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

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15:43

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

part–time job she fought so hard to secure–What was the point of her fighting to get it?

of him, only to be met with an even more humiliating rebuke.

If he wanted obedience, she’d

self–deprecating laugh, she turned to

you. Please, help me.”

narrowed further. He wanted her

old Natalia used to comply out 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 difficult for her today. Had she simply come

refused, and even now, her attitude was

“Is this how you being

do you

her, his laughter cold, “And what do you want

the pain at her waist, Natalia said, “I

icy. “Fine, come

claimed.

I built the

hummed casually,

“And I can’t let Giselle

fingers pinched her chin, “Then show me the proper way

at him. Finally, she gave a wry smile and let her defenses drop.

simmered, but

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

“Okay.

15:43

After a lingering moment, he released her as if his anger had been sated, “Be

now on.”

nodded indifferently,

before asking, “What do

plans with Tess. We’re

“Eat well,

“Mhm,” she acknowledged.

her lips once more, then dismissed her, “Off you go.”

be stopped as it burst

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

gaze grew icy and

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

glanced at Alden.

nodded hastily, then escorted Natalia

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