Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 33

Natalia was stunned by Scarlett’s words. She let out a sarcastic chuckle. “How is that even possible?”

Anyone who had seen Hamilton with Eveleen wouldn’t dream of saying such a thing. If there was anything in the world Hamilton couldn’t part with, it was Eveleen. His tenderness was reserved for Eveleen alone.

“Why not?” Scarlett persisted.

Natalia didn’t want to dwell on it and quickly changed the subject. “It’s been ages since we grabbed a bite together. What are you in the mood for? My treat.”

Sure enough, the mention of food successfully distracted Scarlett.

“Let me think…”

Scarlett eventually picked a trendy bistro.

They chatted and laughed as they entered the restaurant, only to run into Victor, who had a girl by his side.

Victor’s gaze flickered when he saw Natalia walk in.

Natalia ignored him and continued inside with Scarlett, heading to a table far from where Victor was sitting. Once they were seated, Scarlett excused herself to the restroom. That was when Victor came over and took Scarlett’s seat.

“Ms. Jenkins, what a coincidence.”

Natalia stared at the menu, not bothering to look up.

“Not really, Mr. Henkel. You could’ve pretended not to see me.”

Victor chuckled. “Why the cold shoulder?”

Natalia finally looked up. “We don’t get along. You do know that, don’t you, Mr. Henkel?”

“How is that? We always used to have such good conversations.”

Natalia felt a headache coming on.

just fine, but ever since her relationship with Hamilton was made public,

her gaze; she had a hunch about what he was thinking – if she was a good girl, he

who’d sleep with anyone for money, then he couldn’t

common trait among his crowd of trust fund kids – treating her like a plaything, despising her lowliness, all while enjoying her struggles.

Chapter 33

Mr. Henkel. I don’t think there’s anything left for us to

know

in bed, telling herself not to think about

don’t want to know, and you don’t

contemptuous gaze intensified. “Does running away help. Ms. Jenkins? Last time I mentioned the phrase ‘usurping the nest‘, you denied it. But

were an item. It’s all above. board. And you? How many people has Hamilton let in on your

like daggers, each one painfully true. Natalia’s heart felt like it was being shredded, the pain almost numbing. She forced a strained smile.

“So what?”

keep hanging

the money, obviously.” She looked at Victor. “You know it, Mr. Henkel. I’m just his lover. What else could I possibly want but his money?

I’m not insane.”

eyebrow. “Well, if it’s just about the money, why stick to just him? I’ve told you before, I can match his price. Natalia, give me a shot.

gripped the menu tighter. “Really? Even if I did name a price, would

Fowler said if I can get you to meet with

face turning ghostly pale. She suppressed the turmoil in her heart, forcing

detached, had a fierce possessive streak. If she threatened to leave, it would undoubtedly upset him. In his anger, it wouldn’t be surprising if he said something like that. Just like that night at Crest Club when he had said she could leave with Victor if she wished.

interested

her last hope. “Just the other day. I mentioned I was still you, and he told me to

sliced into Natalia’s hand. A bright red cut appeared instantly. Droplets of blood started to form, but Natalia seemed oblivious.

Chapter 33

maintaining a final shred of dignity, and gave Victor a weary smile.

was undeterred by her blatant rejection and disdain. He suddenly

set a price. Once Hamilton kicks you to the curb, you’ll just

smirking at

you to find a new benefactor while you can. I await your

stood

to the menu, now with a deep shade of crimson