Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 24

Suddenly, Natalia found herself momentarily at a loss for words. She forced a stiff smile, and after what felt like an eternity, she managed to respond, “Would you mind telling Mr. Fowler to pass a message to Ms. Schafer for me? If she’s feeling better, I'd appreciate a firm time for our next shoot so | can make the necessary arrangements.”

Her message was delivered; Natalia didn’t linger a second longer and swiftly turned to leave. At the CEO's office.

Eveleen peered into Hamilton's office with a look of utter distaste.

“Your office decor is just too boring, all black, white, and gray. It’s hideous.”

Hamilton was perusing a contract, and at her comment, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. “Well, it's not like you use it. Why do you care if it’s hideous or not?”

Eveleen bristled instantly. “This is your office. How can it not concern me?”

Hamilton glanced up at her, a light chuckle escaping him. “Why are you still as bossy as you were back in the day?” Eveleen moved closer with a playful smile. “Don’t you like it?”

Ignoring her question, Hamilton pointed to a script on his desk

“I've looked over the script you mentioned and had some experts analyze it. It’s not right for your style. | advise against wasting time on it. You’d be better off focusing on the endorsement deal you've got. If you’re committed to this endorsement, then cooperate professionally. If you're really not up for it, we can always find someone else.”

“Who said I’m not up for it?” Eveleen glared at him.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow. “I thought you were reluctant, pretending to be sick and then making a point of showing up at the office. What is this, a demonstration?”

His words struck a nerve, and Eveleen’s annoyance flared. “I was genuinely feeling unwell!”

Hamilton gave her a look but said nothing more.

Pushing the script towards him, Eveleen challenged, “Aren’t you going to back me up?”

Hamilton replied coolly, “I’m a businessman. Investment decisions are based on value. My money doesn’t grow on trees.” “And what about all the money you spend on Natalia?” Eveleen’s eyes welled up with tears.

Hamilton raised a brow. “When did | spend money on her?”

“Did you give her that necklace she’s wearing? That thing alone costs more than 10 million. dollars! And you say you didn’t spend money on her?”

Hamilton’s expression chilled. “Whatever | spend on her is because she takes good care of me. 1/3

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What's the point of comparing like that?”

Eveleen fell silent, understanding the insinuation. Hamilton had always viewed Natalia as nothing more than a means to satisfy his desires. Even the gifts were merely rewards for her service, nothing more.

Her mood lifted slightly. What skill was there in merely pleasing a man in bed? She was after Hamilton’s heart. And with Hamilton, she had always kept herself pristine, unlike Natalia. She shouldn’t be comparing herself to Natalia in this way. But having seized the opportunity, she decided to play the damsel.

Tears glistening in her eyes, Eveleen looked pitifully at Hamilton. “But I’m jealous. You’re not allowed to be nice to her anymore.” Hamilton laughed softly. “Do you really not know whether I’m nicer to you or her?”

“Then break it off with her.” Eveleen pouted.

Hamilton’s face darkened instantly. “Eveleen, that’s my personal business.”

Knowing when to back off. Eveleen dropped the subject upon seeing Hamilton’s displeasure. “Forget it, | was joking. She’s just another woman. Have your fun how you like!”

She acted the part of the spoiled heiress, expecting Hamilton to cajole her.

Instead, he simply smiled. “Well, it’s not really your business anyway.”

Fuming. Eveleen bit her lip. “Let her come up then. | want to talk to her about the ad shoot!”

Hamilton's gaze shifted away. “Go talk to her yourself, and do it properly. Don’t throw one of your little heiress tantrums.” With a huff, Eveleen stormed out of the office.

As Natalia descended from the top floor, she headed straight out of the building. Below was a quaint garden built for the staff to unwind and relax.

Natalia found a bench by a small pond in the garden and sat down, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Hamilton had always had a voracious appetite in bed. It was often exhausting for her to keep up with him. He could leave her utterly spent, and sometimes, he would still feel unsatisfied. But he was probably picky about his partners. Even when discontented, he hadn't sought anyone else.

Still, Eveleen was his first love. They had a history. In every sense, being with Eveleen would seem more fulfilling for him than being with Natalia.

His office was off-limits right now. The only time Hamilton gave such orders was when he was doing it with Natalia.

Sighing deeply, Natalia let go of her pent-up frustrations. She knew well enough that there wasn’t much to be upset about. Chapter 24

They were each other’s first love, and a reunion was inevitable, and so was their intimacy. It was just slightly uncomfortable for her to witness.

Leaning back on the bench, she tried to look up at the sun, but her view was suddenly blocked.

“Ms. Jenkins, what brings you out here?” asked Victor Henkel, his smile ambiguous.

Natalia shifted her gaze. “Just slacking for a bit. Mr. Henkel, you seem to have time to spare, wandering our company’s garden during work hours.”

Victor sat down next to her. “I’m not here without purpose. | came to see Mr. Fowler, but | heard he was otherwise engaged, and his office was off-limits. So, | stepped out, and here | find you. His insinuations clear, Natalia turned to him with a cold smirk. “What are you trying to say. Mr. Henkel?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Victor's smile remained as he watched her. “You don’t understand?” Natalia looked away toward the horizon. “It seems you enjoy meddling in other people’s affairs.” Victor lounged back on the park bench, an air of casual nonchalance about him, but his words were dripping with sarcasm.

“So, Hamilton’s old flame has come back into the picture, huh? | would’ve bet good money that you, with your fiery spirit, would've stormed off in a huff by now. But, lo and behold, you're still clinging to Hamilton’s side. What’s the game plan, Ms. Jenkins? Aiming to play the other woman?”

Natalia’s smile didn’t waver as she replied, “So what if she’s an old flame? They still called it quits, didn’t they? If she could keep Hamilton, there wouldn’t be any room for someone like me now, would there? Come on, Mr. Henkel, everyone has a past, don’t you agree?”

Victor's brows furrowed slightly at her retort. He had expected her to be all tears and despair at this point, but here she was, sharp—tongued as ever. Her defiance only piqued his interest.

more. “Ms. Jenkins, do you have any idea what the gossip mills are churning out about you?”

Natalia’s expression stiffened momentarily. She didn’t need to hear it to know it wasn’t flattering. She didn’t want to listen, nor did she care to ask.

Brushing it off, she said, “I don’t want to know, and you needn't bother telling me. If | cared about that sort of thing, | wouldn’t be by Hamilton’s side.”

Victor's laugh was wickedly gleeful. “A bitch. A bitch that’s usurping the nest.”