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 found the whole

1/4

15:43

heads with this man for a while, only to realize that when it truly mattered, she had

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 her give it

last night, she had defiantly confronted Eveleen in front of him, only to be met with an

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

she

you. Please, help

narrowed further. He wanted her submission, but not like

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

a frown. He had not intended to

her attitude was

darkened with anger, “Is this how

bitterly, “What else do you want

cold, “And

her waist, Natalia said, “I don’t want to

icy. “Fine, come to

claimed.

spun around, “Hamilton. I built the marketing department from

casually,

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

me the proper

her defenses drop. “Mr. Fowler, I

but he said nothing more.

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

smile, “Okay. Thank

15:43

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

now on.”

nodded indifferently, “Sure.”

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

made plans with Tess. We’re hitting

nodded, “Eat well, you’re

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

lips once more, then dismissed her, “Off

to be stopped as it burst open. Her steps halted abruptly as a man charged in,

“Mr. Fowler, I’m sorry. I just

and

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

eyes as he glanced at Alden. “Take her out.” He

Natalia

of the office, Alden exhaled a sigh of relief. He glanced at the door, 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