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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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!”

him. “Then why should I give you money? I’m not even your own

you carry

I am your

you give me a child? If you do, I promise to take care of your mother. Then she’s the grandmother of my child

recoiled in disgust, slapping his hand away and then his face.

that slap, all eyes turned to them.

dare you hit me!” Graham lunged, grabbing Natalia’s collar, his hand

his hand could fall,

Graham’s roar

Hamilton made

on Graham’s wrist tightening until the

Hamilton released him.

out! If I see you 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 scurrying

slightly red

Mr.

was radiating a chilly aura, though his face remained

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

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

gaze, she

want to see

meant Graham showing up at

time.

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14:19

Chapter 5

laugh escaping him, “It seems Ms.

leave.”

was bitter.

“Well, then I won’t keep Ms.

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

heading to a window–side

woman with Hamilton, who was watching her with a mix

went in Hamilton’s

a sting in her heart. Her hand instinctively

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

breath, managed her composure and walked in with a smile.

abuzz with talk of her resignation.

night at the Crest Club had leaked,

boldness, others commented on Mr. Fowler’s ruthlessness,

and quickly

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

her office door, the room fell into an

reddened at the sight of

is it true you’re

colleagues. She nodded, “Wishing you all the best of

that, she began packing her