Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 121

Natalia’s lips were pulled tight, a line of tension that betrayed her unease.

Hamilton had thrown a curveball, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Still, her heart felt heavy, as if it were swamped in a fog of disappointment. The man before her, it seemed, was determined to leave her with no way out.

A bitter smile crept across her face. “I did say that, but you never agreed, Mr. Fowler.”

Hamilton’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Ms. Jenkins, when you wanted to uncover the truth, you agreed to walk away from the house. Now that you’ve got your truth, you want to keep the house, too? Isn’t that a bit greedy?”

The smile on his face was mask–like, devoid of any warmth in his eyes.

“Hamilton.” Natalia’s voice was laced with a pain she could hardly contain as she faced him. “That house… it was bought with my child’s life!”

His smile vanished in an instant. He looked at her with cold eyes, and after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. “Natalia, save me the sob story about kids. I don’t care about that.”

She laughed suddenly, a sound that was more a release of pent–up frustration than any real amusement.

“If that’s the case, then I’m not beholden to you, Mr. Fowler. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, plenty of other wealthy people in this world. I’m sure if I put my heart into finding someone, I’ll find a willing soul.”

Hamilton’s face darkened, his gaze growing icy as he fixed his eyes on her.

“Natalia, I dare you say that again!” he growled.

She met his chilling gaze and knew she had struck a nerve. She was aware of her vulnerability before him, aware that even the smallest trick he used on her would require her to fight with all her might.

But she had to survive.

“People need to live, Hamilton, and I… I just want to live well.”

She didn’t want to keep getting hurt by him. She didn’t want to drown any longer in a hopeless

romance.

That was all.

She didn’t deny her feelings for Hamilton. But it was true; she no longer wanted to return to his side.

Hamilton reached out, his hand suddenly gripping her wrist. His face was a mask of frost, yet his fingers were gentle, caressing her skin tenderly.

12.10

Chapter

“Who do you plan to find. Natalia?” he asked softly, like a lover’s whisper.

abruptly as

the pain, forcing a smile. “Anyone who can help is fine by me. After all, what we have is nothing more than a transaction. And if it’s just a transaction, I can surely find someone else

was a low rumble, almost unrecognizable with anger.

as still as

Hamilton sneered and grabbed her chin. “Do you really think someone will dare to make a deal with

her head. She knew the truth well–if Hamilton didn’t let go, nobody would dare to cross him for her

eyes of these men,

trinket? But what

be someone. If not in

wrist

laughed coldly.

you’d rather find just any man than come

didn’t deny

hollow. “Fine, Natalia. You chose this path. Just don’t come crying back to me!”

made a phone call. Moments later, his

“Get this processed.”

of the tension,

Natalia turned to leave,

could react, his lips found the nape of her neck.

from the previous night’s torment. But Hamilton didn’t go further; after a couple of kisses, he released her.

the end of the day, the

emotions. She took a deep breath, picked up

who had helped her rent an apartment a few days ago greeted her

Chapter 121

“Ms. Jenkins, with a house like this, why are

didn’t elaborate, simply asking him to

top–notch facilities, and the asking price is reasonable. Rest assured, the moment word gets out, you’ll have buyers lining

nodded, thanked him,

apartment,

have dinner with you. Are you available?”

hesitating, she agreed,

Natalia’s caliber, capable of handling nearly all diplomatic translations, was a

A direct position at the Foreign Affairs Department was unlikely,

at the meeting spot,

up at the sight of

again,” he said, barely concealing his

couldn’t help but smile

Ryan couldn’t help frowning. He had this nagging

of Collin, he didn’t say

throughout. When it came