Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 80 Natalia stood outside Hamilton's office, taking a deep breath before rapping her knuckles against the door.

“Cin.” Hamilton's voice beckoned from within.

Pushing the door open, Natalia found him casually seated behind his desk, the picture of composure.

“Mr. Fowler, did you need to see me?” she asked.

Hamilton chuckled lightly. “Ms. Jenkins, you sure have a knack for causingtrouble.” Natalia offered a wry smile, “Isn’t it you who keepson my toes, Mr. Fowler? Knowing full well I'd be back today, why didn’t you ask HR to give Giselle a heads up?” “So you decide to go rogue?” Natalia met his gaze squarely, “What did you expectto do?” Hamilton arched an eyebrow, “You could cto me.” “And if | came, would you have helped me?” she countered.

The memory of her previous plea for help when Eveleen made things difficult still stung. Hamilton's response had been sharp and clear: If you couldn’t handle it, I'd find someone who will.

He wouldn't help her, especially not with anything concerning Eveleen. Natalia was always left out in the cold.

She refused to humiliate herself again. If he wouldn't help, she’d handle it herself.

Hamilton's eyes narrowed slightly, “Ms. Jenkins, sounds like there's no trust between us.” Natalia’s lips twitched. Was there any trust left to speak of? She locked eyes with Hamilton, “It’s not about trust, Mr. Fowler. It's about knowing my own worth.” Hamilton's expression darkened as if he was struggling to contain a brewing storm.

“Over here,” he commanded.

Natalia hesitated but eventually moved closer.

In one swift motion, Hamilton pulled her into his embrace, his large hand gripping her waist.

“Who the hell you were talking to? You know, Natalia, constantly testing my patience will get you nowhere. It would be in your best interest not to anger me.” His grip tightened, “Is compliance really that hard?” His ire was palpable.

Natalia tensed slightly, realizing she had little room to resist in his presence. She found the whole power struggle tiresome.

1/4 15:43 She'd been butting heads with this man for a while, only to realize that when it truly mattered, she had no ground to stand on.

Like the part-tjob she fought so hard to secure-What was the point of her fighting to get it? Hamilton could just as easily make her give it up.

And just last night, she had defiantly confronted Eveleen in front of him, only to be met with an even more humiliating rebuke.

What was the point? If he wanted obedience, she'd give it to him.

With a self-deprecating laugh, she turned to Hamilton.

“Alright, I'm asking you. Please, help me.” She said.

Hamilton's eyes narrowed further. He wanted her submission, but not like this.

The old Natalia used to comply out of genuine fondness and dependence, not with an empty plea devoid of any warmth or devotion in her eyes.

When had she becthis way? Hamilton's features twisted into a frown. He had not intended to make things difficult for her today. Had she simply cto him, he would've helped.

But she refused, and even now, her attitude was less than desirable.

His gaze darkened with anger, “Is this how you being submissive?” Natalia laughed bitterly, “What else do you want from me, Mr. Fowler?” He tightened his hold on her, his laughter cold, “And what do you wantdo to help?” Ignoring the pain at her waist, Natalia said, “I don’t want to work with Giselle.” Hamilton's smile remained, but his eyes were icy. “Fine, cto the secretarial pool.” He claimed.

Natalia spun around, “Hamilton. | built the marketing department from the ground up!” He hummed casually, “And?” Her lips trembled slightly, “And | can’t let Giselle take it over!” Hamilton's fingers pinched her chin, “Then showthe proper way to ask for help.” Natalia stared at him. Finally, she gave a wry smile and let her defenses drop. “Mr. Fowler, | don’t want to leave the marketing department.” Hamilton's own discontent simmered, but he said nothing more.

“Fine, I'll have HR transfer her. Let your assistant handle Eveleen’s endorsements going forward. You won't have to deal with her anymore.” Natalia managed a smile, “Okay. Thank you, Mr. Fowler.” 15:43 Hamilton's ayes darkened as he cupped her earlobe, pulling her into a kiss without warning. After a lingering moment, he released her as if his anger had been sated, “Be good from now on.” Natalia nodded indifferently, “Sure.” He watched her for a long moment before asking, “What do you want for lunch?” “I made plans with Tess. We're hitting the cafeteria.

Hamilton nodded, “Eat well, you're too thin.” “Mhm,” she acknowledged.

He kissed her lips once more, then dismissed her, “Off you go.” Natalia rose and headed for the door, only to be stopped as it burst open. Her steps halted abruptly as a man charged in, followed by Alden.

The executive secretary Linda stood at the door, trembling, “Mr. Fowler, I'm sorry. | just couldn’t stop Orpheus.” Hamilton's gaze grew icy and his brows knitted.

The intruder spared Natalia a fleeting glance before confronting Hamilton with a sneer. “Seeing my brother is quite the challenge.” He quipped.

Ice filled Hamilton's eyes as he glanced at Alden. “Take her out.” He said.

Alden nodded hastily, then escorted Natalia away from the CEO suite.

Once clear of the office, Alden exhaled a sigh of relief. He glanced at the door, which remained firmly shut, and said, “That was my brother, Orpheus. He's been messing with sshady deals lately, stuff he shouldn't have touched. Hamilton found out and busted up a few of his operations. He's here to settle the score.” Natalia’s lips quivered slightly. She wanted to ask if there was any danger, but she didn’t voice her concern.

Hamilton was the kind of guy who wouldn’t be in danger, right? Alden raised an eyebrow. Only then did he notice Natalia’s unease. “Ms. Jenkins, are you alright?” he asked.

“I'm fine.” Alden frowned, “Did you have another spat with my brother?” It seemed to him that ever since she returned from Eveleen, their arguments never ceased.

Natalia chuckled, “No.” It wasn’t even a proper argument; for that, both parties needed to be on equal footing.

Alden was skeptical, “Ms. Jenkins, | think my brother actually cares about you. | can feel it, 15:43 Chapter 80 really” Natalia laughed in a self-deprecating way. Once, she had been under the sillusion. But illusions were just illusions.

“Alden, care to joinfor lunch?” she asked, turning to the man.

Alden, his subject forcibly changed, felt a bit helpless. But seeing Natalia’s expression, he let it go.

“Not today, I'll catch up with my brother later.” He explained.

Natalia nodded. After parting ways with Alden, she headed straight to the cafeteria to find Tess.

“What are you having, boss? I'll grab it for you,” Tess asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Natalia took a deep breath to steady her emotions, then patted Tess on the shoulder, “I'll get it myself.” “Alright, just be careful; the soup’s fresh out of the kitchen-it’s piping hot.” Natalia nodded, “Got it.” She decided on sdessert and was about to get herself a bowl. of hot soup.

While waiting in line, the person next to her suddenly stumbled. A tray with steaming hot. soup poured down towards her arm.

“Yikes,” Natalia hissed in pain. Looking up, she saw Giselle standing beside her with a smile on her face, “Ms.

Jenkins, I'm so sorry. | didn’t mean to do that.”