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!”

give you money? I’m not

you carry the

am

me a child? If you do, I promise to take care

slapping his hand away and then his face.

was bustling, and with that slap, all eyes turned to

hit me!” Graham lunged, grabbing Natalia’s collar,

hand could fall, someone

Graham’s roar

Hamilton made Graham shrink back.

on Graham’s wrist tightening until the

disdain, Hamilton released him.

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

but not daring to retaliate, glared at Natalia

eyes were slightly red as she composed herself.

Mr. Fowler.”

aura, though his face remained expressionless, “Has he ever touched you at home?”

her face, grope her backside. Her mother had fought with him

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

gaze, she simply said,

“I don’t want to see this happen again.”

up

won’t be a next time. I’m going to resign immediately.”

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14:19

Chapter 5

a cold laugh escaping him, “It seems Ms. Jenkins

leave.”

was

coldly. “Well, then I won’t keep

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

her before heading

did Natalia notice a woman with Hamilton, who was watching her with a mix of challenge and mockery in her

Hamilton’s life like birds of passage. Natalia had always been aware of that.

her heart. Her hand instinctively tightened over her belly. the bitterness within threatening

thought, perhaps it was for the best that she was leaving. She’d forget Hamilton one day.

company entrance, she took a deep breath, managed her composure and walked

was abuzz with talk

incident from last night at the Crest Club had leaked, and

commented on Mr. Fowler’s ruthlessness, but most gossiped about

and quickly

a never–ending saga she had no interest in following, much less caring about. Even

room fell into

at the

it true you’re

her colleagues. She nodded, “Wishing you all

packing her things quietly.