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

in meddling in other people’s

he hung

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

to see when you are willing to pass her my way.” Victor’s voice came through first.

was referring to her. The blood drained

Hamilton’s response

voice

yourself. Like I’ve said before, if she’s up for it, I

on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white. The offhand cruelty

them firsthand

care–not one bit. Otherwise, how could he say

she was up for it, he wouldn’t stand in Victor’s

her not to get

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

him. That’s straight from Hamilton’s mouth.”

heart felt heavy, but she forced herself

the point of sending me this, Mr. Henkel? If

loose!”

would he let go of a woman so easily

scoffed coldly. “Whether there’s a point or not is my

my business, Ms. Jenkins. I’m waiting

was laced with venom. “Victor, go chase after someone else! The mere sight of you disgusts me. Taking those photos of me, sending them to

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‘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 after that.

“Get lost!”

breaths coming in ragged sips. She contemplated calling Hamilton,

he didn’t care, why get angry over her casual conversations with others? If he did care, why would he speak to Victor that

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

much so that it sapped her very courage to question it. She dreaded