Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Natalia’s lips were a tight line as she faced the man before her. She could still hear Alden’s words in her head. Orpheus had been reprimanded by Hamilton for meddling in business that wasn’t his to meddle with.

So, now, she instinctively gave this man a wide berth.

“Sorry, I’ve got to run.*

With that, she sidestepped Orpheus and headed straight for the private room.

Orpheus didn’t stop her. He just watched until she disappeared inside the room, then a cold smirk flashed across his otherwise fierce face.

“Go, pick the best–looking escort we’ve got and make sure he takes good care of that lady tonight.”

The man beside him hesitated and asked, “Boss, who is she?”

Orpheus let out a chilling laugh, “Hamilton’s woman. I want to see what happens when she cheats on him.”

His eyes gleamed with malice. He also wanted to test if Hamilton was really as untouchable as he seemed.

No sooner had Natalia entered the private room than she was met with a cacophony of howls and laughter.

Tess, the carefree spirit at work, had dressed to kill tonight. Spotting Natalia, she was the first

to rush over.

“Boss, you finally made it! What took you so long?”

Natalia chuckled, “You’re the ones who are early. If only you were this eager at work, I’d give you bonuses every month.”

Tess stuck out her tongue playfully, then glanced behind Natalia and asked, “Did you really come alone?”

Natalia didn’t reply, just walked further into the room.

Tess followed and said, “We all brought our other halves tonight, and here you are, solo. It’s kinda awkward. Should I call a friend over for you? You could meet someone new.”

Natalia smiled, “Tess, no more jokes. I’m just here for a bit and then I’m gone. You guys have fun.”

Tess wanted to hook Natalia up; it seemed a crime for such a stunning woman to be single. But Natalia’s attitude left her no choice but to let it go.

Once Tess left, Natalia found a corner and sat down. She was about to grab a drink when the

12:12

door opened and a stranger walked in. Guided by a server, he headed straight for Natalia. She frowned deeply, but before she could speak, he sat down beside her. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Silence fell over the room.

All eyes were on Natalia.

Her expression soured as she asked, “Can I help you?”

The young man looked hardly over twenty, clean–cut and rather handsome.

“I’m your company for the evening,” he said with a smile.

Natalia’s face grew darker as she asked, “Who sent you?”

“Our boss, Mr. Fowler.”

She paused, then frowned, “Which Mr. Fowler? Hamilton or Orpheus?”

The young man’s smile was disarming as he said, “Come on, like I’d ever get to meet Hamilton. It’s Orpheus, of course.”

Natalia felt a headache coming on. She thought she’d just been a blip on Orpheus’s radar. Yet here he was, remembering her and setting this up.

“I don’t need company. Go back.”

But the young man wouldn’t budge.

“Is it something I did? Just tell me, and I can change.”

Natalia’s patience was wearing thin.

Tess sent a flirty look her way. “I hear these guys are all packing. Why not keep him? It’s not like you’ve got someone else.“,

Natalia’s frown deepened. She stood up and headed out.

The young man followed.

“Don’t go, I’ll be sad,” he pleaded.

Natalia didn’t stop. She left the room and found herself looking into a pair of familiar eyes.

Hamilton was lounging at the other end of the hallway, exuding casual elegance in a black shirt tucked into tailored pants. Despite his seemingly bad mood, his aristocratic aura was undeniable.

And beside him, a young girl, probably in her twenties, looked up at him like a delicate jasmine flower.

Natalia didn’t expect Hamilton to be here. He was a regular at Royal Club, not this establishment run by Orpheus.

Yet, tonight of all nights, he was here. And she had walked right into this mess.

12:12

Hamilton’s gaze was indifferent as it fell first on Natalia and then on the young man by her side. Victor chuckled, “Ms. Jenkins, what a coincidence.”

Natalia looked away, ignoring him, and continued toward the front desk.

Victor’s voice was taunting, “What’s the rush, Ms. Jenkins? Heading to a room with your new friend? Or are you afraid Hamilton will find out what kind of woman you really are?”

Hamilton took a drag from his cigarette, his lazy eyes settling once again on Natalia.

It happened in a flash, a shiver crawling down Natalia’s spine.

But Hamilton said nothing, simply turning on his heel to enter the VIP lounge behind him.

Victor lingered a few seconds before speaking. “Ms. Jenkins, hope you’re having a blast.”

Natalia’s lips twitched slightly. In the end, she headed for the bar.

The young guy was still tailing her.

“Miss, was that Hamilton just now? It was him, right? When he looked at me, I swear I thought I was a goner! He’s got such an intense vibe.”

Natalia took a deep breath and asked, “Would you zip it, please?”

With that, she reached the bar. She was about to say something when she was suddenly intercepted.

Natalia recognized the man. He was Hamilton’s bodyguard.

With her mouth set in a thin line, she faced the man before her.

The bodyguard nodded at her and said, “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler would like a word with you.”

Natalia’s lips remained tight, and after a brief silence, she replied, “I’ve got things to do, and I need to head out.”

The bodyguard, however, showed no signs of letting her leave. “Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Fowler is waiting for you.”

It was clear, she wasn’t going anywhere unless it was to see Fowler.

With a snort of contempt, Natalia inhaled deeply and made her way to the private lounge. The young guy, still hovering behind her, was debating whether to follow.

The bodyguard gave him a shove and said, “You too.”

Natalia, accompanied by the young man, entered the lounge.

As soon as they stepped in, they saw Hamilton sprawled on the central sofa, his black shirt unbuttoned at the top.

What should have been a roland air

impassive face, and suddenly, he let out a mocking laugh.

“Ms. Jenkins, looks like you’re living it up tonight.”