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.

a golf course. Natalia followed Hamilton’s

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Chapter 37

meeting went smoothly, with both parties expressing interest in collaboration.

turned to Natalia. “Playing the

nonchalance. “Mr. Fowler, have you ever considered ending our… arrangement

“You want

was faint. “The thought has crossed my

bore into her, and after a moment, he asked, “Is this about that trending

breath and didn’t deny

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

stiffened. “That’s not what I

or are you just being

a bitter laugh. “Do I have the right to

since you know better, drop

sulky, I

some kind of hotel where you can come and go as you please? You should know, ever since you came back to me for that million dollars, you

eyes reddened as she turned to Hamilton. “Your relationship with Ms. Schafer is public now, Mr. Fowler. This makes me feel like… like a

“Ms. Jenkins, did you

looked away. “No.”

when you needed money, took it, and now you want to leave. Natalia, have I been

Natalia met his gaze. When had she ever dared to do

that, I’m

remained unspoken. In front of a man who didn’t love her, hurt was just another form of self–pity. She had

Chapter 37

composing herself, Natalia faced Hamilton. “I just don’t understand. Eveleen has been back for a while; why won’t you reconcile

“Ms.

you two feels

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

Natalia choked up.

had no influence over them at all. It was all her delusion. Thinking she was caught between them? As if she had a place

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

going to be, then she would ask for

million? That was hardly

into a cold smirk, “How much do you want then, Ms. Jenkins?”

“One million.”

his

Jenkins, money doesn’t grow on trees. If you want cash,

hung in the air as he raised an

what he meant, but she didn’t budge. “Mr. Fowler, this is the compensation