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.

to resist in his presence. She found the whole power struggle tiresome.

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

part–time job she fought so hard to secure–What was the point of her fighting to get it? Hamilton could just as easily make

front of him,

was the point? If he wanted obedience, she’d give it

self–deprecating laugh, she turned

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

wanted her submission, but not like this.

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

had she become this way? Hamilton’s features twisted into a frown. He had not intended to make things difficult for her today. Had she simply come to

now, her attitude was less than

gaze darkened with anger, “Is this how

do you want from me, Mr. Fowler?”

cold, “And what do you want me

pain at her waist, Natalia said, “I

icy. “Fine, come to the

claimed.

“Hamilton. I built the marketing department from

hummed casually,

can’t let Giselle take

her chin, “Then show me the proper way to ask for help.”

her defenses drop. “Mr. Fowler, I don’t want to leave the

but he

have HR transfer her. Let your assistant handle Eveleen’s endorsements going forward. You won’t have to deal with her

smile, “Okay.

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

now on.”

nodded indifferently, “Sure.”

for a long moment before asking, “What

plans with Tess. We’re

nodded, “Eat well, you’re too

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

more, then dismissed her, “Off you go.”

door, only to be stopped as it burst open. Her steps halted abruptly as

door, trembling, “Mr.

icy and his

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

he glanced at Alden. “Take

hastily, then escorted Natalia away

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