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 persisted, “I will

me without thinking it

she capitulated, speaking softly. “I’m not resigning.”

“I didn’t catch

Natalia reaffirmed, “I’m not resigning. I didn’t think it through before. Mr. Fowler.

the chill in his eyes melting away. “Come

knew what was coming next, but she had no choice. Hesitantly, she walked over to him. Hamilton yanked her towards

“Are you sure?”

averted her gaze and

ordered, turning her face

her bitterness, Natalia forced a smile and said, “Yes,

what changed your mind?” He wouldn’t

she spoke with forced ease, “I need money, and besides else can satisfy me and pay me at the

Fowler, no one

was tinged with approval as

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

calm, “One

paused while unbuttoning her blouse, a cold smile

that?”

her smile wider, feigning nonchalance.

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

“Natalia!”

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her chin tightly.

Natalia fell silent.

rarely lost his temper. He typically kept his emotions hidden, never letting anyone see them. But now, the

was a joke,” she said quickly, meeting his gaze. “Do you think I’m worth it,

the price, you better make sure you’re worth

said. “Get

forced a smile. “Okay.”

an apartment Hamilton had given her when

always called

Their home.

already seated on the

shower!” he commanded without

replied with

the phone. When he saw her, he reached out a hand. Without a thought, Natalia took

my shirt,” he whispered, his breath warm against her earlobe.

he was still

“Hurry up.”

evident when she didn’t immediately move. Swallowing hard, she began

each button came undone, revealing his chiseled chest and abs, Natalia felt the same unnaturalness she had felt for the past three years

up,” Hamilton said nonchalantly into the phone, responding to something the person on the other end had

response, he suddenly bent his head and bit gently

“Ah!”

surprised moan escaped

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other end paused abruptly.