Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 82

Natalia thought she could shrug off the rumors like a light dusting of snow from her shoulders. But the whispers and stores that followed her through the office comidors all afternoon were enough to chill her bones. It was uncomfortable, to say the least.

Hamilton paused mid–stride, arching an eyebrow at her.

“Giselle’s getting the boot.” He promised.

A laugh escaped Natalia’s lips, “Good.”

That must be the biggest concession Hamilton was willing to make. He wouldn’t step forward to squash the rumors himself. After all, by doing so, he’d practically be confirming their relationship to the world.

Of course, that would also mean admitting that the real homewrecker was Eveleen all this long.

And when it came to Eveleen, Hamilton would never act against her.

So, firing Giselle seemed like the best solution; it would shatter the gossip without exposing their relationship.

Just perfect.

By the next morning, word of Giselle’s dismissal spread through the company like wildfire. The tongues that had wagged about Natalia now lay still.

Yet some things, once rooted in the heart, were hard to uproot. Especially for this kind of salacious rumor

Natalia knew that all too well. Though the chatter had ceased, she could still feel the weight of weird glances from her colleagues. But it seemed all she could do was pretend not to

notice.

After the morning meeting, as Natalia was gathering her reports to update Hamilton on their progress, Tess burst in.

“Boss, Giselle’s been canned!” She cried with excitement.

Natalia nodded in acknowledgment, “Yeah, I heard.”

“Now let’s see who dares spread lies about you,” Tess was puffing up with a triumphant air.

“Pfft, Eveleen’s cousin or not, she still got the axe. Boss, I’ve gotta say that Mr. Fowler’s a decent man.”

Natalia couldn’t help but chuckle, “Decent? Remember when he almost fired you?”

face fell instantly. “True. And I heard Orpheus Fowler got the boot from Mr. Fowler himself, kicked right out the door and dragged off by security.” Tess shuddered at the thought. “They say Orpheus was sent flying out of the office, coughing up

15. 15.

pate is ghosts. Boss, how can Mr.

rubines when he needs

as she contemplated the turn of the fast

maintained a gentlemanly demeanor at work, yet she

Hamiliars gentility

the epitome of courtesy and grace. But

be anything but truly kind? Natalia’s mind suddenly wandered to Hamilton as a child. Back then, he

the man he was now? It was a puzzle

not to dwell on them. After all, that man no

up the reports from her desk and headed

Harnilton, “Mr. Fowler, I

scanned them casually and signed his name. Instead of handing them back to Natalia, he looked up and asked, “How’s

offered a polite, detached smile, “Much

health?” he probed further.

for a moment and continued, “Fine

it. Delegate what you can.”

before asking,

her for a moment in silence. “Are you in such a hurry?” he

got work to attend to.”

he finally asked, “The class reunion is this weekend,

surprised

she said. Then, after a moment, she added, “If you’re busy, Mr. Fowler, you don’t have

come.”

Chapter 82

accompany her to the

night, all excitement had drained away. What was the point of bringing him as her boyfriend?

gaze lingered on her, which was inscrutable. And he finally said, “Since I promised you, I intend to keep my word.”

worried I’ll meet someone

do you have something to

with a touch

convince me otherwise. It’s perfectly normal to bring a boyfriend to

day, these terms of endearment would become the last thing she

breath, she forced a smile, “Alright. Then, Mr. Fowler, please be sure to

on time.”