Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 26

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.”

rather enjoy the pleasure of your

“Ms. Jenkins, I’ve been looking

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14:35

Chapter 26

sidestepped his touch, reaching for her glass of water.

smiling. “I can always make time for you,

him. As luck would have it, Gideon received

drink. When Gideon ended his call

for your help this

He leered at her as they drank across the table.

beside her, glass in hand. “Ms.

edged away. “Gideon, isn’t face–to–face better for conversation?”

around her

Mr. Fowler said he’d stop by. I’ll just

Jenkins, Mr. Fowler knows his way around. No need for

for her

show some

knew what this was about, didn’t you? Stop playing coy–I

to kiss her neck, the stench of his

you switched it to a soft drink? Who are

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

not how you ask for favors, Ms. Jenkins!”

exposing her delicate collarbone and drawing a salacious gulp from him. As he leaned in, Natalie’s foot came down hard on his, her high heel a weapon of momentary escape.

it

you’ve got the skill,

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Chapter 26

her, but in the midst of her struggle,

a cigarette dangling from his lips, watching the scene. with

me.” his voice

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