Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 5

Just as Natalia left the hospital, her phone buzzing incessantly in her purse.

Tess’s voice came through, tinged with urgency. “Boss, your dad’s causing a scene at the office again. You’d better get here fast. Mr. Fowler’s gonna blow his top if he finds out.”

Natalia felt a sudden knot in her brow as she hung up and rushed to the company.

Stepping into the lobby, she found Graham lounging on a sofa, puffing away like a chimney.

“Put out the cigarette.” Her voice was cold, her face a mask of barely contained anger.

Graham chuckled, “Alright, I’ll do what my daughter says.”

Natalia’s headache intensified just looking at him. “Let’s talk outside.”

She ushered Graham out to a nearby coffee shop beneath the company’s towering office. building.

As they entered. Graham broke into a grin. “My little girl’s done well for herself, hanging out in places this fancy!”

Natalia eyed him, “If you’re not scared of Hamilton, feel free to keep showing up to bother me.”

Graham scoffed, “Scare me with what? You think Hamilton can stop me from seeing my own. daughter?”

“You’re welcome to test Hamilton’s limits, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. If he steps in, your little ‘insanity plea‘ won’t save you!”

Years ago, after Natalia’s mother had been pushed into a tragic accident by Graham, Natalia had been determined to put him behind bars. But Graham had somehow obtained a document certifying mental illness and escaped punishment. It was something Natalia could never let go of.

Seeing that she wasn’t joking, Graham’s smirk faded. “Just give me money, and I swear I’ll never come here again!”

“I don’t have money!” Natalia cut him off without hesitation.

Graham had recently gotten into gambling and had come begging for money more than once.

Natalia truly had none. To prevent Graham from getting to her funds, she had allocated everything to her mother’s medical bills.

“Bullshit!” Graham bellowed, “You work at this upscale company and you’re telling me you’ve got no cash?”

Passersby started to turn their heads their way.

Natalia fought to keep her anger in check, attempting to stay as calm as she could.

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14:19 M

Chapter 5

“Do you even know how much my mom’s medical bills are each month? Have you ever contributed a dime since her accident? How can you have the audacity to ask me for money?”

“Why the hell should I pay for her medical bills!” Graham roared, “She never gave me a child, and now she expects me to pay? Dream on!”

should I give you money? I’m not even your own flesh

because you carry

Jenkins. I am

Graham’s face twisted into a lecherous grin. He reached for Natalia’s hand, “Natalia, how about you give me a child? If you do, I promise to take care of your mother.

hand away and then his

bustling, and with that slap, all eyes turned to them.

grabbing Natalia’s collar, his

fall, someone grabbed his wrist.

the hell is meddling?” Graham’s roar was met with Hamilton’s

made

Graham’s

disdain, Hamilton

near the company again, it won’t just be an arm you’ll be worrying

pale from pain but not daring to retaliate, glared at Natalia before

were slightly red as she composed

you, Mr.

was radiating a chilly aura, though his face remained expressionless, “Has

trembled faintly. Since she turned eighteen, Graham would occasionally touch her face, grope her backside. Her mother had fought with him countless times

until she left for college. But she couldn’t possibly share that

his gaze, she simply said,

darkened, “I don’t want to see

up at the

be a next time. I’m going to

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14:19

Chapter 5

escaping him,

leave.”

was bitter. “Yes.”

“Well, then I won’t keep Ms. Jenkins from resigning.”

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

glanced at her before heading to a window–side table.

who was watching her with a mix of challenge and

went in Hamilton’s life like

couldn’t help feeling a sting in her heart. Her hand instinctively tightened

for the best that she was leaving. She’d forget Hamilton

breath, managed her composure and walked in with a

chat was abuzz with talk of her

night at the Crest Club had

praised Natalia’s boldness, others commented on Mr. Fowler’s ruthlessness, but

inside and

much less caring about. Even if she was the

the room fell into

the sight of Natalia.

it true you’re resigning?”

She nodded, “Wishing you

she began packing her things quietly.