Natalia was caught off guard when he kissed her.
She snapped back to reality and pushed him away.
But Hamilton was relentless, deepening the kiss even further.
"Natalia, did you hear me?"
Ryan's voice was right in her ear, and Hamilton picked up his phone and directly said to the other end, "Mr. Holzer, you're interrupting, got it?"
After hanging up, Natalia was visibly flustered. "Hamilton, what are you doing?"
Hamilton wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up.
"Stay away from Ryan, Natalia."
Natalia sighed in frustration, "We hardly ever talk outside of work."
Hamilton’s expression was still grim. "You can contact other people for work, but why is it always Ryan who contacts you? Isn’t there anyone else in the Foreign Affairs Department?"
Natalia frowned, "Hamilton, I can’t control who contacts me for work, and neither can he. I promise you, there's nothing more than work between us. Can you please stop making a fuss about it?"
Hamilton just chuckled, "You might think it's nothing, but he might not."
"He's not without boundaries."
"Sometimes, an outsider sees the clearest."
Before she could say anything else, Hamilton’s lips were on hers again.
Natalia tried to push him away, but Hamilton had somehow produced a tie and bound her wrists with it.
"Natalia, focus on me now."
Hamilton’s hand slipped under her dress as he spoke.
Natalia wasn’t unwilling, but she was definitely annoyed at the moment.
So, there was some struggle.
Afterwards, her wrists bore red marks from the tie.
Hamilton untied her and kissed her wrists apologetically.
"Did it hurt?"
Natalia kicked him.
"Hamilton, you jerk!"
But he remained on top of her. "Natalia, you didn't mind when we did it while you were on the phone with Lionel before. Why do you care so much now?"
Natalia glared at the man above her, furious.
"Hamilton, I've told you many times, my interactions with Ryan are strictly professional!"
Hamilton's gaze darkened as he looked at her. "Is this job really that important to you?"
Natalia met his eyes, "Yes, it's indispensable."
The atmosphere between them froze instantly.
Natalia pushed him away, got dressed, grabbed her phone, and headed to the bedroom.
Hamilton sat on the couch and lit a cigarette.
After a couple of puffs, he extinguished it and followed her into the bedroom.
Inside, Natalia glanced at him and then moved to the window.
She didn't call Ryan but instead dialed Collin.
After Collin briefed her on the work, she quietly asked, "Mr. Collin, could you contact me directly about work matters in the future?"
Collin paused but quickly agreed.
"Sure, no problem. What's going on?"
Natalia chuckled, not elaborating, and after a brief discussion about work, she hung up.
Hamilton came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her ear before asking, "Still mad?"
Natalia didn’t push him away, just looked out the window, and after a few seconds, she finally spoke.
"Hamilton, this job is my dream. I won't give it up for anyone. I'll try to keep my distance from Ryan, but I can’t promise there will be no contact at all. I hope you can at least trust me."
Hamilton was silent, holding her, his expression slightly darkened.
If it were anyone but Ryan, he wouldn't react this way.
Finally, he nodded.
"Okay."
Natalia turned to look at him, and after a moment, she said, "Could you wear a condom next time? You made me quite uncomfortable."
Hamilton laughed, "Did it get messy? Let me check."
He had planned to talk to her about compensation today, but now, forget it. That madwoman could drive him to his grave.
"Scarlett, if you're not going to sleep, at least stop spreading rumors!"
As Elliott spoke, Scarlett suddenly turned around and covered his mouth.
"Shh, what are you doing?"
Scarlett gave him a warning look. "Say one more word, and you're toast."
With that, she let go of Elliott.
Then, Emeric appeared, walking down the corridor.
Emeric caught their gaze and his eyes twinkled slightly.
"Fancy seeing you here, Dr. Scarlett, Elliott."
Scarlett nodded with a smile. "Morning, Emeric."
Emeric's eyes were smiling. "I heard you caught a cold? Feeling better?"
Scarlett's eyes lit up. Emeric actually knew she had a cold?
"I'm fine now, thanks for asking, Emeric."
Emeric nodded. "Take care of yourself."
Scarlett nodded vigorously.
Elliott, watching this exchange, felt an inexplicable sourness in his teeth.
It wasn't until Emeric had left that he managed a laugh.
"What, so afraid Emeric will find out we slept together?"
Scarlett glanced at him. "It's not about fear, it just feels embarrassing!"
Elliott scoffed. "Don't let his few caring words make you forget which way hospital doors swing. Scarlett, do you know what nickname Emeric has around here?"
"Ladies' Man. You think he's clean?"
Scarlett looked at him with disdain. "Better than you, at least!"
Elliott gritted his teeth as he watched her walk away, then his gaze shifted, and he headed towards the dean's office not far off.
"Dr. Chappelle, I'm interested in poaching one of your doctors. Name your price."
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