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 common

Women without power or pedigree often ended

hadn’t occurred to him that Natalia’s

interest in prying

rest. Call

nodded in response,

to

handsome form and suddenly realized that Scarlett

likely eager for Eveleen

ranks through marriage, he had been relentless in his ambition to ascend further. Yet, despite the years, the Schafer family’s fortunes hadn’t improved

old–money families were a

a prime example, entrenched and powerful, with a reach that extended into both politics and business. As the de facto head of the Fowler

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

Lucinda fretted,

Patrick’s reaction if he knew that she was

washed over her, and her mood improved

safe drive.” she said with a lighter

He handed her his tie and said, “Don’t just

but still stepped forward

tried to step back. But Hamilton suddenly grasped her waist, his gaze falling on her slender

shrugged nonchalantly, “Sure.”

furrowed her brow to question him, his lips

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Chapter 68

Natalia started to struggle, and only then did he

heard Hamilton chuckle softly, his

me if you

and gave back

Hamilton anticipated her evasion, pulled her back for one more touch before

but she didn’t dwell on it. In the end, it

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

had been

account creep up, she felt a sense of satisfaction and security she’d never

hefty sums Hamilton doled out, but it brought