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.

tensed slightly, realizing she had little room to resist in his presence. She found

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realize

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

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

the point? If he wanted obedience,

a self–deprecating laugh, she

asking you. Please, help me.”

He wanted her submission, but

of genuine fondness and dependence, not with an empty plea devoid of any warmth or devotion in her

twisted into a frown. He had not intended to make things

now, her attitude was less

“Is this how

bitterly, “What else do you want from me, Mr. Fowler?”

his laughter cold, “And what do you

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

but his eyes were icy. “Fine, come to the

claimed.

“Hamilton. I built the marketing

hummed casually, “And?”

slightly, “And I can’t let Giselle take it over!”

her chin, “Then show me

smile and let her

simmered, but he said

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

smile, “Okay. Thank you, Mr.

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kiss without warning. After a lingering moment, he released her as

now on.”

nodded indifferently,

long moment before

plans with Tess. We’re

nodded, “Eat well, you’re

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

once more, then dismissed her, “Off

only to be stopped as it burst open.

at the door, trembling, “Mr. Fowler,

and his brows

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

filled Hamilton’s eyes as he glanced at Alden. “Take her

nodded hastily, then escorted Natalia away from the

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 few of his operations. He’s here to