Echoes of a Forsaken Heart novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82 

Natalia thought she could shrug off the rumors like a light dusting of snow from her shoulders. But the whispers and stores that followed her through the office comidors all afternoon were enough to chill her bones. It was uncomfortable, to say the least. 

Hamilton paused mid–stride, arching an eyebrow at her. 

“Giselle’s getting the boot.” He promised. 

A laugh escaped Natalia’s lips, “Good.” 

That must be the biggest concession Hamilton was willing to make. He wouldn’t step forward to squash the rumors himself. After all, by doing so, he’d practically be confirming their relationship to the world. 

Of course, that would also mean admitting that the real homewrecker was Eveleen all this long. 

And when it came to Eveleen, Hamilton would never act against her. 

So, firing Giselle seemed like the best solution; it would shatter the gossip without exposing their relationship. 

Just perfect. 

By the next morning, word of Giselle’s dismissal spread through the company like wildfire. The tongues that had wagged about Natalia now lay still. 

Yet some things, once rooted in the heart, were hard to uproot. Especially for this kind of salacious rumor 

Natalia knew that all too well. Though the chatter had ceased, she could still feel the weight of weird glances from her colleagues. But it seemed all she could do was pretend not to 

notice. 

After the morning meeting, as Natalia was gathering her reports to update Hamilton on their progress, Tess burst in. 

“Boss, Giselle’s been canned!” She cried with excitement. 

Natalia nodded in acknowledgment, “Yeah, I heard.” 

“Now let’s see who dares spread lies about you,” Tess was puffing up with a triumphant air. 

“Pfft, Eveleen’s cousin or not, she still got the axe. Boss, I’ve gotta say that Mr. Fowler’s a decent man.” 

Natalia couldn’t help but chuckle, “Decent? Remember when he almost fired you?” 

Tess’s face fell instantly. “True. And I heard Orpheus Fowler got the boot from Mr. Fowler himself, kicked right out the door and dragged off by security.” Tess shuddered at the thought. “They say Orpheus was sent flying out of the office, coughing up blood on the spot. 

15. 15. 

The smooctanes were as shocked, they humed pate is ghosts. Boss, how can Mr. Fowler took 

posted yet be a rubines when he needs for teen couldn’t help but shaver nasin 

batata towered her gase Her eile Inded as she contemplated the turn of the fast event. 

Handion always maintained a gentlemanly demeanor at work, yet she wouldn’t have ques and he’d physically confront Orpheus. 

Of course, the alen know that Hamiliars gentility was just a facade. 

To an outsider, he was the epitome of courtesy and grace. But those who knew him understood his ruthlessness. 

How could someone who took over the Fowler empire at nineteen be anything but truly kind? Natalia’s mind suddenly wandered to Hamilton as a child. Back then, he was a tearful yet untainted soul. 

What could have hardened such a sweet boy into the man he was now? It was a puzzle beyond her solving 

With a sigh, she pulled herself from these thoughts, choosing not to dwell on them. After all, that man no longer belonged to her. 

She picked up the reports from her desk and headed to the CEO’s office. 

After knocking and entering, she placed the documents in front of Harnilton, “Mr. Fowler, I need your signature on these two reports.” 

Hamilton scanned them casually and signed his name. Instead of handing them back to Natalia, he looked up and asked, “How’s your arm feeling?” 

Natalia offered a polite, detached smile, “Much better.” 

“And your health?” he probed further. 

She paused for a moment and continued, “Fine as well.” 

Hamilton nodded absentmindedly, “Don’t overdo it. Delegate what you can.” 

“Will do.” She hesitated before asking, “Anything else, Mr. Fowler?” 

He watched her for a moment in silence. “Are you in such a hurry?” he asked. 

She didn’t deny it, “I’ve got work to attend to.” 

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed slightly before he finally asked, “The class reunion is this weekend, right?” 

She was surprised he remembered. 

“Yes,” she said. Then, after a moment, she added, “If you’re busy, Mr. Fowler, you don’t have to 

come.” 

Chapter 82 

When he first offered to accompany her to the reunion, she had felt a flicker of anticipation. 

But after what happened that night, all excitement had drained away. What was the point of bringing him as her boyfriend? After all, that was all just a facade. 

Hamilton’s gaze lingered on her, which was inscrutable. And he finally said, “Since I promised you, I intend to keep my word.” 

Natalia laughed softly and looked at Hamilton, “Are you worried I’ll meet someone at the reunion? Don’t worry. He won’t be there.” 

Hamilton’s eyes tightened, “Do I really need a solid reason to go? Or do you have something to hide, something you fear that I might see?” 

“No!” Natalia replied with a touch of exasperated feeling. 

Hamilton snorted, “Then stop trying to convince me otherwise. It’s perfectly normal to bring a boyfriend to a class reunion, right, my girlfriend?” 

Natalia’s smile strained at the corners as a pang of sadness gripped her heart. She had never imagined that one day, these terms of endearment would become the last thing she wanted to hear. Words that once symbolized sweetness now tasted bitter. 

Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile, “Alright. Then, Mr. Fowler, please be sure to come 

on time.” 

Hamilton nodded, “I’ll have my secretary prepare an outfit for you. You may go now.” 

Natalia picked up the documents and left the office. 

In the following days, Natalia saw neither hide nor hair of Hamilton.