Natalia wrapped up her day at the conference, stepping out into the evening''s dim light. A restless night and a day packed withmitments had taken a toll on her. All she yearned for now was to head back and catch a moment of rest.


    As she gathered her belongings, ready to leave, Delh Powell unexpectedly called out to her.


    "Natalia."


    With a smirk, Delh sauntered over to Natalia. "I''m surprised to see you back at work so soon. I guess your mom''s passing didn''t really hit you hard, huh?"


    Natalia froze, her eyes shing with anger. "Delh, do you recall what happened to thest person who said something like that to me?"


    Caught off guard, Delh''s expression flickered with disdain. "Are you threatening me?"


    Natalia chuckled. "Yes, I am, Delh. Don''t mess with me, or your precious Hamilton might not like the oue."


    Delh had heard about Giselle Lynd''s fate. Giselle''s grandfather''sments had made Delh keep a close eye on the Schafer family.


    Delh''s face turned from red to white with anger, but then she scoffed. "You might not know, Natalia, but at Westley''s birthday bash, after you left, he announced I''m Hamilton''s fiancée. I''m the legitimate one, and you''re just the other woman!"


    Natalia stiffened. She was aware of the announcement but had brushed it off, caring only about where Hamilton''s hearty. But now, Delh''s words stung with irony.


    The Fowler family''s rejection was clear. They had turned a blind eye to her mother''s demise and now, even her pregnancy was a secret she had to keep.


    Natalia scoffed back at Delh. "Is that so? Well, congrattions. Expect a hefty gift from me at your wedding!"


    Without waiting for a response, Natalia walked away, only to be stopped by Delh''s taunting voice. "Have you no shame, Natalia?"


    The confrontation drew the attention of everyone in the vicinity.


    Ryan quickly intervened, defending Natalia against Delh''s usations. "Delh, you better watch your mouth!"


    Delh retorted, but Natalia cut her off, leaving the scene without looking back.


    Ryan red at Delh, mocking her im of being Hamilton''s fiancée before following Natalia out.


    Outside, Ryan caught up with Natalia, offering words of support. Natalia, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness, thanked Ryan but declined his offer to drive her home.


    As they stepped outside, they encountered Hamilton waiting at the entrance.


    Natalia''s heart sank at the sight, but Ryan didn''t hesitate to confront him. "Mr. Fowler, here to pick up your fiancée?"


    Hamilton''s intention to approach, Natalia was halted by Ryan''s words, leading to a tense moment before Hamilton rified, "If we''re talking about Natalia, then yes, I''m here for my fiancée."


    Natalia let out a scoff, "Fiancée? I''m hardly the one for that title!"


    She slipped away from Hamilton''s grasp, turning to walk in the opposite direction.


    Just as Hamilton made to follow her, he heard Delh call out, "Hamilton."


    Her voice was shaky,ced with a hint of bashfulness.


    Hamilton''s expression instantly darkened.


    Ryan chuckled from the side, "Looks like Mr. Fowler''s fiancée has arrived. Maybe you should go handle your fiancée first? No need to worry about Natalia, I''ll make sure she gets home."


    Hamilton''s already gloomy expression turned even more sour.


    He quickly grabbed Natalia, then turned to Delh and said.


    "Delh, you''d do well to keep your dignity. I made myself perfectly clear that night. In this lifetime, the only woman for me is Natalia. You should really stop throwing yourself at me."


    Delh''s eyes instantly filled with tears.


    "Hamilton, I have Westley''s blessing!"


    A chill shed through Hamilton''s eyes, and after a moment, he let out a mocking


    "My grandmother has indeed passed


    away many years ago, and the


    Fowler family sure could use a


    grandmother figure. Since he''s given his blessing, I wouldn''t mind if you yed that role for me."