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.

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

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heads with this man for a while, only to realize that when it truly mattered, she had no ground to stand on.

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

last night, she had defiantly confronted Eveleen in front of

the point? If he wanted obedience,

she turned to

asking you. Please, help

He wanted her submission, but not like this.

not with an empty plea devoid of any warmth or

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

now, her attitude was less

with anger, “Is

“What else do you want from me,

hold on her, his laughter cold, “And what

said, “I

icy. “Fine, come to

claimed.

around, “Hamilton. I built the marketing department from

hummed casually, “And?”

can’t let Giselle

chin, “Then show me the proper way

Finally, she gave a wry smile and let her defenses drop. “Mr. Fowler, I don’t want to

but he said nothing more.

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

a smile, “Okay. Thank you, Mr.

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

now on.”

indifferently, “Sure.”

her for a long moment before asking,

Tess.

“Eat well, you’re too

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

more, then

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

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

icy and his brows

with a sneer. “Seeing my brother is quite the challenge.” He

at Alden. “Take her out.”

hastily, then escorted Natalia away

He glanced at the door, which remained firmly shut, and said, “That was my brother, Orpheus. He’s been messing with