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 smile. “That’s

them, one spoiled, the other

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

17:29

Chapter 97

in love. Now, it

time no see,” Eveleen greeted

nodded but kept quiet.

expressed concern,

employees at all? If

want to manage my staff, too?”

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

polite smile. “Ms. Schafer, you’re

as she turned to

chuckled. “She’s like that with everyone.”

“I don’t see her being that way with you, Hamilton. Ms. Jenkins, am I right? You’re

bills. Ms. Schafer, if you’re willing

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

ready to leave.

gripping her wrist. “Where are you

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

fingers caressed her wrist lightly.

me leave early if I was,

was true she was unwell, but it was

unwell, I’ll have someone bring

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

outside, she exhaled a

room, Hamilton turned to Eveleen. “Do you

“What do you mean? I was talking nicely to

an eyebrow. “Why don’t

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

“Let’s be reasonable, Eveleen. You were

still angry with me? Upset that I broke

tissue, replying coolly,

If she didn’t

up. “I’ll go check on

back, her face

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