Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 35

Natalia’s eyes flickered slightly, “Do you mind, Mr. Fowler?”

Hamilton let out a derisive snort. “Ms. Jenkins, are you still sleepy?”

Feeling awkward, Natalia quickly reassured him, “Don’t worry, Mr. Fowler, I didn’t agree to his

terms.”

Hamilton’s icy gaze enveloped her. “What’s the matter? Couldn’t settle on a price?”

“He said I could name my price and wait for my word.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed sharply. “So, Ms. Jenkins, you just haven’t decided how much to ask for?”

Trying to appear casual, Natalia met Hamilton’s gaze. “Mr. Fowler, are you concerned about the price I might set or that I might set one at all?”

With a scoff, Hamilton let her go and settled back on the couch, watching her. “Whether you name a price or not, and regardless of the amount, that’s your business. My only concern is whether you’re planning to breach our agreement.”

His detached tone made it seem like the matter had nothing to do with him at all.

A sharp pain flickered in Natalia’s heart. She knew that probing like this was humiliating. Yet, she couldn’t help herself. In the end, she just wanted to see if this man cared about her even at smidgen.

As expected, he didn’t, and it could already be considered Hamilton leaving her some dignity.

Natalia composed herself and said, “I was merely inquiring. I’m bound to you by a two–year contract and have never considered seeking another benefactor during that term, regardless of the offer.”

Hamilton watched her, his expression unreadable. “Ms. Jenkins, you seem to understand the spirit of a contract.”

Knowing it was sarcasm, Natalia ignored it and cut to the chase, “Is there a reason you wanted to see me. Mr. Fowler?”

Hamilton, reclining lazily on the couch with a hand on her waist, replied, “Tomorrow, I’m meeting a client from Frendland. You enjoy translating, right? Tag along and handle the translation.”

Surprised, Natalia hadn’t expected business to be the reason for his visit.

After a moment’s silence, she agreed, “Okay.” Then, she looked back at Hamilton. “Did you come to Boria City strictly for business?”

He nodded nonchalantly. “What else? You think I’d travel all this way just to twiddle my thumbs?”

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Chapter 35

her, her mood nonetheless brightened,

“Ms. Jenkins, what

here for?”

you came especially to see

it’s business makes you happy?”

Natalia remained silent.

her close, he sat her on his lap. “Why don’t you like Eveleen?”

laughed lightly. “Do you think

to take an instant disliking to her. Did

averted her gaze.

animosity

targeting me. starting with kicking me

I’m just responding

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed.

head away, Natalia asked casually. “And you? Why such fondness for Ms. Schafer?”

silent, his gaze fixed on

there’s no shortage of women around you, Mr. Fowler. I don’t understand why you

to his documents without

Eveleen anymore. You have too many questions,”

on the couch,

smile. “I’ll drop it, Mr. Fowler. No hard

returned to her tea–making, focusing on the task at

important for tomorrow, so he

until late into the night. The nausea had subsided, replaced

hushed room, only the occasional rustle of paper broke the

seated at the tea table, drifted off to sleep, unaware. She was awakened by Hamilton’s

Chapter 35

arms around her.

you been up to, getting so tired? Sneaking out for midnight rendezvous

low and dangerous.

snapped to attention. “Sorry, Mr. Fowler.

hummed skeptically. “Not sleeping well, yet you

simply dozed off. She wondered if it was a case of being

bed,

tenderness from Hamilton she hadn’t felt before. She turned her head just

came into view, a silent testament to his presence. Tracing the slope of his shoulders, Natalia’s gaze lingered on the

moment, the raw magnetism