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

because you carry the

Jenkins. I am your

for Natalia’s hand, “Natalia, how about you give me a child? If you do, I promise to

in disgust, slapping his hand away

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

Natalia’s collar, his

hand could fall, someone grabbed his wrist.

meddling?” Graham’s roar was met with Hamilton’s icy stare.

sight of Hamilton made

on Graham’s wrist tightening until

Hamilton

I see you near the company again, it won’t

to retaliate, glared at Natalia

slightly red as she

Mr.

though his face remained expressionless, “Has

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

she couldn’t

his gaze, she simply

don’t want to see

Graham showing up

won’t be a next time. I’m

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14:19

Chapter 5

laugh escaping him, “It seems Ms. Jenkins is

leave.”

was bitter. “Yes.”

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

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

glanced at her before heading

watching her with a mix of challenge and mockery in her eyes.

door. Women came and went in Hamilton’s life like birds of passage. Natalia had always been

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

for the best that she was leaving. She’d

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

the company chat was abuzz

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

Mr. Fowler’s ruthlessness, but most gossiped about Natalia’s alleged

and

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

open her office door, the room fell

eyes reddened at the sight of Natalia.

it true

over her colleagues. She nodded, “Wishing you all the best of luck.”

she began packing her things quietly.