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.

was at a golf course. Natalia followed Hamilton’s

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Chapter 37

meeting went smoothly, with both parties expressing interest

Hamilton turned to Natalia. “Playing the silent

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

eyes narrowed slightly. “You want to

“The thought has

he asked, “Is this

deep breath and didn’t deny it.

you think you’re completely blameless? Or do you believe you’re beyond questioning?”

“That’s not

or are you just being sulky?”

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

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

not being sulky,

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.”

was at a loss 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 be caught between you anymore. It’s uncomfortable for all

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

away. “No.”

you want to leave. Natalia,

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

that,

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

Chapter 37

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

darkened. “Ms.

stuck between you two feels really

in his brows. “Know your place, understand your role. My

Natalia choked up.

was all her delusion. Thinking she was

drove in silence until Natalia spoke up again.

it was going to be, then

a million? That

lips curling into a cold

“One million.”

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

on trees. If you want cash,

the air as he raised an eyebrow at Natalia.

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