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.

was released without the consent of Eveleen or Hamilton, so

to Hamilton, the obvious culprit was her. Natalia felt numb as if the blood coursing through her

you suspecting me?” She tried to sound composed,

was

asking you, was it

forced a tight smile. “No, it’s not.”

you sure?” Hamilton’s eyes

felt a bitter tang in her nose. “I

silently for a moment before finally speaking. “You don’t need to worry about the PR.”

there anything else? If not, I’ll

her for a long while before saying. “Let the executive secretary take you

back.”

smiled. “Thank you, Mr. Fowler.”

her, we’re supposed to believe that? If not her, then who?

at her.

“Go back.”

“Mr. Fowler!”

no room for discussion.

should leave it to Hamilton. He’s

no other choice, the agent left, clearly disgruntled.

a while to collect herself. She never imagined being under such suspicion from Hamilton. It felt suffocating as if she

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Chapter 36

this. He hadn’t considered that

wandered out of the hotel, her gaze empty, as the executive

back to reality and forced a smile. “I’m

opened her mouth to offer consolation but seemed at a loss for words. Finally. she just quietly opened the car

thinking last night, to believe that this man could show

in her

time, Tess called again. “Boss, what

about it. Mr. Fowler will handle it personally.”

surprised but simply replied, “Okay. Boss, are you

forced a smile. “I’m

back on the

said, “Bro, I don’t think it was

how would you know that?”

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

if that’s exactly

brow, puzzled. Could she really be doing that? And even if she was, was it worth the risk? It wasn’t like they had concrete evidence. But Hamilton seemed sure, so Alden zipped his lips

commanded, “Bring me the reporter who

might as well get it straight

but before he could reach the door, Hamilton added, “Keep Eveleen out

paused and then nodded. “Sure thing.”

paparazzo in his thirties, clearly bewildered at being summoned. When he saw Hamilton, he was visibly shaken. “You’re Hamilton Fowler, right?”

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