Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 97

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, | 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, | 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 | upset you? Is that why you're talking to me like this?” Hamilton let out a resigned chuckle. “Alright, I’m wrong, princess.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Eveleen’s pout eased into a smile. “That’s better.”

The two of them, one spoiled, the other indulgent.

Watching this, a bitter taste rose in Natalia’s throat. She had often wondered what a man like 17:29

Hamilton would be like in love. Now, it seemed not so hard to imagine.

“Ms. Jenkins, long time no see,” Eveleen greeted her.

Natalia nodded but kept quiet.

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

Then, she glared at Hamilton. “Hamilton, 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 trip.”

Hamilton snorted. “What now? You want to manage my staff, too?”

Eveleen glared back before continuing her conversation with Natalia. “Ms. Jenkins, you seem a bit unhappy with my presence.” Natalia offered a polite smile. “Ms. Schafer, you’re reading too much into it.”

Eveleen’s face fell into a mask of hurt as she turned to Hamilton. “It seems like Ms. Jenkins really doesn’t like me.”

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

Eveleen pouted. “I don’t see her being that way with you, Hamilton. Ms. Jenkins, am | right? You’re only warm to Hamilton?”

Natalia let out a laugh. “Well, Mr. Fowler pays my bills. Ms. Schafer, if you’re willing to match that, | could be just as friendly with you.”

Eveleen’s smile faltered.

Natalia stood up, ready to leave.

Hamilton’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. “Where are you going?”

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

His fingers caressed her wrist lightly. “Feeling unwell?”

“Would you let me leave early if | was, Mr. Fowler?”

It was true she was unwell, but it was her heart that ached.

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly. “If you’re unwell, I’ll have someone bring you medicine. You can leave after dinner.”

Natalia laughed, pulling her 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 for Eveleen?

Once outside, she exhaled a sigh of relief.

Back in the room, Hamilton turned to Eveleen. “Do you find it fun to pick on her?”

Eveleen Rated up. “What do you mean? | was talking nicely to her. She’s the one who’s been Tude” Hamilton raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you just ignore her then?”

“Then why bring her at all? Hamilton, why do you treat me like this? You said you'd fall for me!” Hamilton met her gaze, “Let’s be reasonable, Eveleen. You were the one who wanted to break

“Are you still angry with me? Upset that | broke up with you?” Tears welled in Eveleen’s eyes. Hamilton handed her a tissue, replying coolly, “No.”

He 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.

He stood up. “I'll go check on her.”

Eveleen watched his retreating back, her face briefly twisting with spite.

“See? | told you Hamilton is getting more and more concerned about her,” Victor added, stirring the pot.

Eveleen’s face contorted further. She didn’t need Victor to tell her; she could see it herself. Hamilton was indeed becoming more and more attentive to Natalia.

Even lately, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Hamilton was developing a soft spot for Natalia, despite his persistent denials.

However, a woman’s intuition can be irrationally accurate sometimes, and this was not what Eveleen wanted to see happen. No matter what, she couldn't let Hamilton fall for Natalia.

Once she got Hamilton away from that woman, she had a whole playbook of tricks to make. Natalia vanish without a trace.

Eveleen stood up and followed suit, striding out of the booth. She emerged to see the man not far off, leaning against the wall, taking a drag on his cigarette. Tall and lean with a sharp silhouette, he looked even more charismatic than he had four years ago.

But now, he was waiting for another woman.

Eveleen clenched her fists and walked over to Hamilton.

When he saw her, his eyebrows quirked up. Her nose was still a bit red, and his demeanor softened. “Why did you come out here, too?” He said, ruffling her hair.

Eveleen put on a pout. “Don’t be mad anymore. | won't make a fuss next time.”

Hamilton chuckled. “Okay.”

“I'm going to freshen up.”

“Go ahead,” Hamilton said, patting her on the back.

In the restroom. Natalia stood motionless in front of the mirror. She really didn’t want to go back to that room.

Hoping to hide out for a while longer, she planned to send Hamilton a message and head home first. But she hadn’t expected Eveleen to push the door open and come in.

Natalia glanced at her before quickly looking away.

Eveleen moved to stand beside her. “Natalia, did you enjoy the taste of that online backlash last time?” Natalia’s face instantly paled. “Eveleen, it was you, wasn’t it?”

Eveleen let out a laugh. “What if it was? What are you going to do about it? Besides-”

She leaned in close to Natalia’s ear, whispering, “Some things, Hamilton is well aware of. Otherwise, why would he cooperate with me to take that picture for my Twitter, huh?”