After returning from abroad, Hamilton headed straight back to the Fowler estate. Seeing him, Westley's expression finally softened slightly.
"Did you cut ties with that wretch? If you're not keen on Delilah, I can find you another woman. As long as her background is decent, I won't object too much."
Hamilton chuckled, "Do you really think I'd get married again after being betrayed and losing everything?"
Westley was taken aback, "Then what do you plan to do? Hamilton, you better know what you're doing!"
Hamilton stood before the old man.
"I, Hamilton, will remain a bachelor for life. Are you happy now?"
The old man's eyes immediately reddened.
"Hamilton!"
Hamilton turned and walked inside.
He barely made it to the foyer when Spencer came out from within.
"Brother, you're finally back. Haven't seen dad yet, have you? Shall we go together?"
Hamilton let out a cold laugh, "That's your dad, not mine."
That very evening, Hamilton called all the Fowler family elders to the Fowler Mansion.
"As for the position of the family head, it seems some are itching to take over. I've gathered you all here today to make things clear: I don't need to cling to this position. If anyone wants a change, let's settle it tonight."
Everyone looked around in shock. Why change the family head now?
Hamilton had always been unapologetically himself. But no one could deny his business acumen. Ever since he took over, the Fowler family's fortunes had soared. Changing leaders now seemed absurd.
Yet, when it seemed like no one would speak up, Spencer suddenly broke the silence.
"The family head, at the very least, should consider the Fowler family's interests. Brother, what have you been up to recently?"
Hamilton laughed, "So, little brother wants the family head position?"
Spencer didn't confirm.
"I'm just raising a concern. If that qualifies someone to be the family head, then I'm just as capable."
Hamilton nodded.
"Fine, the position is yours."
"From now on, I, Hamilton, have nothing to do with the Fowler family."
Everyone was stunned.
Westley's face turned pale as he stared at Hamilton.
"Hamilton, what are you trying to do?"
Hamilton smiled, "Nothing much. Just keeping my promise to destroy the Fowler family."
That night, Hamilton severed all his ties and support within the Fowler family, rapidly diminishing their influence. Meanwhile, he used his resources to establish the Amor Group, challenging the Fowler family's dominance.
The move shocked the elite circles. The once-unified Fowler family was now divided, with Hamilton standing firmly against them. The establishment of the Amor Group was met with skepticism. After all, the Fowler family's roots ran deep, and their allied noble families wouldn't easily switch sides just because of Hamilton.
Yet, against all odds, Hamilton turned the Amor Group into a business behemoth within three years.
Natalia gazed at Hamilton's photo on her phone, her emotions complex and indescribable, until Mr. Locke's voice brought her back.
"Natalia, Bertram is waiting for you."
Bertram was the young man who had come with Mr. Locke years ago to recruit Natalia.
Natalia nodded and headed out to see Bertram, impeccably dressed, waiting by the door.
Bertram's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Going all out today, are we? Planning on captivating every man's heart?"
Natalia ignored his jest. "Expanding the domestic market is my responsibility. Why insist on tagging along?"
Bertram laughed heartily. "How could I let my beautiful partner venture back alone? What if you decide not to return?"
"You designed those earrings for her, didn't you?" Edith asked.
Hamilton, caught off guard, glanced at Natalia's earrings, his breath catching. He quickly looked away, taking a sip of his drink.
"That's history," he said, his voice tight.
Edith scoffed, "History, my foot. You were practically drooling."
Hamilton turned away, immersing himself in conversation with others.
Natalia didn't attempt to get closer. She mingled, her wine glass in hand, chatting with the guests.
The auction began, and Natalia found herself fixated on a pair of earrings. Bertram leaned in and whispered, "Like them?"
Her laughter was soft, yet loud enough for Hamilton, standing a few steps away, to overhear.
"I do. Would you bid for me?"
"Sure thing!" Bertram laughed.
As the auction proceeded, Bertram was eager to win the earrings for Natalia. Yet, every time he made a bid, the man across the room would offer a higher price.
Finally, Natalia herself placed a bid. Hamilton paused, then remained silent.
After the auction, Bertram was ready to leave with Natalia, but she asked him to go ahead.
With a huff, Bertram left.
Edith, still by Hamilton's side, played with a set of keys. "Seems like someone's waiting for you. I'll head out, then."
With a smile at Natalia, Edith walked to the dressing room and came back dressed in biker gear, helmet in hand.
"Ms. Jenkins, right? Nice to meet you," she said, winking at Natalia. "Don't worry, he's not my type. I prefer the boy-next-door type."
With that, Edith left.
Natalia stood there, watching Hamilton. After a moment, she asked, "Could you give me a ride?"
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