Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 1

"Have you heard? Someone on our floor is expecting a baby!"

"How did you know?"

"I just saw a pregnancy test stick in the bathroom!"

"No way, who would be so bold to take a test at the company?"

Natalia Jenkins had just walked into the office when she caught the buzz of gossip. She paused in her tracks, glancing toward the two interns who had been chatting in low voices.

Their faces turned pale upon seeing her, and they quickly bowed their heads to their tasks.

Natalia gathered her thoughts and proceeded to her office.

Meanwhile, in the company's chat group, someone threw the bombshell again.

"Someone on the 26th floor's got guts, who can it be?"

"Why don't we place bets and guess who it is?"

"Sure thing, let's get the betting pool started!"

Natalia's temples throbbed as she read the messages. She had been careless. She should have flushed the stick or wrapped it in paper before discarding it.

If Hamilton Fowler found out, she could hardly imagine the consequences.

Her assistant knocked and entered, "Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler would like to see you in his office."

Natalia's fingers tensed slightly.

"Ms. Jenkins?"

She responded, "Okay, I'll be right there."

After Natalia left, the office buzzed again. One of the interns piped up.

"Do you think it could be Ms. Jenkins? I saw her leaving the bathroom right before finding the test stick."

"It can't be Ms. Jenkins! Have you ever seen her dating? She doesn't even have a partner, how could it be her?"

"Ms. Jenkins is so pretty and yet she's single?"

The chatter grew louder until the assistant couldn't bear it anymore. "Quiet down! You're supposed to be working now, not gossiping!"

Standing outside the CEO's office, Natalia took a deep breath.

Before she could knock, the door swung open from inside.

Hamilton's executive assistant stepped out.

"Ms. Jenkins, the CEO is waiting for you."

Natalia offered a tight-lipped smile, "Alright, thank you."

The office was filled with the scent of alcohol.

A subtle aroma lingered in the air.

Hamilton had been drinking at a business lunch.

He was now reclining on the couch, his legs casually bent, wearing a black shirt that gave him a rakish yet debonair look.

Even with his eyes closed, his features were striking.

Natalia sighed inwardly.

No wonder women were always flocking around Hamilton. He had it all – not just power and influence, but also good looks and a strong physique. What woman could resist such a man?

But Natalia knew all too well the coldness of this man. He was emotionally detached. None of the women who passed through his life ever touched his heart.

She was no exception.

"Come here," the man commanded, his voice devoid of emotion.

Natalia snapped out of her reverie and approached him.

"Do you need something, Mr. Fowler?"

Hamilton's lips curved into a slight smirk as he pulled her onto his lap, his hand slipping under the hem of her business attire.

Natalia tensed, all too familiar with Hamilton's desires, especially when he was drunk. Even during the day, he would want her. And his buzz would fade afterwards.

It was a peculiar way for Hamilton to sober up.

"I have a meeting soon," Natalia protested, trying to restrain his wandering hand.

But Hamilton was already nibbling at her neck, "Then hurry up, won't you?"