Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 80

Natalia stood outside Hamilton’s office, taking a deep breath before rapping her knuckles against the door.

“Come in.” Hamilton’s voice beckoned from within.

Pushing the door open, Natalia found him casually seated behind his desk, the picture of

composure.

“Mr. Fowler, did you need to see me?” she asked.

Hamilton chuckled lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, you sure have a knack for causing me trouble.”

Natalia offered a wry smile, “Isn’t it you who keeps me on my toes, Mr. Fowler? Knowing full well I’d be back today, why didn’t you ask HR to give Giselle a heads up?”

“So you decide to go rogue?”

Natalia met his gaze squarely, “What did you expect me to do?”

Hamilton arched an eyebrow, “You could come to me.”

“And if I came, would you have helped me?” she countered.

The memory of her previous plea for help when Eveleen made things difficult still stung. Hamilton’s response had been sharp and clear: If you couldn’t handle it, I’d find someone

who will.

He wouldn’t help her, especially not with anything concerning Eveleen. Natalia was always left out in the cold. She refused to humiliate herself again. If he wouldn’t help, she’d handle it

herself.

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Ms. Jenkins, sounds like there’s no trust between us.”

Natalia’s lips twitched. Was there any trust left to speak of? She locked eyes with Hamilton, “It’s not about trust, Mr. Fowler. It’s about knowing my own worth.”

Hamilton’s expression darkened as if he was struggling to contain a brewing storm.

“Over here,” he commanded.

Natalia hesitated but eventually moved closer.

In one swift motion, Hamilton pulled her into his embrace, his large hand gripping her waist.

“Who the hell you were talking to? You know, Natalia, constantly testing my patience will get you nowhere. It would be in your best interest not to anger me.” His grip tightened, “Is compliance really that hard?”

His ire was palpable.

tensed slightly, realizing she had little room to resist in his presence.

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with this man for a while, only to realize that when it truly mattered, she had no ground

to secure–What was the point of her fighting to get it? Hamilton

of him, only to be met with an even

he wanted obedience, she’d give it to him.

she

I’m asking you. Please, help me.” She said.

further. He wanted her submission, but not

to comply out of genuine fondness and dependence, not with an empty plea devoid of any warmth or devotion in her

into a frown. He had not intended to make things difficult for her today.

now, her attitude was

“Is this

laughed bitterly, “What else do you want from me,

cold, “And what do you want me

the pain at her waist, Natalia said, “I don’t want

were icy. “Fine, come to

claimed.

I built the marketing department from the ground up!”

hummed casually,

trembled slightly, “And I can’t

show me the proper

Finally, she gave a wry smile and let her defenses drop.

own discontent simmered, but he said nothing

I’ll have HR transfer her. Let your assistant handle Eveleen’s endorsements going forward. You won’t have

managed a smile, “Okay. Thank you, Mr.

15:43

her earlobe, pulling her into a kiss without warning. After a lingering moment, he

now on.”

indifferently, “Sure.”

watched her for a long moment before asking, “What do you

Tess.

well, you’re too

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

then dismissed her, “Off

burst open. Her steps halted abruptly as a man charged

stood at the door, trembling, “Mr.

gaze grew icy and his

spared Natalia a fleeting glance before confronting Hamilton with a

Hamilton’s eyes as he glanced at Alden.

escorted Natalia away from the CEO

He glanced at the door, which remained firmly shut, and said, “That was my brother, Orpheus. He’s been messing with some shady deals lately, stuff he shouldn’t have touched.