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

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Chapter 37

meeting went smoothly, with both parties expressing

the car, Hamilton turned to Natalia.

“Mr. Fowler, have you ever considered

“You want to end it?”

faint. “The thought has crossed my

a moment, he

a deep breath and

“Ms. Jenkins, do you think you’re completely blameless? Or do you believe you’re beyond questioning?”

“That’s not

it not, or are you just being sulky?”

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

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

sulky, I

come and go as you please? You should know, ever since you came back to

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

seat, his expression unchanging. “Ms. Jenkins, did you just find out about my history with Eveleen?”

away. “No.”

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

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

never thought that, I’m just…”

of a man who didn’t love her, hurt was just another form of self–pity. She had no

Chapter 37

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

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

stuck between you two

“Know your place, understand your role. My relationship with Eveleen is none of your

Natalia choked up.

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

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

going to be, then she

That was hardly enough.

lips curling into a cold smirk, “How much

“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 seem

you want cash, you’ve got to earn it.”

statement hung in the air as he raised

but she didn’t budge.