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?”

off by security.” Tess shuddered at the thought. “They say Orpheus was sent flying out of the office, coughing

15. 15.

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

be a rubines when he needs for

her gase Her eile Inded as she contemplated the turn of the

demeanor at work, yet she wouldn’t have ques

course, the alen know that Hamiliars gentility was just

he was the epitome of courtesy and grace. But those who knew

the Fowler empire at nineteen be anything but truly kind? Natalia’s mind suddenly wandered to Hamilton as a child. Back then, he was

could have hardened such a sweet boy into the man he was now? It was

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

desk and headed

documents in front of Harnilton, “Mr.

scanned them casually and signed his name. Instead of handing them back to Natalia, he looked up and

a polite, detached smile, “Much

your health?” he

moment and continued, “Fine

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

before asking, “Anything

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

deny it, “I’ve got work to attend

eyes narrowed slightly before he finally asked, “The class reunion is this weekend,

surprised

added, “If you’re busy, Mr. Fowler, you don’t

come.”

Chapter 82

the reunion, she had felt a flicker of anticipation.

was the point of bringing him as

lingered on her, which was inscrutable. And he finally said, “Since I promised

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

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

replied with a touch of exasperated feeling.

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

heart. She had never imagined that one day, these terms of endearment would become the last thing she wanted to hear. Words that once symbolized sweetness now tasted bitter.

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

on time.”