Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 27

“I’m not.” Natalia said, her gaze unwavering, her eyes reddened from the strain. “I never thought: about sleeping with anyone else.”

“Then why the hell did you even show up?”

Natalia took a deep breath, trying to compose herself and not look as disheveled as she felt.

“Mr. Fowler. Ms. Schafer has been uncooperative with my work, and her agent has been unreachable. I had no choice but to ask Gideon for help.”

Hamilton’s grip was tight on her chin. “Really? Just for work? Or is he the next sugar daddy you’ve picked out?”

Despite the pain, Natalia didn’t let it show. She laughed mockingly at Hamilton. “I have a long list of potential sugar daddies, and trust me, I wouldn’t pick someone like him unless I were blind.”

Fire blazed in Hamilton’s eyes. He grabbed her wrist with such force it seemed he might break it. Then, he dragged her out of the restaurant and shoved her into the car.

The car sped off like an arrow released from its bow.

Hamilton didn’t speak again, and neither did Natalia. She didn’t even ask if Hamilton had done anything to Gideon.

What could he have done? Gideon was Eveleen’s boss. Hamilton wouldn’t risk trouble with

Gideon for her.

The car screeched to a halt in front of the building.

Hamilton got out, pulling at his tie as he strode toward the entrance, leaving her with a curt, “Go home.”

With trembling fingers, Natalia buttoned up her blouse and stepped out of the car.

Once home, Hamilton went straight into the bathroom. Shortly after, he came out and advanced toward Natalia.

Instinctively, she stepped back. But Hamilton didn’t give her room to escape. He yanked at the collar of her blouse. The freshly buttoned blouse gave way once again, buttons scattering everywhere. There was no gentleness in his actions, almost a brutality as he stripped her of all her clothes.

Natalia realized then just how furious he was. Afraid for the child she carried, finally, she yielded. “I never intended to look for another benefactor. Our contract lasts for two years more.” I wouldn’t think of anything else until then,” she whispered.

ripping off her clothes, he picked her up and threw

Chapter 27

you’re done!”

water, biting her lip as she glared at Hamilton. “Why can you flirt and

issue!”

methodically rolled up his

month! Clean yourself, or shall

at him. “I didn’t let

count? Does it have to go as far as a kiss or a night together? You

betrayed her, falling despite

“Just cry it out,” he said coldly. “Don’t think tears will make me go easy on

me?”

left the bathroom, closing the door behind

moment the door clicked shut, Natalia’s tears fell uncontrollably. Silent sobs racked her body. She didn’t want to

love you, they were superfluous. But she

the balcony and lit a cigarette.

Alden’s voice

with the starlets to

paused, understanding the

that had skirted the edges of the law to build their empire. Gideon’s brother–in–law was the current head of the Brown family. Gideon’s wife had been pampered from birth, a darling of her brothers. Though the Browns were initially reluctant about her marriage to Gideon, they supported him for her sake. Gideon had been well–behaved at first, but as his business grew, so did his true

Or did he make

Eveleen worked under Gideon, and aside from her, there was no one else who could provoke such a response from

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Chapter 27

As for Natalia…

of Hamilton’s true feelings for her. To all appearances, Hamilton seemed to care, and yet he was so harsh with her.

simply stating. “Just a lesson.”

Taking a last drag, Hamilton glanced at the closed bathroom door before making another

out his cigarette and headed back

woman

Natalia didn’t answer.

in his voice. “If you’re done, come