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.

resist in his presence. She

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realize that when it truly mattered, she had

her

Eveleen in front of him, only to be met with

he wanted obedience, she’d

a self–deprecating laugh, she

asking you. Please, help me.” She said.

further. He wanted her submission, but

dependence, not with an empty plea

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

even now, her attitude was less than

darkened with anger, “Is this how you

else do you want from

cold, “And what do

said, “I don’t want to work with Giselle.”

eyes were icy. “Fine, come to the secretarial

claimed.

the marketing department from the ground

casually,

“And I can’t let Giselle take it

her chin, “Then show me the proper way to

let her defenses drop. “Mr. Fowler, I don’t want

discontent simmered, but he said

handle Eveleen’s endorsements going forward. You won’t have to deal with

“Okay.

15:43

her into a kiss without warning. After a lingering moment,

now on.”

indifferently,

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

made plans with Tess. We’re hitting the cafeteria.

well, you’re

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

her lips once more, then dismissed her, “Off

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

at the door, trembling, “Mr.

icy and

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

as he glanced at Alden. “Take

hastily, then escorted Natalia

my brother, Orpheus. He’s been messing with some shady deals lately, stuff he