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!”

should I give you money? I’m not even

you carry

Jenkins. I am your father!”

He reached for Natalia’s hand, “Natalia, how about you give me a child? If

his hand

coffee shop was bustling, and with that

Natalia’s

his hand could fall, someone grabbed his wrist.

Graham’s roar

Hamilton made Graham

grip on Graham’s wrist tightening

disdain, Hamilton released him.

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

pain but not daring to retaliate, glared at Natalia before scurrying off.

were slightly red

Mr. Fowler.”

a chilly aura, though his face remained expressionless, “Has he

face, grope her backside. Her mother had fought with him countless times over it,

she left for college. But she couldn’t possibly

his gaze, she simply

darkened, “I don’t want to see this

showing up at

a next time. I’m going

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14:19

Chapter 5

cold laugh escaping him,

leave.”

voice was

won’t keep

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

at her before heading

watching her with a mix of challenge

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

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

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

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

was abuzz with

last night at the Crest Club

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

and quickly

saga she had no interest in following, much less caring about. Even if she

room fell into

the sight

true you’re

gaze swept over her colleagues. She nodded, “Wishing you all the

that, she began packing her things quietly.