Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 97

Victor’s words hung in the air, their meaning clear to all three.

Hamilton’s face was as frosty as a winter’s morning.

In the past, he wouldn’t have batted an eye at Victor’s barbs. After all, jealousy was a trait possessed by all, and people tended to undermine what they could not obtain.

But now, watching Natalia’s stoic little face, a wave of irritation washed over him.

“If you’re bored, Mr. Henkel, I could always find you some more work.” Hamilton’s voice was cool but laced with venom.

Victor’s face nearly cracked with the effort of holding back his anger. After a tense moment, he snorted. “Hamilton, falling out with your brothers over a tramp? Is it worth it?”

“Whether it’s worth it or not is my business. If you want to test me, Mr. Henkel, I assure you I’m up for the challenge.”

Victor grunted but said no more. He had no desire to be on the receiving end of Hamilton’s machinations again – a few words from him could leave Victor feeling like he had been punched in the gut.

Hamilton was known, even in their circles, for his ruthlessness and inscrutability.

But to he had fallen for Natalia? Victor didn’t buy it. How could a man like Hamilton fall in

love so easily, especially with Eveleen in the picture? He probably just wanted to stamp his ownership – what’s his was his, whether he liked it or not, and he sure as hell didn’t want anyone else eyeing his possessions.

“It was just a figure of speech, Hamilton. Don’t take it to heart.”

Hamilton gave him a look but said nothing more.

Eveleen walked in, her smile freezing momentarily at the sight of Natalia by Hamilton’s side.

“Ms. Jenkins is here too?” Her voice carried a forced cheerfulness.

Natalia glanced at her but remained silent.

Eveleen pouted. “Hamilton, why didn’t you tell me Ms. Jenkins was coming?”

Hamilton was already in a foul mood. He shot Eveleen a look. “You didn’t ask.”

Eveleen’s face fell into a pout. “Did I upset you? Is that why you’re talking to me like this?”

Hamilton let out a resigned chuckle. “Alright, I’m wrong, princess.”

pout eased into a smile. “That’s better.”

one spoiled,

this, a bitter taste rose in Natalia’s throat. She had often wondered

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Chapter 97

be like in love. Now, it seemed not so

Jenkins, long time no see,” Eveleen

but kept

ever the magnanimous one, not only forgave Natalia’s silence but expressed concern,

you care about your employees at all? If Ms. Jenkins isn’t feeling well,

You want

before continuing her conversation with Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, you seem a bit unhappy with my

smile. “Ms. Schafer, you’re reading too much into

mask of hurt as she turned to Hamilton. “It seems like Ms. Jenkins really doesn’t like

like

with you, Hamilton. Ms. Jenkins, am I right? You’re only warm

if you’re willing to match that, I could be just

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

ready to

gripping her wrist. “Where are you

the restroom,” Natalia replied, looking back at him.

her wrist lightly.

you let me leave early if I

was true she was unwell, but it

“If you’re unwell, I’ll have someone bring you

laughed, pulling her hand free, and walked out. She couldn’t fathom why Hamilton insisted on her staying for dinner. Was it to see her discomfort or for her to

she exhaled a sigh

room, Hamilton turned to Eveleen. “Do you find it fun to pick on her?”

up. “What do you mean? I was talking nicely to her.

“Why don’t you

you treat me like this?

“Let’s be reasonable, Eveleen. You were the

with me? Upset that I broke up

her a tissue, replying coolly, “No.”

If she didn’t want to be with him, he couldn’t force her

“I’ll go check on

her face briefly twisting with

I told you Hamilton is getting more and more concerned about her,” Victor added, stirring the pot.