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.

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Chapter

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

her wrist tightened abruptly as if to snap

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

low

expression remained unfazed, as

and grabbed her chin. “Do you really think someone will dare to

didn’t let go, nobody would dare

but in the eyes of

for a trinket? But what other choice did she have?

be someone. If not in Silkwood City, then another city.”

on her wrist tightened, her expression remained impassive.

laughed coldly.

find just any man than come back to me? Is that it?”

didn’t deny it.

nodded, his laughter hollow. “Fine, Natalia. You chose this path. Just don’t come crying

he made a phone call. Moments later, his

“Get this processed.”

unaware of the tension, took the paperwork and

leave, but

lips found the

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

the day, the secretary had completed the

at the property deed before her, Natalia felt a mix of emotions. She took a deep breath,

helped her rent an apartment a few days ago

Chapter 121

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

simply asking him to find

price

thanked him, and left.

apartment,

would like to have dinner with you. Are you available?”

hesitating, she agreed, “Sure.”

Department wasn’t exactly short–staffed, but someone of Natalia’s caliber, capable of handling nearly all diplomatic translations, was a rarity indeed. Such a talent would be wasted if

been contemplating a collaboration with Natalia. A direct position at the Foreign Affairs Department was unlikely, but

spot, Ryan and Collin were already waiting.

at the

good to see you again,” he

couldn’t help but

help frowning. He had this nagging feeling that Natalia seemed preoccupied

front of Collin, he didn’t

throughout. When it