Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 26

Natalie eyed the private dining room with a mix of confusion and irritation, turning to the waiter with a furrowed brow.

“Excuse me, but isn’t there some mistake? I had reserved a table on the patio.”

The waiter’s smile was apologetic but firm. “Ms. Jenkins, there’s no error. The gentleman you’re meeting requested the room change.”

A twinge of annoyance shot through Natalie’s temple. She forced a smile. “Alright, thank you. I’ll go in on my own.”

Once the waiter had left, Natalie made a beeline for the restroom to gather her thoughts. She promptly dialed Scarlett’s number.

“Scarlett, where are you?”

“At the hospital, it’s my shift tonight. What’s up? Feeling under the weather?”

Natalie paused, then said, “No, it’s nothing. I was hoping we could grab dinner, but let’s do it another time.”

*Sure thing.”

After hanging up, Natalie stood motionless for a moment before reluctantly calling Hamilton. The idea of his biting sarcasm seemed preferable to facing Gideon alone. However, her calls went unanswered.

Staring at the disconnected call screen, a bitter taste filled her mouth. She vividly remembered Hamilton pulling away from their intimate moments to take Eveleen’s calls.

If it were Eveleen, he would undoubtedly pick up anytime, wouldn’t he?

Shaking off the chaos in her mind, Natalie sent Hamilton her location via WhatsApp, telling him. she was dining with Gideon, then pocketed her phone.

He always checked WhatsApp. And with Hamilton’s notorious jealousy, surely he would show up? That was all she was counting on.

With a mix of hope and dread, she steeled herself and headed for the private room. Upon entering, Gideon greeted her with a grin that felt too wide.

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re late. That’ll be three shots as a penalty.”

Natalie maintained her professional smile, sidestepping his comment. “Sorry, the traffic was a nightmare. Why did we move inside? The restaurant’s charm is its outdoor view.”

enjoy the pleasure of your exclusive company.”

towards Natalie’s waist. “Ms. Jenkins, I’ve been looking forward to a

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Chapter 26

revulsion ran down her spine. Natalie stood and deftly sidestepped his touch, reaching for her glass of water.

smiling. “I can always make time for

idle chatter, Natalie took a seat across from him. As luck would have

soft drink. When Gideon ended his call she raised her glass in a

you for your help this

Ms. Jenkins.” He leered at her

in hand. “Ms. Jenkins, why sit so far?

away. “Gideon, isn’t face–to–face

Gideon wrapped an arm around

stop by.

smirk vanished momentarily before returning with a scoff. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler knows his way around. No need

reached for her

show some

to respect? You knew what this was about, didn’t you? Stop playing coy–I don’t believe for a second Hamilton hasn’t

her neck, the stench of his breath made Natalie gag. She struggled fiercely.

think I wouldn’t notice you switched it to a soft drink? Who are you trying

throat. Natalie’s face went ashen. She managed to swallow a sip reflexively.

drink? That’s not how you ask for favors,

As he leaned in, Natalie’s foot came down hard on his, her high heel a

she flung it open, Gideon yanked her

Let’s see if you’ve got the

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Chapter 26

the midst of her struggle, she collided with

cigarette dangling from his lips, watching the scene.

voice was as