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 lead throughout,

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Chapter 37

meeting went smoothly, with both parties expressing interest in

Hamilton turned to Natalia. “Playing the silent

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

slightly. “You want to

was faint. “The thought has

moment, he asked, “Is this about that trending topic

and didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

you think you’re

stiffened. “That’s not what I mean.”

you just being sulky?” Hamilton’s stare was intense.

I have the right to be sulky,

gaze didn’t waver. “Natalia, since you know better, drop

sulky, I

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

she turned to Hamilton. “Your relationship with Ms. Schafer is public now, Mr. Fowler. This makes me feel

his expression unchanging. “Ms. Jenkins, did you just find out about my

away.

why the sudden sentimentality? You came to me when you needed money, took it, and now you want to leave. Natalia, have I been

met his gaze. When had she ever

never thought that,

‘hurt‘ remained unspoken. In front of a man who didn’t love her, hurt

Chapter 37

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

face darkened. “Ms. Jenkins, you’re

stuck between you two

turned, a hint of anger in his brows. “Know your place, understand your role. My

Natalia choked up.

beginning, she was just a mistress. She had no influence over them at all. It was all her delusion. Thinking she was caught between them? As if she

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

was going to be,

a million? That was hardly enough.

a cold smirk, “How much do you want then, Ms.

“One million.”

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

trees. If you want cash, you’ve got

statement hung in the air as he

meant, but she didn’t budge. “Mr.