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?”

than dealing with Gideon: this time, the stakes were personal. Hamilton took a drag of his cigarette, his

1/4

13:09

Chapter 61

sure he loses Interest in

he hung up.

was about to sift through her fan group for Eveleen when a

to pass her my way.”

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

Hamilton’s response

voice finally filled the recording.

if you wanna have a go, find Ms. Jenkins yourself. Like I’ve said before, if she’s up for it, I won’t stand in your

her knuckles turned white. The offhand cruelty in Hamilton’s voice hurt

hearing them firsthand was a different kind

one bit. Otherwise, how could he

up for it, he wouldn’t stand in Victor’s way.

did he keep warning her not to get close to any

Natalia’s lips as she tried to muster a calm response to Victor’s incoming

heard him. That’s straight from

she forced

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

loose!”

lightly. “Hamilton’s a man, after all. Why would he let go of a woman so easily accessible? But you, Ms. Jenkins, what’s the point of

there’s a point or not is my

is my business, Ms. Jenkins. I’m waiting for my turn with you!”

mere sight of you disgusts me. Taking those photos of me, sending them to Hamilton,

2/4

13:09

what if 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 leave you alone

“Get lost!”

ragged sips. She contemplated calling Hamilton, demanding to know why he

care, why get angry over her casual conversations with others? If

bring herself to dial. She

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