton let out a sarcastic laugh, "Stay away from Natalia, got it?"
Bella paused for a moment, "Hamilton, I'm your mother."
His voice turned even colder, "As if I don't know your true colors. Stop pretending in front of me."
With that, he hung up the phone abruptly.
Natalia's trip this time was to serve as an interpreter for a press conference.
The translation work was
and urgent, and upon et
and urgent, and upomet
in Boria City, Natalia was
practically on her toes. Co?!
Ever since the night of that phone call, Ryan had a clearer understanding of the relationship between the two. Especially after arriving this time, he could sense Natalia deliberately keeping her distance from him. Ryan felt a bitter sweetness inside, but he didn't push it further.
However, their professional interactions inevitably brought them closer again.
Just before the press conference was about to start, Ryan approached Natalia with a document in hand.
"This shouldn't make things difficult for you, right?"
Natalia smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Ryan."
Ryan chuckled, "No need for apologies. I understand, and I'll try to be more mindful in the future."
He paused, then asked, "So, you and Hamilton made up?"
Natalia nodded.
Ryan smiled, "Congratulations."
He looked at Natalia sincerely, "Natalia, I just want you to be happy."
Natalia felt a twinge of emotion, managing a smile in response to Ryan.
Ryan's smile persisted, "If he ever treats you wrong, you tell Ryan, okay? I'll make sure to set him straight."
Tears welled up in Natalia's eyes as she looked at Ryan, whispering softly, "Okay."