Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 17

Eveleen’s face twisted into a scowl. “Natalia, do you really think that just because you’ve hung around him for a few years, he’s yours? He’s been publicly singl

think you are to him?”

all these years. What do you all these years. What do you

Natalia’s heart felt as if it had been sharply jabbed. She knew her place better than anyone. Yet, faced with Eveleen, she refused to show any sign of weakness.

“He may not be mine, but he’s certainly not yours!”

Eveleen seemed stung by the retort, her features quickly clouding over with a harsh chill.

“Natalia, don’t get too smug. Hamilton will be mine sooner or later. I’m back to discuss our wedding plans, so stop clinging to him like some homewrecker. It was bad enough that your mother played that role, and now you’re following in her footsteps. You and your mother are truly nauseating!”

In a sudden loss of control, Natalia slapped Eveleen in the face.

“Natalia!” Hamilton’s voice came from behind which made Natalia’s fingers tremble violently. She stood rigid, almost too afraid to turn around.

“What are you doing?” Hamilton’s voice was colder than she had ever heard.

Natalia turned to face him and said. “I’m slapping someone. Can’t Mr. Fowler see?”

“I’m asking why you slapped her!”

Natalia glared at Hamilton before her, whose expression was chillingly cold. “Someone insulted my mother. Am I supposed to wait for Christmas to retaliate?”

“Would she insult your mother for no reason?”

Natalia scoffed, “You should ask Ms. Schafer why she couldn’t keep her mouth shut and had to bring my mother into this to humiliate me.”

Hamilton’s gaze shifted heavily toward Eveleen.

Eveleen looked pitiful, with tears welling in her eyes like a damsel in distress.

“No, I just came to apologize to Ms. Jenkins for kicking her out of the car that time. I’ve felt guilty ever since. I just wanted to make amends, but she reacted so violently.”

of, but she still felt a

spine

observed with a steady gaze.

directly and asked, “Do you not believe

a mask of indifference, and though he didn’t respond, his message was clear.

14-25

matter what, she’s your manager. If she doesn’t want to admit it, that’s fine. I can handle this. After

gall. No wonder this woman could stir Hamilton’s heart. In just a few moments, she

generously offered forgiveness, making Natalia seem unreasonable by

Schafer did deserve it,” Natalia remarked

eyebrows raised ever so slightly. His gaze lingered on Natalia briefly before

“Ms. Jenkins, apologize.”

words were like a bitter pill for Natalia to swallow.

if I don’t?”

became oppressive. He would not tolerate her

footage,” Natalia still refused

He stood between the two women, seemingly detached, yet he was

look woefully pitiable.

push Ms. Jenkins. My reputation is sensitive right now, and for all we know, this could be

want to clear this up? Once things are clear. who could tarnish Ms. Schafer’s reputation?”

the two women was never about the truth; it

Hamilton decided she was in

she still wanted him to

to check, Ms. Jenkins. I’ve already said I’ll let it go. What more do you want?” Eveleen

her, “How can we not check? Wouldn’t that be unfair to

to start shooting. Are you sure you want to waste everyone’s

Natalia

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Chapter 17

sorry.” The words seemed to drain all her strength. After apologizing, she turned and left, her heart filled with

was really fighting the painful realization that her years of devotion had led to this outcome. She wanted

knew what Eveleen was like and simply didn’t care.

irrational, where right and wrong

Natalia left, Hamilton finally glanced at Eveleen