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?”

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

15. 15.

were as shocked, they humed pate is ghosts. Boss, how can Mr. Fowler took

he needs for

eile Inded as she contemplated the

a gentlemanly demeanor at work, yet she wouldn’t have ques and he’d physically confront Orpheus.

alen know that Hamiliars gentility

the epitome of courtesy and grace. But those who knew him understood his

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

sweet boy into the man he

sigh, she pulled herself from these thoughts, choosing not to dwell on them. After all, that man no

from her desk and headed to

Harnilton, “Mr. Fowler, I need your signature

of handing them back to Natalia,

offered a polite, detached smile, “Much better.”

health?” he probed further.

and continued, “Fine

nodded absentmindedly, “Don’t overdo it. Delegate

do.” She hesitated before asking, “Anything else,

in silence. “Are you in such a hurry?” he asked.

it, “I’ve got work to attend to.”

finally asked,

surprised

said. Then, after a moment, she added, “If

come.”

Chapter 82

to the reunion, she had felt a flicker of anticipation.

had drained away. What was the point of bringing him as her boyfriend?

finally said, “Since I promised you, I intend to

looked at Hamilton, “Are you worried I’ll meet someone at the reunion? Don’t worry. He

“Do I really need a solid reason to go? Or do

replied with a touch of

stop trying to convince me otherwise. It’s perfectly normal to bring

that one day, these terms of endearment

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

on time.”