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.

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

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Chapter 37

each sentence. The meeting went smoothly, with both parties expressing interest

the car, Hamilton turned to Natalia. “Playing the

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

“You want to end

was faint. “The thought has crossed

and after a moment, he

took a deep breath and didn’t deny it.

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

stiffened. “That’s not what I mean.”

or are you just being sulky?”

“Do I have the right

“Natalia, since you know better, drop the unnecessary attitude.”

being sulky,

Hamilton cut her off sharply. “Do you honestly think I am 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 lost the right to talk about leaving.”

Schafer is public now, Mr. Fowler. This makes me feel like… like a mistress. I don’t want to be caught between you anymore. It’s

into his seat, his expression unchanging. “Ms. Jenkins, did you just find out

away.

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

gaze. When had she ever dared to

never thought that, I’m just…”

hurt was just another form of self–pity. She had no right to feel it.

Chapter 37

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

“Ms.

two feels really horrible.”

Hamilton turned, a hint of anger in his brows. “Know your place, understand your role. My relationship with Eveleen is

Natalia choked up.

She had no influence over them at all. It was

until Natalia spoke up again.

going to be, then she would ask for

That was

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

“One million.”

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

trees. If you want

as he raised an

but she didn’t budge. “Mr. Fowler, this