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?”

with embarrassment, as she had anticipated. Still, she persisted,

Jenkins, don’t come to me without thinking it through. Now get out!” His tone was

ground. After a moment, she capitulated, speaking

features softened slightly, “I didn’t catch that.”

not resigning. I didn’t think it through before. Mr. Fowler. Please

smile widened, the chill in his eyes melting away.

next, but she had no choice. Hesitantly, she walked over to him. Hamilton

“Are you sure?”

gaze and nodded.

Hamilton ordered, turning her

forced a smile and said, “Yes,

what changed your mind?” He wouldn’t let

“I need money, and besides else

Fowler,

with approval as his hand slipped under her

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

to sound calm, “One million

unbuttoning her blouse, a cold smile on his lips.

that?”

her smile wider, feigning

don’t, then I might just have

“Natalia!”

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Chapter 7

suddenly gripped her chin

Natalia fell silent.

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

joke,” she said quickly, meeting his gaze. “Do

gaze grew colder. “Since you’ve set the price, you better make sure you’re

said. “Get home early after work.”

a

straight home. The so–called home was an apartment Hamilton had given her when they first got together. Every corner was decorated with the happiness she felt

always

Their home.

found Hamilton already

shower!” he commanded

she replied with a simple “Okay.”

saw her, he reached out a hand. Without a thought, Natalia took it, and Hamilton pulled

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

was still on

“Hurry up.”

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

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

Hamilton said nonchalantly into the phone, responding to something the

bit gently into the tender flesh of her neck,

“Ah!”

moan escaped Natalia.

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on the other end paused