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?”

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

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Chapter 61

he loses Interest in meddling in other

that, he

about to sift through her fan group for Eveleen when a message pinged on

to pass her my way.” Victor’s voice

fingers clenched around her phone. She had a hunch that Victor was referring to her. The blood drained from her lips

would Hamilton’s

voice finally filled

I’ve said before, if she’s up for it, I won’t stand

knuckles turned white. The offhand cruelty in

things before, but hearing them firsthand was a different kind of pain.

one bit. Otherwise, how could he say such a thing?

for it, he wouldn’t

keep warning her not to get

she tried to muster a

heard him. That’s

felt heavy, but she forced herself to remain

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

loose!”

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

“Whether there’s a point or not is my business, not yours, Mr. Henkel.”

I’m waiting for my turn

of you disgusts me. Taking those photos

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13:09

remained unfazed. “So 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!”

up, her breaths coming in ragged sips. She contemplated calling Hamilton, demanding to know why he warned her against other men while speaking

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

the end, she couldn’t bring herself to dial.

courage to question it. She dreaded hearing