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

“I’m fine.”

a lift?” he offered,

trouble you,” she replied, understanding the unspoken

implications.

laughed. “Alright then, I’ll let you know when the court date’s set. You won’t

Natalia

care then,” Lionel said before walking

his elegant fingers deftly handling

wearing a mask of innocence. “Ms. Jenkins was out

his plate, and pushed it aside. Wiping his hands with a napkin, he was done with both the meal

Miller, let’s not pretend you don’t know what you’re

over.”

drained of color, “What do you mean? Weren’t we going to

to work with people who don’t have a sense of proportion.”

tossed the napkin on the table, stood up, and made his way out. leaving Ms. Miller

just yet. A familiar car pulled

he said

hesitation, Natalia complied.

be out?” he asked, almost as

three,” she replied.

was all he said before the conversation

“I was seeking advice from Lionel about my

was a meal together necessary?” Hamilton’s

don’t like owing favors.”

debts with money is

Chapter 10

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

already blow through yesterday’s million? Ms. Jenkins, are you

blurted out reflexively.

snorted, and silence reclaimed the

family troubles with him; he probably wouldn’t care anyway given the disdain she

didn’t pry further.

her off, he reminded her, “Ms. Jenkins,

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