Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 7

Lounging on the couch with an air of casual ease, Hamilton seemed to be in a pretty good mood.

Beside him sat the woman from the café the day before, her skirt so short it barely reached her thighs.

Natalia glanced at the woman’s legs, pressed against Hamilton’s, before looking away. It seemed she had chosen an inopportune moment to arrive.

The woman’s face darkened at the sight of Natalia, but she held her tongue in Hamilton’s presence.

Hamilton raised an eyebrow at Natalia and asked, "Ms. Jenkins, what brings you here?"

Natalia glanced at the woman again and answered, "Just a small matter."

Hamilton leaned back and said, "If it's about resigning, Ms. Jenkins, you can just go to HR."

Natalia paused, "It's not about resigning."

Hamilton chuckled, "Then what is it? I thought the only reason you'd come to me is to resign."

Ignoring the sarcasm in his voice, Natalia eyed the woman by Hamilton’s side. "I would like to have a word with you alone, Mr. Fowler."

Hamilton was silent, as if weighing the need for a private conversation.

Natalia was anxious; she knew Hamilton’s temper well. He wouldn't let things slide easily, not after she had embarrassed him at the Crest Club and insisted on resigning.

As expected, he laughed softly, "Do we really need to talk alone, Ms. Jenkins?"

Natalia’s lips tightened; she took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Fowler, I've decided not to resign."

His expression didn't change as he asked, "And?"

"I'd like to discuss my future salary with you."

Hamilton crossed his arms, eventually addressing the woman beside him, "Ms. Miller, sorry, let's discuss our business another time."

Ms. Miller, shooting Natalia a glare of anger, mustered a smile for Hamilton. "Sure, Mr. Fowler. You handle Ms. Jenkins's issue first."

After a resentful look at Natalia, Ms. Miller huffed out.

Once she was gone, Hamilton turned his attention to Natalia.

"How would you like to talk?"

Natalia remained silent, unsure of how to begin. Hamilton seemed patient; he waited for her to speak.

"Mr. Fowler, I need to borrow some money," Natalia finally said, avoiding the topic of her resignation and asking for a loan instead.

Hamilton didn’t hide the mockery in his laugh.

"Do you think this is a charity, Ms. Jenkins? Or do you think we’re close enough for me to lend you money?"

Natalia's face flushed with embarrassment, as she had anticipated. Still, she persisted, "I will pay you back."

"Ms. Jenkins, don't come to me without thinking it through. Now get out!" His tone was icy.

Natalia stood her ground. After a moment, she capitulated, speaking softly, "I'm not resigning."

Hamilton's features softened slightly, "I didn't catch that."

Meeting his gaze, Natalia reaffirmed, "I'm not resigning. I didn’t think it through before, Mr. Fowler. Please forgive me."

Hamilton's smile widened, the chill in his eyes melting away. "Come here."

Natalia knew what was coming next, but she had no choice. Hesitantly, she walked over to him. Hamilton yanked her towards him with force. The world spun, and suddenly Natalia was pinned beneath him.

"Are you sure?"

She averted her gaze and nodded.

"Look at me and answer," Hamilton ordered, turning her face towards him.

Swallowing her bitterness, Natalia forced a smile and said, "Yes, I'm staying."

"And what changed your mind?" He wouldn’t let her off easily.

Silence, then she spoke with forced ease, "I need money, and besides you, Mr. Fowler, no one else can satisfy me and pay me at the same time."

Hamilton's laugh was tinged with approval as his hand slipped under her blouse.

"You certainly are straightforward, Ms. Jenkins. So tell me, how much do you want?"

Natalia tried to sound calm, "One million for tonight."

Hamilton paused while unbuttoning her blouse, a cold smile on his lips. "You think you're worth that?"

Natalia stretched her smile wider, feigning nonchalance.

"Don't you think so, Mr. Fowler? If you don’t, then I might just have to find another benefactor."

"Natalia!"

He suddenly gripped her chin tightly.

Natalia fell silent.