Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 37

Natalia returned to her hotel room, where her phone buzzed with a new notification.

Half a million dollars was wired to her account.

She stared at the message and then, on impulse, checked the trending topics online. Sure enough, the headline had changed.

Eveleen had been Hamilton’s high school sweetheart, now eclipsing the previous night’s scandal with the mystery man. Under the trending topic about them, the internet was abuzz with excitement.

There were blessings and envy. And there were speculations if the two had reconciled.

Natalia’s fingers tightened around her phone. After a moment, she let out a wry chuckle. This was, perhaps, the exact outcome Eveleen had sought. Hamilton probably knew that, so he had made their relationship public.

And Natalia, who stayed by Hamilton’s side, was there for the money. So, he settled her with

money.

Typical Hamilton, cold and calculating.

Just as Natalia was about to put away her phone, the executive assistant called.

“Mr. Fowler would like you to dress up: he’ll be picking you up shortly for a client meeting.

Natalia was silent, not responding. She felt a twinge of resentment. But she also knew she had no right to challenge Hamilton.

“Ms. Jenkins?” the secretary asked again.

Natalia responded with a simple acknowledgment. “Alright.”

She hung up and changed into a dress Hamilton had bought for her the night before. royal blue number, hemmed just above the knee.

it was a

After getting dressed, Natalia applied makeup for the first time since learning she was pregnant.

Hamilton called half an hour later.

Natalia stepped downstairs to find Hamilton lowering his car window, his eyebrows lifting ever so slightly at the sight of her.

The royal blue dress made her porcelain skin even more luminous.

“Nice dress,” Hamilton commented casually, leaning against the car window.

Natalia didn’t reply, simply getting into the car.

client meeting was at a golf course. Natalia followed Hamilton’s lead

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Chapter 37

went smoothly, with both parties expressing

turned to Natalia.

nonchalance. “Mr. Fowler,

“You

faint. “The thought has crossed my

after a moment, he asked, “Is this about that

and didn’t

pulling her closer. “Ms. Jenkins, do you think you’re completely blameless? Or do you believe you’re beyond

“That’s not what

you just being sulky?” Hamilton’s

out a bitter laugh. “Do I have the right to be

“Natalia, since you know better, drop

being sulky, I

you please? You should know, ever since you came back to me for that million dollars, you lost the right to

to Hamilton. “Your relationship with Ms. Schafer is public now, Mr. Fowler. This makes me feel like… like a mistress.

into his seat, his expression unchanging. “Ms. Jenkins,

looked away.

took it, and now you want to leave. Natalia, have I been too kind

Natalia met his gaze. When had she ever

never thought that, I’m just…”

of a man who didn’t love her, hurt was just another form of self–pity. She had no right

Chapter 37

don’t understand. Eveleen has been back for a while; why won’t you reconcile with her?”

darkened. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re overstepping.”

you two feels really horrible.”

of anger in his brows. “Know your place, understand your role. My relationship with Eveleen is none

Natalia choked up.

mistress. She had no influence over them at all. It was all her delusion.

the car. They drove in silence until Natalia spoke up again. “Mr. Fowler, half a million is too low a

going to be, then she would

a million? That was hardly

the car, his lips curling into a cold smirk, “How much do

“One million.”

an eyebrow, lighting a cigarette. The sharp line of his jaw accentuated his perfect profile. The act of lighting

Jenkins, money doesn’t grow on trees. If you want cash, you’ve got to earn it.”

in the air as

knew exactly what he meant, but she didn’t budge.