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.

course. Natalia followed Hamilton’s lead

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Chapter 37

meeting went smoothly, with both parties

turned to Natalia. “Playing

paused before answering, striving for nonchalance. “Mr. Fowler, have you ever considered

“You want to

faint. “The thought

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

took a deep breath and didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

hand gripped her waist, pulling her closer. “Ms. Jenkins, do you think you’re completely

“That’s not

not, or are you just

I have

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

not being sulky,

as you please? You should

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

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

looked away.

the 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

met his gaze. When had she ever dared to do as she pleased around him?

thought that,

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

Chapter 37

don’t understand. Eveleen has been back for a while; why

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

two feels really horrible.”

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

Natalia choked up.

It was all her delusion. Thinking she was caught between

silence until Natalia spoke up again. “Mr. Fowler, half a

going to be, then

million? That

curling into a cold

“One million.”

line of his jaw accentuated his perfect profile. The act of lighting up made him seem untamed and

grow on trees. If you want cash, you’ve got to earn it.”

air as he raised an

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