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. She

1/4

15:43

only to realize that when it truly mattered,

point of her fighting to get

in front of him, only

the point? If he wanted obedience,

self–deprecating laugh, she turned to

asking you. Please,

He wanted her submission, but

fondness and dependence, not with an empty plea devoid of any warmth

into a frown. He had not intended to make things

and even now, her

anger, “Is

else do you want from

cold, “And what do you want me do to help?”

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

his eyes were icy. “Fine,

claimed.

I built the marketing department

casually, “And?”

slightly, “And I can’t let Giselle

“Then show me the proper way to ask for

at him. Finally, she gave a wry smile and let her defenses drop. “Mr.

own discontent simmered, but he said

assistant handle Eveleen’s endorsements going forward. You

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

15:43

as he cupped her earlobe, pulling her into a kiss without warning. After a lingering moment, he released her as if

now on.”

nodded indifferently, “Sure.”

long moment before asking, “What do you want

Tess. We’re hitting the cafeteria.

well,

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

then dismissed her,

burst

the door, trembling, “Mr.

grew icy and his brows

glance before confronting Hamilton with a

Hamilton’s eyes as he glanced at Alden. “Take

hastily, then escorted Natalia

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. Hamilton found out and busted up a few of his operations. He’s here to settle the score.”