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

one spoiled, the

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

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Chapter 97

be like in love. Now, it

time no see,” Eveleen

but kept

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

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

want to manage

with Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, you seem

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

a mask of hurt as she turned to Hamilton. “It seems like

chuckled. “She’s like that with

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

Schafer, if you’re willing to match

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

ready to

shot out, gripping her wrist. “Where

the restroom,” Natalia replied, looking back

fingers caressed her wrist lightly.

early

true she was unwell, but it was her heart that

someone bring you medicine. You can leave after dinner.”

her hand free, and walked out. She couldn’t fathom why Hamilton insisted on her staying for dinner. Was it

a sigh of relief.

to Eveleen. “Do you find it

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

an eyebrow. “Why don’t you

you treat me like this? You said you’d fall for me!”

Eveleen. You were the

that I broke up with you?” Tears welled in Eveleen’s eyes.

her a tissue, replying

wasn’t angry, Feelings come and go – that’s the nature of freedom. If she didn’t want to be with him, he couldn’t force her to stay.

stood up. “I’ll go check

back, her face briefly twisting with

you Hamilton is getting more and more concerned about her,” Victor