Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 68

Natalia shot a glance at Hamilton, the muscles in her jaw tightening as she fought back a surge of anger and managed to mutter, “Nothing.”

Eveleen had gone to visit her mother, and the last thing Natalia needed was for Hamilton to catch wind of it. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how to explain it without stirring up a hornet’s nest.

The threats Lucinda had hurled their way years ago still haunted her. She couldn’t possibly tell Hamilton that she was Patrick’s daughter. That would mean turning her back on her mother’s well–being.

Eveleen was probably banking on that very fact, which is why she felt emboldened to visit her mother so brazenly.

Seeing her reluctance to speak, Hamilton didn’t press the issue. He wasn’t particularly interested in Natalia’s family drama. Especially that Graham.

In truth, Hamilton was somewhat curious about how Natalia’s mother had ever fallen for a man like that. He had never met Natalia’s mother, who had been lying in the ICU ever since he’d known Natalia.

But judging by Natalia’s features, her mother must’ve been a looker. What did such an

attractive woman see in Graham?

He wondered aloud, “What on earth did your mother see in Graham?”

Natalia’s lips tightened. What did she see in Graham? She must’ve been charmed by his facade at first.

Graham had been particularly kind to Tatiana in the beginning. Although not wealthy, he would wait for Tatiana after work and indulge her in little luxuries she craved but wouldn’t dare spend on. His punctuality, his warmth during chilly evenings were his trick to trap women. Having wandered through life for so long, Tatiana probably yearned for some semblance of warmth.

So, under Graham’s persistent courtship, she had agreed to be with him. And since Graham had never been married before, it made Tatiana, with her daughter in tow, feel even more out of his league.

Natalia’s gaze fell, masking the sad emotions in her eyes. “My mother married him with me in

tow.‘

Hamilton was taken aback. This was new to him. He had always assumed that Graham was Natalia’s biological father. Despite the lack of resemblance, he never doubted Graham’s paternity.

“Your mother was divorced? Who’s your biological father then?”

Natalia scoffed coldly, “It wasn’t a divorce. She was dumped before they ever married. He fell for some heiress and tossed my mom aside like leftovers.”

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were all too

women for profit was sadly a societal norm. Women without power or pedigree often ended up as disposable playthings.

to him that Natalia’s family

interest in prying for

“Get some rest.

nodded in response, “Sure.”

got up to change his

watched his strong, handsome form and suddenly realized that Scarlett might

Patrick were likely eager for Eveleen

in his ambition to ascend further. Yet, despite the years, the Schafer family’s fortunes

old–money families were a tough crowd to break into.

Fowler family was a prime example, entrenched and powerful, with a reach that extended into both politics and business. As the

alliance for his daughter. Yet Hamilton showed no signs of wanting

Lucinda

suddenly amused herself with the thought of Patrick’s reaction if he knew that she was the

of satisfaction washed over her,

safe drive.” she said with a lighter tone.

handed her his tie and said, “Don’t just talk a good game, Ms. Jenkins.”

for a moment, but still stepped forward to knot it for

Hamilton suddenly grasped her waist, his gaze falling on her slender collarbone, “Ms. Jenkins, you should eat more.

shrugged nonchalantly, “Sure.”

Natalia furrowed her brow to question him,

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Chapter 68

started to struggle, and

chuckle softly,

if you need

and gave back

her back for one more touch before leaving.

had gotten into him, but she didn’t dwell on it. In the end, it

month of rest, her complexion finally improved. At least she no

the gigs with Lionel, she had been picking

bank account creep up, she felt a sense

the money was nothing compared to the hefty sums Hamilton doled out, but it brought her a different kind of