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.”

eased into a smile.

of them, one

this, a bitter taste rose in Natalia’s throat.

17:29

Chapter 97

be like in love. Now, it seemed not so hard

no see,”

but

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

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

want to manage

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

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

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

like

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

Fowler pays my bills. Ms. Schafer, if you’re willing to match that,

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

stood up, ready to

out, gripping her

replied, looking

wrist lightly. “Feeling

you let me leave early

but it was her

“If you’re unwell, I’ll have someone bring you medicine. You can leave after

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 witness his affection for

a sigh of relief.

“Do you find it fun to pick

was talking

raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you just ignore

bring her at all? Hamilton, why do you treat

her gaze, “Let’s be reasonable, Eveleen. You were

with me? Upset that I broke

handed her a tissue, replying coolly, “No.”

wasn’t angry, Feelings come and go – that’s the nature of freedom. If she didn’t

up. “I’ll go check on

retreating back, her

more and more concerned about her,” Victor added, stirring the pot.