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.

yet deliberate. “Can’t you

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

want to hear, Mr. Fowler?

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tightened momentarily before he let out a

skip those words. You know well enough that between us,” he paused

by a contract

eyes fell. “I apologize, I’ve crossed

teasing. He pointed to the contract and said, “I’ll review this closely. If there are no

was barely concealed. In the restroom, she washed her face, calming the storm within.

mirror, she gave a wry smile. She knew better than anyone that she should let go of false hopes, yet she

to find a sliver of evidence that Hamilton had some

She wasn’t ready to accept that her three years companionship couldn’t stir a

persistent despite the heartache and disappointment.

of

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

Passing the pantry, she heard the chatter of the younger

out

paused. “What’s up?”

having a dinner party? Other

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

it and let me know,” she

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

smiled. “Of course. Bring whoever you wish.”

you, Boss? We could invite some extra guys

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

shoulder. “I’m busy, and you should get

15:48

“Okay.”

in her office, Natalia finally relaxed. Scarlett called.

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