Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 7

Lounging on the couch with an air of casual ease. Hamilton seemed to be in a pretty good mood.

Beside him sat the woman from the café the day before, her skirt so short it barely reached her thighs.

Natalia glanced at the woman’s legs, pressed against Hamilton’s, before looking away. It seemed she had chosen an inopportune moment to arrive.

The woman’s face darkened at the sight of Natalia, but she held her tongue in Hamilton’s presence.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow at Natalia and asked, “Ms. Jenkins, what brings you here?”

Natalia glanced at the woman again and answered, “Just a small matter.”

Hamilton leaned back and said, “If it’s about resigning, Ms. Jenkins, you can just go to HR.”

Natalia paused, “It’s not about resigning.”

Hamilton chuckled. “Then what is it? I thought the only reason you’d come to me is to resign.”

Ignoring the sarcasm in his voice, Natalia eyed the woman by Hamilton’s side. “I would like to have a word with you alone, Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton was silent, as if weighing the need for a private conversation.

Natalia was anxious; she knew Hamilton’s temper well. He wouldn’t let things slide easily, not after she had embarrassed him at the Crest Club and insisted on resigning.

As expected, he laughed softly, “Do we really need to talk alone, Ms. Jenkins?”

Natalia’s lips tightened; she took a deep breath and said, “Mr. Fowler, I’ve decided not to resign.”

His expression didn’t change as he asked, “And?”

“I’d like to discuss my future salary with you.

Hamilton crossed his arms, eventually addressing the woman beside him. “Ms. Miller, sorry. let’s discuss our business another time.”

Ms. Miller, shooting Natalia a glare of anger, mustered a smile for Hamilton. “Sure, Mr. Fowler. You handle Ms. Jenkins’s issue first.”

After a resentful look at Natalia, Ms. Miller huffed out.

Once she was gone, Hamilton turned his attention to Natalia.

“How would you like to talk?”

Natalia remained silent, unsure of how to begin. Hamilton seemed patient; he waited for her to

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speak.

“Mr. Fowler, I need to borrow some money.” Natalia finally said, avoiding the topic of her resignation and asking for a loan instead.

Hamilton didn’t hide the mockery in his laugh.

“Do you think this is a charity. Ms. Jenkins? Or do you think we’re close enough for me to lend you money?”

she had anticipated. Still, she

it through. Now

After a moment, she capitulated, speaking

features softened slightly, “I didn’t catch

reaffirmed, “I’m not resigning. I didn’t think it through before. Mr. Fowler. Please forgive me.”

chill in his eyes melting away. “Come

she had no choice. Hesitantly, she walked over to him. Hamilton yanked her towards him with force. The world spun, and suddenly Natalia

“Are you sure?”

averted her gaze

Hamilton ordered,

bitterness, Natalia forced a smile and said, “Yes, I’m

what changed your mind?” He wouldn’t let

“I need money, and besides else can satisfy me and pay me at the same time.”

Mr. Fowler, no

approval as

certainly are straightforward, Ms. Jenkins. So tell me, how much do you

sound calm, “One million

blouse, a cold smile on his

that?”

smile wider, feigning

Mr. Fowler? If you don’t, then I might just have to find another benefactor.”

“Natalia!”

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suddenly gripped her chin

Natalia fell silent.

never letting anyone see them. But now, the anger in his eyes

his gaze. “Do you think I’m

price, you better make sure you’re

up and said. “Get home early after work.”

forced a smile. “Okay.”

straight home. The so–called home was an apartment Hamilton had given her when

always called it

Their home.

Hamilton already seated

a shower!” he commanded

as she replied

she found Hamilton on the phone. When he saw her, he reached out a hand. Without a

help me out of my shirt,” he whispered, his breath warm against

he was still on the

“Hurry up.”

Swallowing hard, she began to fumble with the

chest and abs, Natalia felt the same unnaturalness she had felt for the past three years of

the phone, responding to

suddenly bent his head and bit gently into the

“Ah!”

moan escaped

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other end