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 found

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man for a while, only to realize that when it

was the point of her fighting to get

Eveleen in front of him, only to be met with an even more

was the point? If he wanted obedience,

laugh, she turned

Please, help me.” She said.

wanted her submission, but not

genuine fondness and dependence, not with an empty plea devoid of

not intended to make things difficult for her today. Had she simply

she refused, and even now, her

with anger, “Is this how you

“What else do you want from me,

cold, “And what do you want me do to

at her waist, Natalia said, “I

were icy.

claimed.

around, “Hamilton. I built the marketing

hummed casually, “And?”

trembled slightly, “And I can’t let Giselle take

fingers pinched her chin, “Then show me the proper way to ask

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

discontent simmered, but he said nothing more.

your assistant handle Eveleen’s endorsements going forward. You won’t

a smile, “Okay. Thank

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

now on.”

nodded indifferently,

a long moment before asking, “What do you want for lunch?”

Tess. We’re hitting the cafeteria.

“Eat well, you’re too thin.”

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

kissed her lips once more, then dismissed her,

as it burst open. Her steps halted abruptly as a man charged in, followed by Alden.

stood at the door, trembling, “Mr. Fowler,

icy and

fleeting glance before confronting Hamilton with a sneer. “Seeing my brother is quite the

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

escorted Natalia

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