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, “I will pay

thinking it through. Now

stood her ground. After a moment, she capitulated, speaking softly. “I’m not resigning.”

“I didn’t catch that.”

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

the chill in his eyes melting away.

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

“Are you sure?”

averted her gaze

me and answer,” Hamilton ordered, turning

smile and said,

what changed your mind?” He wouldn’t let her off

“I need money, and besides else can satisfy me

Fowler, no one

with approval as his hand slipped under her

So tell me,

calm, “One million for tonight.”

a cold smile on his

that?”

stretched her smile wider,

so, Mr. Fowler? If you don’t, then I might just

“Natalia!”

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gripped her chin tightly.

Natalia fell silent.

his emotions hidden, never letting anyone see them. But now, the anger

his gaze. “Do you think I’m worth it,

“Since you’ve set the price, you better make sure you’re worth it.”

stood up and said. “Get

forced a

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

had always

Their home.

Natalia found Hamilton already seated on the

a shower!” he commanded without looking up.

stiffened as she replied with a simple

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

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

froze; he was still on

“Hurry up.”

Swallowing hard,

in excellent shape. As 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

gently

“Ah!”

moan escaped

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person on the other