Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 

Natalia’s thoughts drifted back to the present as she toweled off and returned to her room. 

The insistent jingle of Hamilton’s phone pierced the silence. Someone was bombarding him with messages, but Natalia had no idea who. 

With a flicker of irritation, Hamilton glanced at the screen before dialing out. 

“Just get her home,” he instructed curtly. 

Victor’s voice came through, tinged with confusion. “Hamilton, Eveleen’s plastered, keeps calling out for you, saying you don’t like her anymore and stuff like that. Did you two have a row?” 

Hamilton lit a cigarette and took a drag. “No.” 

Eveleen could be a real drama queen when she wanted to, kicking up a fuss just to get his 

attention. 

Like today, she hadn’t been keen on him coming home, but he had insisted on it anyway. 

“You better come and fetch her soon,” Victor said. 

Hamilton scowled. “If you don’t want to drop her off, then call her folks to send a driver.” 

Victor prodded. “What’s got you so tied up that you can’t even look after Eveleen?” 

He paused before adding. “You’re not with Natalia, are you? Hamilton, are you really tossing Eveleen aside for that girl?” 

A shadow passed across Hamilton’s face. “Who I’m with is my business. Just make sure she gets home.” 

With that, Hamilton hung up and turned to face Natalia. 

“Make it clear to Lionel tomorrow. If he really needs a translator, he can hire one elsewhere. If he can’t afford that much, he shouldn’t be running a law firm.” 

Natalia remained silent. She didn’t want to push this part–time gig away. Money was one reason. But there was also a tiny, unspoken hope she harbored–she longed to reclaim her own dreams someday, to be her own person again; not just Ms. Jenkins, Hamilton’s so–called ‘add–on‘; not just an accessory in the eyes of others, belonging to Hamilton. 

“I want to keep it. Our contract never said I couldn’t take a side job.” 

Hamilton chuckled. “So, you want to discuss contracts now? Maybe we should examine some of your recent breaches of the agreement.” 

Natalia stiffened. 

The terms of their original deal were spelled out in meticulous and unfriendly detail. She had, more or less, broken several of the stipulated rules lately. If they really got into it, Hamilton’s 

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Chapter 32 

team of sharks could tear her apart 

“I didn’t mean that, Mr. Fowler. I won’t cross any lines with Lionel that aren’t strictly platonic. Besides, we’ve known each other for three years, and he’s never hinted at anything more. You can trust that.” 

Natalia’s persistence only darkened Hamilton’s mood. 

Just then, his phone rang again. With an annoyed glance at Natalia, he muttered, “As you wish.” He then retreated into the bedroom. 

Moments later, he emerged, dressed and ready, and left without another glance. 

Hamilton was gone. Natalia lay in bed alone, pondering. It was probably another Eveleen. 

situation. 

She couldn’t quite name her feelings. Probably a mix of discomfort and, strangely, a sense of routine. 

As for Lionel, she guessed Hamilton had acquiesced. 

The Royal Nightclub was buzzing when Hamilton arrived. 

Eveleen was tipsy but not wasted. When she saw Hamilton, she huffed and moved closer to Victor. 

Hamilton chose a seat away from her. 

Eveleen’s eyes welled up as he decided not to join them. 

“Hamilton, come over here. Why are you sitting all the way over there!” Victor, playing peacemaker, tried to soothe the situation. 

Hamilton remained indifferent. His mood was sour. Natalia’s defiance had stirred something violent within him, which he forcefully suppressed. He disliked this loss of control, especially over someone like Natalia. Perhaps his pet had obeyed for too long, and her sudden rebellion was unsettling. 

So, he let her be. 

Let her do as she pleased. 

As long as she didn’t tarnish herself before the contract ended, he didn’t care. 

Hamilton held an unlit cigarette, his expression unreadable, continuing to ignore Victor and Eveleen. 

The room was tense, everyone sensing the couple’s discord. 

Eveleen, truly heartbroken, rose to leave. However, Victor quickly pulled her back, pushing her towards Hamilton. 

Chapter 32 

Eveleen was the picture of hurt as she turned to Hamilton. “Are you mad at me for making her 

drink?” 

Hamilton met her gaze. “If you knew it might upset me, don’t do it again.” 

Eveleen pouted. “I didn’t mean anything by it; I just wanted to apologize for holding up 

o work.” 

“Okay.” Hamilton murmured, not really mad at Eveleen over Natalia. 

“It’s late. I’ll have someone take you home. It’s not safe for a young lady to be out this late.” His tone was as gentle as ever. 

Eveleen’s tears turned to a grateful smile. “Okay.” 

After Eveleen left, Victor settled beside Hamilton. “What are you thinking? Eveleen’s back: why not make up with her?” 

Hamilton lit his cigarette. “Mind your own business.” 

“Just looking out for you.” Victor chuckled. 

He paused, then added, “You’re not hung up on Natalia, are you?” 

Hamilton took a drag, offering no reply, but to Victor, his silence spoke volumes. 

“Hamilton, don’t be a fool. Natalia is the kind of gal you have a fling with, nothing more. Falling for someone like her is like begging for trouble. She’s got dollar signs in her eyes and nothing else.” 

Hamilton took a drag of his cigarette, chuckling softly through the smoke. 

“Sounds like you’ve got her all figured out,” he said.