Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 25

Natalia’s lips quivered slightly as Victor’s thinly veiled insults pierced the air, tinged with a perverse delight in her discomfort. Deep down, she knew she was supposed to be impervious to such barbs, yet a chill still crawled through her veins.

In their elite social circle, she was barely considered a person, a sentiment shared by the likes of Hamilton. She faced Victor, striving to appear unassailable.

“Usurping a nest? What are you implying?”

“It’s quite simple: you’ve snagged Eveleen’s spot, Ms. Jenkins. I always thought you had the sense to know your place, but you seem to be clueless.” Victor sneered.

With a laugh, Natalia retorted, “How absurd. If Hamilton wanted Eveleen back, do you really think I could take her place? Or do you suppose I have the power to sway Hamilton’s will? Since he chose to keep me, this position is rightfully mine. Aren’t you all being a bit too nosy?”

“And another thing.” she paused for effect. “if I’m the bitch here, what does that make a man like you, who can’t seem to stop thinking about me? A dog that can’t walk past the scent of meat? Or a worthless cur, itching for something you can’t have and ungrateful for what you get?”

Victor’s smirk vanished. He did yearn for Natalia, a longing that intensified ever since Hamilton made him listen to those suggestive noises over the phone. Now, Natalia’s brazen words ignited a fire within him. He promised himself that once he had her, he would humiliate her thoroughly before casting her aside. He wondered how sharp her tongue would be by then.

“Ms. Jenkins, do you even understand the meaning of shame?” he spat.

Standing up, Natalia retorted, “Why should I bother with shame when speaking to someone who knows none?”

With that, she left the garden, exhaling a sigh of relief only once she was out of sight. Back at the office, she caught Eveleen rifling through her purse, holding her antiabortifacient.

“Eveleen!” Natalia exclaimed, snatching the bottle back.

Eveleen smirked coldly. “What’s this, Natalia? Got a deadly disease?”

“It’s none of your business,” Natalia replied, tucking the medicine back into her bag.

“A child with any upbringing knows not to snoop through others‘ belongings. Is this the extent of your class?”

Laughing dismissively, Eveleen retorted, “I reserve manners for those who deserve them, not for a bastard like you.”

The word ‘bastard‘ stung Natalia, a label she had carried for years, one she never imagined would afflict her child.

Struggling to maintain her composure, Natalia didn’t want to argue, knowing it would end in her

14:35

Chapter 25

you schedule the shoot for the endorsement? It would save us both a lot

trouble.”

caused this mess, not

you available?”

uncertain. Talk to

didn’t return to Hamilton’s office but instead called him and left the company. Once outside. she dialed another number. “Dad, I

The intentional stonewalling was painfully clear. Turning to Tess, she

hesitated. “Boss, are

I want to leak some fake

way better than wasting time

Tess returned with a frown, shaking her

her nose bridge and said, “I’ll

Lyra’s agent directly.

with me here. We have Lyra’s brands, and we’ll

Gemstone. After all, scoring an endorsement from one of the top luxurious jewelry firms

I’ve done my research on Mr. Fowler’s relationship with Eveleen. We don’t care much about her, but Mr. Fowler is the last person we’d want to offend. If he finds out about

hung

asked, “Any luck?”

the endorsement to Eveleen, no one would risk his ire for her

another number, and

We’re looking to discuss a potential collaboration

14:35

Chapter 25

contact. Could you have her

chuckled. “Some time? Let’s do dinner tonight. I’m free.”

a moment, she agreed, “Okay, tonight it is. I’ll book a place and let you know. Please have Aurora

up, Natalia’s fingers clenched her phone until they were nearly

honcho at Gideon Media. A sleazeball whose reputation for making his rounds with the artists was infamous in the

dined with him twice, tagging along

always part of the package. But Hamilton’s presence had kept him in check, preventing him from