Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 89

Natalia felt a pang in her chest as Hamilton spoke, his affection always seeming more like charity than genuine care. She was tired of entangling her thoughts in these emotions.

Looking up at him, she mustered a simple, “Thanks.”

Hamilton’s brows furrowed slightly, and a scoff escaped his lips, “Don’t mention it. Since you’re not burning up anymore, come on and eat something.”

Inhaling deeply, Natalia put her chaotic emotions aside, got out of bed, and took a shower. When she came out of the bathroom, Hamilton had already dished out lunch. Chicken soup.

A flicker of surprise crossed Natalia’s eyes; she actually quite liked chicken soup. As a child, her mother Tatiana would often make it for her.

“Why this?” she asked.

Hamilton arched a brow at her and asked back, “Isn’t this your favorite soup?”

Natalia’s grip on her spoon tightened unconsciously. It felt like ages before she whispered another, “Thank you.” Hamilton’s face darkened at her excessively polite thanks. Ever since the miscarriage, it seemed she had adopted this attitude. “Ms. Jenkins, fond of saying thanks, are we?”

Natalia’s lips pressed into a thin line. After a brief silence, she replied, “It’s just common

courtesy.”

Hamilton snorted, “You are indeed very ‘courteous*.”

Natalia glanced at him but remained silent, lifting her bowl to eat.

After lunch, Hamilton changed into fresh clothes, preparing for the office.

“Need more rest?” he asked.

Natalia shook her head and said, “No, I’m already behind on work. Can’t afford to lose more.

time.”

Hamilton nodded, watching her get dressed. As she was about to leave, he called out,

“Natalia.”

He stood at the bedroom door, holding a tie. “Come here, help me with this.”

She paused, then walked over.

Natalia stood on tiptoe and tied it for him.

15:

“Mr. Fowler, | should get going.”

As she finished speaking, Hamilton grasped her hand.

“| don’t like this one, pick another”

Natalia frowned again. “Mr. Fowler, I’m going to be late.”

She had hoped to reach the office before the afternoon check-in.

Hamilton just seemed indifferently. “So?”

Taking a deep breath, Natalia patiently helped him choose another tie. Finally ready, she rushed towards the door. Hamilton called out from behind, “You're almost late. Don’t take the bus. Come with me.”

Natalia stopped dead, refusing, “Better not. People might get the wrong idea.”

Hamilton’s annoyance grew at her eagerness to set boundaries.

“Ms. Jenkins, are you afraid of misunderstandings?”

“Very.”

She was more than afraid after what had happened, having felt the sting of public scorn.

If she once covertly wished others knew about her relationship with Hamilton, now she wanted nothing of the sort. But Hamilton just looked at her and said, “You're that keen to disassociate from me, huh?”

Natalia didn’t deny it, “I don’t want to be accused of interfering with your relationship with Ms.

Schafer.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening further.

“Enough talk. He grabbed her wrist and led her out the door.

Natalia struggled, but Hamilton picked her up in his arms. “Hamilton! What are you doing?”

He remained silent, his face set in stone. He placed her in the passenger seat and didn’t speak until he was in the driver’s seat. “Natalia, do you think some boundaries are yours to draw?”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Natalia’s expression stiffened. She had indeed been trying to establish boundaries with him. If sleeping with him was unavoidable, she wanted nothing else to do with him.

“Hamilton, what’s wrong with clearer boundaries?”

Hamilton leaned casually against the seat, one hand on the steering wheel. “Unless you have nothing to do with me anymore. Now you're still using my money, still my lover. Can you draw those lines if | don’t want you to?”

Natalia had no comeback. She was still his lover, still using his money. The boundaries 15:47

couldn't be clear if he didn’t want them to be.

She laughed bitterly. Then Mi. Fowler, could you let me out early?”

Hamilton had no objections, he didn’t want her to face any more gossip after the recent online bullying. “Sure” He reached over, pinching her earlobe gently.

“Don't overdo it this afternoon. If you're not feeling well, tell me.”

Natalia was silent for a moment before replying. “Okay”

Back at the office. Tess rushed over.

“Boss, are you alright?”

I'm fine. Tess, sorry to worry you,” Natalia nodded.

Tess clung to her arm and said, “I was scared you'd do something drastic. Isn’t that what happens to people who get cyberbullied?”

Natalia laughed, ruffling Tess’s hair. “I’m not that fragile.”

Tess looked around conspiratorially and said, “You know, | was thinking, if only you and Mr. Fowler were a thing, that would really tick off Eveleen.”

Natalia’s smile twitched. “Wishful thinking. Mr. Fowler’s not interested in me.”

Tess pouted, “If he can be into Eveleen, he can be into you. You're way prettier. Boss, why don’t you try to seduce Mr. Fowler?” Natalia’s smile vanished; she quickly changed the subject.

“Is the Boria City collaboration close to signing?”

Tess, ever oblivious, followed the lead, “Yeah, we’re finalizing the contract, but we might have to go to Boria City for the signing.” Natalia nodded, not particularly concerned.

It was usually Hamilton who'd head out with the executive secretary for the contract signings.

With the contract thoroughly checked and ready for Hamilton’s final nod of approval, Natalia was about to seek him out when the office door swung open. Looking up, she caught sight of Victor standing in the doorway.

“Ms. Jenkins, you're looking more radiant every day.”

Awave of revulsion surged through Natalia. Clutching the contract, she made a beeline for

the door.

15:48

“Mr. Henkel, i'm swamped, so if you'll excuse me!”

But Victor's grip was quick and firm, pulling her back into the office as he locked the door behind them. “Victor Henkel!” Panic edged into Natalia’s voice.

He shushed her with a gesture.

“Do you really want to make a spectacle for the whole office, Ms. Jenkins?”

Her lips paled. “What do you want?”

Victor's laugh was light and menacing. “Relax, Ms. Jenkins. We're in your company’s building. Even if | wanted to do something, it wouldn’t be here. | just haven’t seen you in ages, and I’ve missed you. Just wanted to catch up, that’s all.”

“I'll pass.” She tried to shake off his hold and leave, but Victor blocked the door, smirking. coldly at Natalia. “Feeling proud of yourself these days, Ms. Jenkins?”

Her lips tightened. “I don’t follow, Mr. Henkel”

His expression suddenly turned vicious. “Really now?”

Natalia met his gaze, unflinching. “If you have something to say, Mr. Henkel, say it. Otherwise, please leave.”

Suddenly, Victor leaned in close. “Hamilton has been screwing me up these past two months. Guess who for?”