Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 63

Hamilton’s mood had been stormy, a tempest brooding behind his steely gaze since the moment Victor had brought up Natalia. A nagging irritation crept up his spine, an unwelcome guest that refused to leave.

He had convinced himself that Victor’s comments were water off a duck’s back. After all, he had no real intentions of getting serious with Natalia. When their contract expired, she would simply move on to the next man, a mere transaction of affection for financial gain. Hamilton had never planned to let it get personal.

So, when others had shown interest in Natalia, it had rolled off him without leaving a trace. All that mattered was that she understood her place and didn’t step out of line during their arrangement.

But Victor’s blatant, repeated displays of lust had begun to grate on him like an itch he couldn’t scratch.

Glancing at his phone, he punched in a number.

“What’s up?”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “Find something for Victor to keep busy with.”

Alden was shocked. “What?”

He could hardly believe his ears. Victor might as well have been family to Hamilton; the two had grown up together, and their bond was supposed to be solid.

Why would Hamilton suddenly find trouble with Victor?

“Didn’t you understand me? I said, find him something to do!” Hamilton’s voice had grown. colder, more distant.

Alden paused, weighing his words. “Why, though? Did something happen?”

“Nothing.” Hamilton suppressed his annoyance with the flat reply.

“But why go after Victor out of the blue? If he traces it back to us, It’s going to be awkward. moving forward.”

Hamilton lit a cigarette, the flame from his lighter casting a flickering shadow across his chiseled face, etching the contours of his discontent.

“Can’t do it? If you can’t, I’ll find someone who can.”

Alden felt a chill. He could sense his brother’s vexation, the undercurrent of unease.

After a pause, he asked cautiously, “How far do you want me to go?”

dealing with Gideon: this time, the stakes were personal.

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Chapter 61

Interest in meddling in other people’s

he hung

the day, found herself wide awake in bed. She was about to sift through her fan group

when you are willing to pass her my way.”

a hunch that Victor was referring to her. The blood drained from her lips at

would Hamilton’s response

voice finally filled

find Ms. Jenkins yourself. Like I’ve said before, if she’s up for it, I won’t

knuckles turned white. The offhand cruelty in

before, but hearing them firsthand was a different

how could he

she was up for it,

her not to get

tried to muster a calm

you heard him. That’s

she forced herself to remain

of sending me this, Mr. Henkel? If you’re so capable, tell Hamilton to cut me

loose!”

a woman so easily accessible? But

not is my business, not yours, Mr. Henkel.”

my business, Ms. Jenkins. I’m waiting for my

disgusts me. Taking those photos of me, sending them to Hamilton, and

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13:09

I am? ‘Despicable‘ is a man’s middle name. How about this? Sleep with me just once, and I won’t tell Hamilton. I’ll

“Get lost!”

contemplated calling Hamilton, demanding to know why he warned her against other men while speaking so

why get angry over her casual conversations with others? If he did care, why would he speak to Victor that way?

the end, she couldn’t bring herself to dial. She no longer had the courage.

question it. She dreaded hearing anything more unbearable. The last thing she wanted was to