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.

golf course. Natalia followed Hamilton’s lead

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Chapter 37

smoothly, with

car, Hamilton turned to Natalia.

answering, striving for nonchalance. “Mr. Fowler, have you ever considered ending our… arrangement early?”

narrowed slightly. “You want to end it?”

was faint. “The thought has crossed

he asked, “Is this about that trending topic earlier?”

deep breath and didn’t deny

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

not what

not, or are you just being sulky?” Hamilton’s

let out a bitter laugh. “Do I have the right to be sulky, Mr.

didn’t waver. “Natalia, since you know better, drop the unnecessary attitude.”

being sulky, I really…”

“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

for words. Her eyes reddened as she turned to Hamilton. “Your relationship with Ms. Schafer is public now, Mr. Fowler. This makes me feel like… like a mistress. I don’t want to

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

away.

sudden sentimentality? You came to me when you needed money, took it, and now you want to leave. Natalia, have I been too kind to you? Made you think you can

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

thought that, I’m just…”

a man who didn’t love her, hurt was just another form of

Chapter 37

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

“Ms. Jenkins, you’re overstepping.”

two

“Know your place, understand your role. My relationship with

Natalia choked up.

was all her delusion. Thinking she was caught between them? As if she

up again. “Mr. Fowler, half a million is

was how it was going to be, then she would ask for

That was hardly enough.

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

“One million.”

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

trees. If you want cash,

hung in the air as he raised an eyebrow at

didn’t budge. “Mr.