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.

gentle yet deliberate. “Can’t you say something sweet

what he wanted, and although she was capable of it, she didn’t want to

Mr. Fowler?

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15:48

momentarily before he let out a

know well enough that between us,” he paused briefly, then continued, “there are

by a contract and nothing

apologize, I’ve crossed

review this closely. If there are no issues, I’ll let you know. You

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

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

to find a sliver of evidence that Hamilton

Alden said. She wasn’t ready to accept that her three years companionship couldn’t stir a flicker of emotion; especially

persistent despite

of

presence in her heart over twenty years, and it

the pantry, she heard the chatter

Tess called out upon seeing her.

paused. “What’s up?”

our department having a dinner party?

New Year, and department gatherings were common. However, Natalia had been too dispirited to organize one this year, so she hadn’t arranged one

let me know,” she

“Boss, everyone wants to bring their plus–ones. Is that okay?”

course. Bring whoever you wish.”

Boss? We could invite some extra guys

declined, not wanting to complicate her life further.

and you should get back to

15:48

“Okay.”

Natalia finally relaxed.

I’ve sent you the sanatorium’s

“Thanks,” she replied.

you really leaving? Not to mention the risks for your mother on the road, but the costs are astronomical. How much have you