Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

14:21

Chapter 10

Two simple words made Natalia swallow her refusal. She turned to Lionel with a sheepish smile, which he returned with a nonchalant shrug. To Lionel, sharing a meal with Hamilton seemed more like a treat than a chore.

They settled into their seats, and that’s when Ms. Miller nudged Natalia’s elbow with a smirk. “Come on, you two are on a date, aren’t you?”

Natalia’s eyes flicked to Hamilton, who appeared unfazed, before she retorted, “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

But Ms. Miller wasn’t offended. She shot Hamilton a mock reproachful look. “Hamilton, since when do you monitor who your employees date? Look at Ms. Jenkins and this gentleman here. They’re picture–perfect together.”

After her comment, Ms. Miller winked at Natalia, as if they were conspirators.

“Ms. Jenkins, don’t mind him. What’s wrong with a little romance? He might be the boss, but your personal life isn’t his to police.”

Natalia’s lips curved into a thin smile. “Ms. Miller, not even a hearty burger can shut you up. huh?”

Ms. Miller’s face feigned hurt. “Ms. Jenkins, that’s harsh. I’m just looking out for you.”

“Well, that’s awfully considerate of you, Ms. Miller.” Natalia didn’t leave her an inch of dignity.

As tension simmered between them, Hamilton remained calm, meticulously slicing his steak as if oblivious to the brewing storm.

The clash of cutlery against the table snapped everyone’s attention as Ms. Miller slammed her knife and fork down in frustration.

Lionel instinctively shielded Natalia, prompting Hamilton to finally glance up. His eyes lingered on Lionel’s protective arm before a sly smile graced his lips. “Lionel, always the knight in shining armor.”

Lionel chuckled, “I can’t play it cool like Mr. Fowler. If my friend’s in a tight spot. I have to step in.”

The buzzing in Natalia’s head grew louder; she knew this could only lead to unnecessary drama. She stood up abruptly and said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Fowler, I don’t feel like having lunch now. Enjoy your meal with Ms. Miller.”

Without waiting for a response, she strode out, and Lionel followed her to the door.

“Sorry about that, Lionel. I owe you one,” she said once they were outside.

Lionel waved off her concern. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not missing out on much.”

After a brief pause, he added, “You okay?”

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14:21

Chapter 10

nodded, “I’m fine.”

offered, raising

trouble you,”

implications.

when the court date’s set. You won’t

make time.” Natalia assured

Lionel

table, his elegant fingers deftly handling the cutlery, his focus back on the steak.

of innocence. “Ms. Jenkins was out of line. She definitely did that on purpose yesterday, and now this?”

it aside. Wiping his hands with a napkin, he was done

pretend you don’t know what you’re doing. Our business partnership is

over.”

color, “What do you mean? Weren’t we going to sign the contract after

who don’t have

Hamilton tossed the napkin on the table, stood

not ready to head home just yet. A familiar car

he

a moment’s hesitation,

out?” he asked, almost as

three,” she replied.

all he said before the

seeking advice from Lionel about

necessary?” Hamilton’s

like owing

debts with money is simpler.”

Chapter 10

money.” Natalia retorted, her eyes meeting Hamilton’s. She knew he was well aware of her financial struggles, considering his mocking expression.

Jenkins, are you keeping a gigolo on the side?”

not!” Natalia blurted out

snorted, and silence reclaimed the car.

want to share her family troubles with him; he probably wouldn’t care anyway given the disdain she saw in his eyes that one time he met her

didn’t pry further.

her,

outlining their relationship as benefactor and mistress, which strictly prohibited any romantic entanglements