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

two of them, one spoiled,

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

17:29

Chapter 97

in love. Now, it seemed

no see,” Eveleen greeted her.

but kept

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

glared at Hamilton. “Hamilton, don’t you care about your employees at all? If Ms. Jenkins isn’t feeling

“What now? You want to manage my

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

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

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

like that

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

out a laugh. “Well, Mr. Fowler pays my bills. Ms. Schafer, if you’re willing to match that, I

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

stood up, ready

hand shot out, gripping her wrist.

Natalia replied, looking back at

fingers caressed her wrist lightly.

let me leave early if

was true she was unwell, but it was her heart

I’ll have someone bring you medicine.

fathom why Hamilton insisted on her staying

she exhaled a sigh of relief.

Eveleen. “Do you find it fun to

up. “What do you mean? I was talking nicely to her. She’s the one

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

her at all? Hamilton, why do you treat me like this? You

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

that I broke up with you?”

handed her a tissue,

freedom. If she didn’t want to be with him, he couldn’t

stood up. “I’ll go check on

back, her face briefly twisting

and more concerned about her,” Victor added,