Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 70

The man stood there cloaked in a gray trench coat, as if the chill of the outside world clung to him still.

His mere presence seemed to send Natalia’s every nerve on edge. Her mind buzzed noisily. She hadn’t expected Hamilton to show up. She had called Alden, for heaven’s sake.

And now, she wasn’t even sure if Hamilton had overheard that biting remark from Lionel.

Lionel’s brow furrowed at the sight of Hamilton, a clear sign of trouble brewing.

What an uncanny coincidence.

But for Victor, it was a stroke of luck–he wore a smirk like he was watching someone else’s

misfortune with glee.

“Did Hamilton catch that? I can’t be accused of slander. Lionel here played the knight in shining armor, even dared to punch me. And to think, he’d risk his place in Silkwood City for Ms. Jenkins.”

Hamilton’s gaze shifted from Victor back to Natalia, and after a moment, he let out a soft chuckle.

“Ms. Jenkins sure has a knack for stirring the pot.”

Natalia’s expression stiffened slightly.

Hamilton approached, his fingers gently grazing her face. “I hear it was a classic case of jealousy?”

“It wasn’t!” Natalia denied immediately.

“Then what was it? Care to explain, Ms. Jenkins?”

Natalia glanced at Victor, “Mr. Henkel was out of line with me, and Lionel was simply stopping him–that’s when he was struck.”

Victor clicked his tongue, “Ms. Jenkins, you lured me in. I couldn’t.help myself.”

“Victor Henkel!” Natalia’s eyes flashed with anger.

She’d never encountered such a vile person. They had worked together pleasantly in the past, and she couldn’t fathom why he would act like this now.

To Natalia, Victor seemed like a sadist, taking pleasure in her distress, finding comfort only in

her discomfort.

Victor chuckled, “What’s the matter, Ms. Jenkins? Refuse to admit it?”

Natalia’s lips tightened, and she turned to look at Hamilton, “I did nothing.”

absent

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Victor continued to fan the flames. “Hamilton, why keep this little tramp around? Today

are none of your concern, Mr.

warning–don’t mistake this woman for more than she is. A few days back, I was at the

paled at the mention of the Chamber Nightclub–a property of the Fowler

worked there once. Back when Graham was squandering money on drinks and gambling, and Tatiana had been injured by his hand, unable to work for a

as well as her own

tuition.

handsome sum per hour. But

the Fowler family, she was lured by the idea of earning money and possibly catching a glimpse of Hamilton.

it was a simple job, perceptions could be skewed, and she dreaded Hamilton thinking less of her for it. Her past

you fancy sleeping with

Hamilton?”

all, it was a matter between him and

you talked enough?” Hamilton’s eyes bore into Victor with barely contained

had indeed crossed

woman–to taunt, yes, but he wouldn’t stand for anyone

speaking the

up the mess caused by your company’s shareholders.

facade faltered, “Are

or not, Mr. Henkel. That’s up to you.”

looked back at Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, remember that slap you gave me.”

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Victor’s lawyer had arrived not

the priority was sorting out the affairs

then that Hamilton turned to Lionel. “Ms. Jenkins,

an instant. “Mr. Fowler, Lionel was just

what’s making you so nervous? Feeling

lips were tightly drawn. “I’m

her mess today, and if Hamilton took it out on him because of that, her guilt would only deepen.

particularly thorny about her relationship with Lionel. She couldn’t guarantee that Hamilton wouldn’t do something rash to him. After all, Lionel had been looking out for her since she got this job. She didn’t want to cause him any more trouble because of her.

Hamilton’s gaze was fixed on her.

to decipher the truth

Natalia met his piercing dark

let out a soft chuckle, “Well

Natalia still didn’t