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?”

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

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Chapter 61

Interest in meddling in other people’s business.”

he hung

had slept too much during the day, found herself wide awake in bed. She was about to sift through her

to pass her my way.” Victor’s voice

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

would Hamilton’s response be?

Hamilton’s voice finally filled

wanna have a go, find Ms. Jenkins yourself. Like I’ve said before, if she’s up

cruelty in Hamilton’s voice hurt like a dull

had said similar things before, but hearing them firsthand was

bit. Otherwise, how could he

up for it, he

did he keep warning her not to get close to any other

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

heard him. That’s

felt heavy, but she forced herself to remain

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

loose!”

man, after all. Why would he let go of a woman so easily

or not is

it is my business, Ms. Jenkins. I’m waiting

someone else! The mere sight of you disgusts me.

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name. How about this? Sleep with me just once, and I won’t tell Hamilton. I’ll leave you

“Get lost!”

Hamilton, demanding to

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 had the courage.

to question it. She dreaded hearing anything