Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 92

Natalia hung up Scarlett’s call and glanced over the brochure for the sanatorium. Just as Scarlett had said, the place had a great environment and top-notch care. The only headache was the medical bills.

She never wanted to sell the villa, but now, It seemed like the only way out.

As Natalia tucked the brochure away, her phone buzzed with a call from Hamilton.

“The contract's solid. Ms. Jenkins, pack your bags; we’re heading to Boria City. I'll meet you downstairs,” he said. Natalia froze. “Mr. Fowler, isn’t it usually your executive secretary who travels with you?”

Hamilton chuckled softly. “What's wrong with wanting your company?”

Stumped, Natalia struggled for words.

Finally, she said, “I have a lot on my plate right now, Mr. Fowler.”

“It's your case, and you know it best. This is part of your job.”

Frowning deeply, Natalia protested, “But | haven’t even packed.”

His patience waning, Hamilton retorted, “Buy what you need in Boria City. I’m waiting downstairs. Hurry.”

With the call ending abruptly, Natalia felt a wave of frustration but resigned herself to the demands of work and packed quickly.

Before leaving, she notified Tess. “I’m off on a trip with Mr. Fowler. If you guys want to go ahead with the department dinner, don’t wait for me. I'll reimburse you later.”

Tess shook her head. “No rush, we'll wait for you, Boss.”

Natalia managed a smile, “That's fine, too.”

Downstairs, Hamilton leaned back lazily in his Rolls-Royce, a cigarette between his fingers, the very picture of casual elegance. Spotting Natalia, he raised an eyebrow, his gaze noting her pallor.

“What's wrong? Feeling unwell?” he asked, concern creasing his brows.

Natalia shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Undeterred, Hamilton stepped out and checked her forehead for fever, then gently pressed her stomach. “No fever. Stomachache?”

His attentiveness was a paradox to Natalia, simultaneously pushing her away and pulling her in. Even knowing his tenderness was a trap, she sometimes swallowed it willingly.

“I'm fine,” she insisted, dodging his hand and getting into the car.

15:52

“In the future, Mr. Fowler, please avoid such intimate gestures at work. It’s not proper.”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed before he scoffed. “Seems you really don’t want to get too close.”

Natalia stayed silent, confirming his point.

Indeed, she did not want to get too close to him. Not anymore.

“Besides, wasn't it you who said we're just in a transaction?” she said.

His cold laugh followed. “You choose now to listen.”

The rest of the ride was silent, with Hamilton’s mood visibly soured.

The flight was at four o’clock. By the time they reached their hotel in Boria City, it was past

seven.

As soon as Natalia stepped through the door, Hamilton’s grip tightened on her wrist, pinning her against it. “Hamilton, what are you doing?”Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

He didn’t wait for her to react, capturing her lips with intense possessiveness, his scent enveloping her. this

When she tasted blood in her mouth, Hamilton finally released her, his touch softening as he caressed her lips, then trailing down.

“Ms. Jenkins.”

Natalia’s face went pale. “I’m still on my period.”

Hamilton hummed nonchalantly. “Doesn’t matter. There are other ways, right?”

Her lips tightened, but her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, vulnerable and seeking solace.

Hamilton almost softened but quickly dismissed the urge. He was now certain that he did not appreciate Natalia’s occasional defiance. He wanted her completely subdued and dependent.

“If it’s just a transaction, then you should do your part, right, Ms. Jenkins?”

Feeling humiliated, Natalia forced a smile. “Fine. How would you like me to serve you, Mr. Fowler?”

His eyes narrowed at her forced cheerfulness, but he said simply, “Use your hand.”

Natalia complied, her hand slipping beneath his belt. The act, shadowed by another kiss, was brief and intense.

Neither of them had the time to insert the key card into the electricity slot yet, so the room. completely dark, which only added extra thrill to the intimacy.

It did not take long for Natalia’s arm to ache. After that, it was mostly Hamilton moving with his hand over hers. 2/4

“Be good, Natalia,” he whispered afterward, and she responded with a bitter smile.

“Okay.”

After a shared shower, a knock sounded at the door. Hamilton went to open the door, and Natalia saw it seemed to be one of Hamilton’s bodyguards.

“Mr. Fowler, the clothes you requested.” Hamilton took it over and handed one bag to Natalia, saying, “Get dressed. We've got a dinner to attend.”

Natalia’s brow furrowed at the unexpected event, but she knew better than to argue. And indeed, she had to give Hamilton some credit.

Even knowing there was a dinner party, he had insisted on putting her through that little charade to humiliate her.

Without much fuss, she changed her outfit and loosely twisted her hair into a casual updo.

Hamilton's eyes followed Natalia as she presented herself in the new attire, his lips curling into an involuntary smile.

“Ms. Jenkins, you look ravishing,” the man offered his compliment without reserve.

Natalia chuckled. “Mr. Fowler, you're quite the looker yourself.”

Hamilton approached and playfully tugged at her earlobe. “What about those earrings | got you? I’ve never seen you wear them.” Natalia’s smile tightened, and she averted her gaze from Hamilton. “I’m not fond of earrings.”

Hamilton didn’t dwell on it. “What do you like then? I'll get it for you next time.”

Her long lashes drooped as she replied, “Mr. Fowler, between you and me, | prefer cash.”

Hamilton’s expression darkened momentarily. He huffed. “Is money all you see, Ms. Jenkins?”

Natalia smirked. “What else am | supposed to see?”

Hamilton’s gaze was unfathomable as he let out a soft laugh. “Then, Ms. Jenkins, you should be more diligent.”

Her nose tingled with discomfort. “I will be.”

His gaze fell on her lips, and he said, “How about you show me some diligence now? Then, maybe I'll consider your proposal.” Noticing the burning emotions in his eyes, Natalia understood his underlying meaning. However, she remained silent. Suddenly, Hamilton grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her closer, leaving only a few inches between their lips.

“Ms. Jenkins, it doesn’t count if | have to do everything myself,” he said.

15:52

Feeling his breathing up close and left with no choice, Natalla leaned in for a light peck, her chilly and soft lips landing on his. Hamilton felt his Adam’s apple bob twice, his grip on Natalia’s nape firming as he gave a gentle

squeeze.

When he spoke, his voice was hoarse with emotion. “You think a peck is gonna cut it, Ms. Jenkins?” He massaged the back of her neck. “Keep going.”

Natalia frowned. “Mr. Fowler, we still have the party to attend.”

Hamilton arched an eyebrow at her, and after a moment, a wry smile spread across his face. “Guess we'll have to put a pin in it.” He retrieved a shawl and draped it over Natalia’s shoulders. “Let's go.”

The dinner party was held in a villa that smacked of exclusivity, clearly a private affair.

As Hamilton escorted Natalia inside, they were promptly greeted.

Aman in his thirties approached them with a smile. “Hamilton, you're late!” he said with a laugh.

At his words, all eyes in the vicinity shifted towards them.

The name Hamilton always drew attention, no matter where he went.

Natalia, arm in arm with him, endured the scrutiny of the crowd.

The more socially adept among them had already started to come over to make introductions.

With a few words, Hamilton brushed off the social climbers, leaving only the man who had first spoken.

The man’s gaze lingered on Natalia, and he smirked meaningfully. “Hamilton, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

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