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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Such stories were all too

sadly a societal norm. Women without power or pedigree often ended up as

him that Natalia’s family was one of those stories.

any further interest

rest. Call me if you need anything.”

in response, “Sure.”

to

strong, handsome form and suddenly realized

and Patrick were likely eager for

climbed the ranks through marriage, he had been relentless in his ambition to

old–money families were a

Fowler family was a prime example, entrenched and powerful, with a reach that extended into both politics and business. As the de facto head of the Fowler family, Hamilton was a force no

securing such a powerful alliance for his daughter. Yet Hamilton showed no signs of wanting to reconcile with Eveleen.

matter how much Patrick and Lucinda fretted,

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

wave of satisfaction washed over her, and

safe drive.” she said with a lighter

her his tie and

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

to step back. But Hamilton suddenly grasped her waist, his gaze falling on her slender collarbone, “Ms. Jenkins,

shrugged nonchalantly, “Sure.”

seem inclined to let go. As Natalia furrowed her brow

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Chapter 68

to struggle, and only then did he release her.

his kiss, Natalla heard Hamilton chuckle softly, his finger tracing her

you need

and gave back a

back for one more touch before

on it. In the end, it was all just

home. After nearly a month of rest,

from the gigs with Lionel, she had been picking up a

her bank account creep up, she felt a sense of satisfaction and security

to the hefty sums Hamilton doled out, but it brought