Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 91

Natalia’s loshes quivered uncontrollably as Hamilton’s words echoed through her mind. She couldn’t deny the power he still held over her, the way a single sentence from him could send her thoughts spiraling into chaos.

Clutching her fingers tightly, she tried to ignore the flutter of emotions that she knew sha shouldn’t entertain. After a long silence, she finally asked, “Why? You’ve never cared before, have you?”

Hamilton looked at her silently, his face unreadable. It felt like an eternity passed before he finally spoke, his expression cold and tinged with a touch of brooding darkness.

7

“I may not care,” he said, “but I will not allow what’s mine to be coveted or touched by anyone.

else.”

At that moment, Natalia felt a sharp pain in her heart.

So, that was it. That was the reason. And it made sense.

He would take action simply because something of his was desired by others, not because of her. To him, it didn’t matter if it was a cat he had adopted or a dog he had fed; he would act just the same.

Struggling to keep her composure, Natalia forced a slight smile. “Alright, I understand.”

Hamilton studied her. “What did you think I was doing?”

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Nothing, I was just overthinking it.”

Hamilton chuckled lightly. “Oh? And what were you overthinking?”

Taking a deep breath, Natalia shot back, “I thought maybe you felt sorry for me, and that’s why you helped.”

Raising an eyebrow, he gave a half–smile. “You can think that if you want.”

Suppressing the sour taste of defeat, Natalia laughed weakly, “If you’re done, Mr. Fowler, I’ll be on my way.”

But Hamilton stopped her. “Leaving just like that, Ms. Jenkins?”

Her lips tightened.

his touch gentle yet deliberate. “Can’t you say something sweet or do something endearing?”

and although she was capable of it, she didn’t want to play that

Mr. Fowler? ‘I like you, ‘I

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he let out a

between us,” he paused briefly, then continued, “there

relationship was defined by a contract and nothing more.

apologize, I’ve crossed a line.”

and said, “I’ll review

Hamilton’s office, Natalia maintained her poise, though her inner turmoil was barely concealed. In the restroom, she washed

she gave a wry smile. She knew better than anyone that she

to find a sliver of evidence that Hamilton had some affection for her

pride, as Alden said. She wasn’t ready to accept that her three years companionship couldn’t stir a flicker of emotion; especially not to lose to someone like Eveleen.

persistent despite the heartache

of

a towering presence in her heart over twenty years, and it was not easy to say

Passing the pantry, she

Tess called out upon seeing

“What’s

having a dinner party? Other

gatherings were common. However, Natalia had been too dispirited to organize one this

and let me

on. “Boss, everyone wants to bring

course. Bring whoever you wish.”

playfully. “What about you, Boss? We could invite some extra guys and set you up

declined, not wanting to complicate her life further. “No, I’m not interested in

on the shoulder. “I’m busy, and you should get back to

15:48

“Okay.”

in her office, Natalia finally relaxed.

sent you the sanatorium’s information.”

“Thanks,” she replied.

the costs are astronomical. How much have you saved? If