Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 37 Natalia returned to her hotel room, where her phone buzzed with a new notification.

Half a million dollars was wired to her account.

She stared at the message and then, on impulse, checked the trending topics online. Sure enough, the headline had changed.

Eveleen had been Hamilton's high school sweetheart, now eclipsing the previous night's scandal with the mystery man. Under the trending topic about them, the intewas abuzz with excitement.

There were blessings and envy. And there were speculations if the two had reconciled.

Natalia’s fingers tightened around her phone. After a moment, she let out a wry chuckle. This was, perhaps, the exact outcEveleen had sought. Hamilton probably knew that, so he had made their relationship public.

And Natalia, who stayed by Hamilton's side, was there for the money. So, he settled her with money.

Typical Hamilton, cold and calculating.

Just as Natalia was about to put away her phone, the executive assistant called.

“Mr. Fowler would like you to dress up: he'll be picking you up shortly for a client meeting.

Natalia was silent, not responding. She felt a twinge of resentment. But she also knew she had no right to challenge Hamilton.

“Ms. Jenkins?” the secretary asked again.

Natalia responded with a simple acknowledgment. “Alright.” She hung up and changed into a dress Hamilton had bought for her the night before. royal blue number, hemmed just above the knee.

it was a After getting dressed, Natalia applied makeup for the first tsince learning she was pregnant.

Hamilton called half an hour later.

Natalia stepped downstairs to find Hamilton lowering his car window, his eyebrows lifting ever so slightly at the sight of her.

The royal blue dress made her porcelain skin even more luminous.

“Nice dress,” Hamilton commented casually, leaning against the car window.

Natalia didn’t reply, simply getting into the car.

Their client meeting was at a golf course. Natalia followed Hamilton's lead throughout, quietly 1/4 Chapter 37 translating each sentence. The meeting went smoothly, with both parties expressing interest in collaboration.

Back in the car, Hamilton turned to Natalia. “Playing the silent game?” Natalia paused before answering, striving for nonchalance. “Mr. Fowler, have you ever considered ending our...

arrangement early?” Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly. “You want to end it?” Natalia’s smile was faint. “The thought has crossed my mind.” Hamilton's gaze bore into her, and after a moment, he asked, “Is this about that trending topic earlier?” Natalia took a deep breath and didn’t deny it. “Yes.” Hamilton's hand gripped her waist, pulling her closer. “Ms. Jenkins, do you think you're completely blameless? Or do you believe you're beyond questioning?” Natalia stiffened. “That's not what | mean.” “Is it not, or are you just being sulky?” Hamilton's stare was intense.

Natalia let out a bitter laugh. “Do | have the right to be sulky, Mr. Fowler?” Hamilton's gaze didn’t waver. “Natalia, since you know better, drop the unnecessary attitude.” “I'm not being sulky, | really...” “Natalia.” Hamilton cut her off sharply. “Do you honestly think | am skind of hotel where you can cand go as you please? You should know, ever since you cback tofor that million dollars, you lost the right to talk about leaving.” Natalia was at a loss for words. Her eyes reddened as she turned to Hamilton. “Your relationship with Ms. Schafer is public now, Mr. Fowler. This makesfeel like... like a mistress. | don’t want to be caught between you anymore. It's uncomfortable for all three of us.” Hamilton relaxed back into his seat, his expression unchanging. “Ms. Jenkins, did you just find out about my history with Eveleen?” Natalia looked away. “No.” “Then why the sudden sentimentality? You ctowhen you needed money, took it, and now you want to leave. Natalia, have | been too kind to you? Made you think you can do whatever you want?” “No.” Natalia met his gaze. When had she ever dared to do as she pleased around him? “I've never thought that, I'm just...” The word ‘hurt’ remained unspoken. In front of a man who didn’t love her, hurt was just another form of self-pity.

She had no right to feel it.

Chapter 37 Taking a deep breath and composing herself, Natalia faced Hamilton. “I just don’t understand. Eveleen has been back for a while; why won't you reconcile with her?” Hamilton's face darkened. “Ms. Jenkins, you're overstepping.” “Being stuck between you two feels really horrible.” “Ms. Jenkins.” Hamilton turned, a hint of anger in his brows. “Know your place, understand your role. My relationship with Eveleen is none of your concern.” Natalia choked up.

That was it. From the beginning, she was just a mistress. She had no influence over them at all. It was all her delusion. Thinking she was caught between them? As if she had a place between Hamilton and Eveleen! Hamilton started the car. They drove in silence until Natalia spoke up again. “Mr. Fowler, half a million is too low a compensation.” If that was how it was going to be, then she would ask for more.

Half a million? That was hardly enough.

Hamilton parked the car, his lips curling into a cold smirk, “How much do you want then, Ms. Jenkins?” “One million.” Hamilton raised an eyebrow, lighting a cigarette. The sharp line of his jaw accentuated his perfect profile. The act of lighting up made him seem untamed and charismatic.

“Ms. Jenkins, money doesn’t grow on trees. If you want cash, you've got to earn it.” Hamilton's statement hung in the air as he raised an eyebrow at Natalia.

She knew exactly what he meant, but she didn’t budge. “Mr. Fowler, this is the compensation I'm owed.” Hamilton chuckled lightly. “The distress you have suffered warrants half a million at most, or do you really think you're skind of royalty, Ms. Jenkins? Expecting a million just because you got asked a question?” Still, Natalia remained motionless.

Hamilton reached out, his long fingers gently lifting her chin. “Natalia, you're a smart woman. You should know that this attitude will only make things harder for you.” Her eyes dropped, and a wry smile creased her lips.

Another warning from Hamilton. Reminded her that throwing what he would call a ‘tantrum’ was pointless in his presence.

“I understand,” she murmured.

Chapter 37 Back at the hotel, Hamilton disappeared into the bathroom.

Natalia slumped on the couch, lost in thought. Today's had been telling. Once again, she realized the gap between how Hamilton saw her and Eveleen. It was a chasm of despair.

She never really expected Hamilton to love her. Right from the start, she knew the score. All she wanted was a little compassion from him. But even that seemed too much to ask for now.

When Hamilton emerged from the bathroom, he called out to her. “Your turn to freshen up.” Natalia nodded and entered the steamy bathroom, scented with the piney fragrance that lingered from Hamilton.

After her shower, she found Hamilton by the window, smoking.

He stubbed out the cigarette as she approached. “Chere.” Natalia moved closer, and Hamilton's hands found her waist, pressing her against the window.

“Natalia, let's finish what we didn’t last night.” She was completely out of the mood. Last night felt like a different world compared to now. “I'm sorry, Mr.

Fowler, I...” His frown deepened, and her words choked off.

Seeing the growing displeasure in his eyes, she steeled herself and leaned in to kiss him.

Waking up later in the dead of night, she was alone.

Her phone showed a new bank transfer.

Half a million.

The memo was brief: [Service Rendered. ]