Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 36

Natalia’s mind buzzed with a sudden alarm. She sprang from her bed and clicked open Twitter. The trending tab was ablaze with an icon indicating an explosion of interest in Eveleen’s late–night rendezvous with a mystery man at a hotel.

Natalia immediately recognized the man in the photo as none other than Hamilton.

Due to a snapshot they had taken the day before, many netizens had speculated that the man was indeed Hamilton Fowler.

Hamilton, the true power behind the Fowler dynasty. And now, he had Ivy Gemstone under his wing. Such a man, with power and wealth, tangled up with a starlet fresh from abroad – it wasn’t a stretch for the rumor mill to churn out words like “sugar daddy.”

The comments section was starting to veer off in a sinister direction. Eveleen, as the face of Ivy Gemstone, was integral to the brand’s image.

If her reputation collapsed, Ivy Gemstone would inevitably suffer the fallout.

Natalia hurriedly got dressed, her mind racing with countless PR strategies. But before she could return Tess’s call, there was a knock at her door.

When Natalia opened it, she was greeted by the executive secretary.

“Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler has requested your presence,” the secretary said with a solemn tone.

Natalia paused for a moment. “Is it about the trending topic?”

The secretary nodded, clearly holding back more words.

Noticing this, Natalia didn’t press further. She quickly gathered her things and followed the secretary out the door.

The hotel where Hamilton was staying wasn’t close by. By the time Natalia arrived, Hamilton was sitting in the room, his expression dark and brooding. Beside him stood Alden, and across the room was Eveleen’s agent, Aurora.

“Mr. Fowler,” Natalia greeted as she entered. “About the trending…

“Was it you?” Hamilton cut her off before she could finish, his voice laced with a chilling

undertone, his eyes devoid of warmth.

Natalia choked up, the rest of her words caught in her throat. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, “What do you mean?”

Hamilton’s voice was steady, emotionless. “Did you arrange for this to trend?”

Natalia’s mind spun into chaos. It was then she remembered.

Who would dare to report news on Hamilton?

Who would dare to publish his photos?

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Hamilton had been associated with starlets before. He had been caught on camera many times. But no matter how many photos were taken, without his permission, they were never released.

Paparazzi only took these photos to exchange them for hush money from the starlets.

Hamilton, so there was only. one possibility – someone was setting

Natalia felt numb as if the blood coursing through her veins had turned ice cold.

are you suspecting me?” She tried to sound composed, but her complexion was turning pale.

was unyielding.

you, was it you?”

tight smile.

eyes narrowed, his gaze

nose. “I am sure,

silently for a moment before finally speaking. “You

managed a weak smile. “Okay, is there

for a long while before saying.

back.”

smiled. “Thank you, Mr.

“Mr. Fowler, just because she says it wasn’t her, we’re supposed to believe that? If not her, then who? Eveleen hasn’t crossed

glanced at

“Go back.”

“Mr. Fowler!”

command left no room for discussion.

in, ushering the agent out. “You should leave it to Hamilton. He’s got it

the agent left,

She never imagined being under such

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he confronted her like this. He hadn’t considered that his accusations might hurt

her gaze empty, as the executive secretary waited. “Ms.

and

seemed at a loss for words. Finally. she just quietly opened the car door for Natalia. She sat down

to believe that this man could

her heart felt

time, Tess called again. “Boss, what about PR? Should we contact

paused before responding. “Don’t worry about it. Mr. Fowler will handle it personally.”

sounded surprised but simply replied, “Okay.

forced a smile. “I’m

back on the couch, his

beside him and, after a silent moment, said, “Bro, I don’t think it was

how would you know

“It doesn’t make any sense for her to do this, and come on, Ms. Jenkins isn’t the type to play dirty tricks behind someone’s back. You’ve known her for three years, right? You should know her better than

that’s exactly her play?”

even if she was, was it worth the risk? It wasn’t like they had concrete evidence. But

“Bring me the reporter who first leaked the story.”

as well get it straight from the horse’s

but before he could reach

and then nodded.

a scruffy paparazzo in his thirties, clearly bewildered at being summoned. When he saw Hamilton, he was visibly shaken.

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