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.”

into a

of them, one spoiled,

bitter taste rose in Natalia’s throat. She

17:29

Chapter 97

like in love. Now, it seemed not so hard to imagine.

no see,” Eveleen greeted

nodded but kept

ever the magnanimous one, not only forgave Natalia’s silence but expressed concern, “Ms. Jenkins,

“Hamilton, don’t you care about your employees at all? If Ms. Jenkins isn’t feeling well, you shouldn’t have dragged her on this

“What now? You want

before continuing her conversation with Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins,

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

hurt as she turned to Hamilton.

like that with

see her being that way with you, Hamilton. Ms. Jenkins, am I right? You’re

bills. Ms. Schafer, if you’re willing to match that, I could

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

stood up, ready to leave.

gripping her wrist. “Where

Natalia replied, looking back at him.

her wrist lightly. “Feeling unwell?”

let me leave early if I was, Mr. Fowler?”

was true she was unwell, but

I’ll have someone bring you medicine. You can leave

why Hamilton insisted on her staying for dinner. Was it

exhaled a

“Do you

you mean? I was talking nicely to her. She’s

an eyebrow. “Why don’t you just ignore her then?”

why do you treat me like this? You said you’d fall

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

I broke up

a tissue, replying

– that’s the nature of freedom. If she didn’t want

stood up. “I’ll go check on her.”

watched his retreating back, her face briefly twisting with spite.

is getting more and more concerned about