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?”

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

15. 15.

smooctanes were as shocked, they humed pate is ghosts. Boss,

a rubines when he needs for teen couldn’t help but

her gase Her eile Inded as she contemplated the

always maintained a gentlemanly demeanor at work, yet she wouldn’t

Hamiliars gentility was just

epitome of courtesy and grace. But those who knew him

nineteen be anything but truly kind? Natalia’s mind

a sweet boy into the man he was

a sigh, she pulled herself from these thoughts, choosing not to dwell on them. After all,

desk and headed to the CEO’s office.

documents in front of Harnilton, “Mr. Fowler, I need

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

detached

your health?” he probed further.

moment and continued, “Fine as

nodded absentmindedly, “Don’t overdo it. Delegate what you can.”

hesitated before asking,

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

deny it, “I’ve got work

before he finally asked,

surprised

“If you’re busy,

come.”

Chapter 82

the

excitement had drained away. What was the point

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

“Are you worried I’ll meet

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

with a touch of exasperated feeling.

“Then stop trying to convince me otherwise. It’s perfectly normal to bring a boyfriend to a class reunion, right, my girlfriend?”

sadness gripped her heart. She had never imagined that one day, these terms of endearment would become the last thing she wanted to hear. Words that

breath, she forced a smile, “Alright. Then, Mr.

on time.”