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.

she had little room to resist in his presence. She found the whole

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to realize that

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

just last night, she had defiantly confronted Eveleen in front of

he wanted

self–deprecating laugh, she turned to

I’m asking you. Please, help me.”

eyes narrowed further. He wanted her

of genuine fondness and dependence, not with an empty

twisted into a frown. He had not intended to make things difficult for her today. Had she simply come to him, he

her attitude was less

gaze darkened with anger, “Is

you want from me, Mr. Fowler?”

his hold on her, his laughter cold, “And

waist, Natalia said, “I don’t

were icy. “Fine, come to the secretarial pool.”

claimed.

built the marketing department

casually,

“And I can’t let Giselle take

me the proper way to ask for help.”

she gave a wry smile and let her defenses drop. “Mr. Fowler, I don’t want to leave the marketing department.”

discontent simmered, but he

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

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

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earlobe, pulling her into a kiss without warning. After a lingering moment, he released her as if his anger had been sated,

now on.”

nodded indifferently, “Sure.”

moment before asking, “What do you

made plans with Tess. We’re hitting the

“Eat well, you’re too

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

more, then

and headed for the door, only to be stopped as it burst open. Her steps halted abruptly as a man charged

the door, trembling, “Mr. Fowler, I’m sorry. I just couldn’t stop Orpheus.”

and his brows

intruder spared Natalia a fleeting glance before confronting Hamilton with a sneer. “Seeing my brother is quite

eyes as he glanced at Alden. “Take

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