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 even

because you carry

am your

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

disgust, slapping his hand away and

bustling, and with that slap,

Natalia’s collar, his hand

before his hand could fall,

Graham’s roar was met with Hamilton’s icy stare.

Hamilton made Graham shrink back.

Graham’s wrist tightening until the

Hamilton

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

slightly red as she composed herself.

Mr.

his face remained expressionless, “Has

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

college. But she

she simply said, “No.”

darkened, “I don’t want

showing up at the office.

be a next time. I’m

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14:19

Chapter 5

cold laugh escaping him, “It seems Ms. Jenkins

leave.”

was bitter.

scoffed coldly. “Well, then I won’t

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

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

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

Hamilton’s life like

in her heart. Her hand instinctively

perhaps it was for the best that she was

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

was abuzz with talk of

Crest Club had

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

glanced inside and quickly backed out.

in following, much less caring about. Even if she was the

door, the room fell into

the sight

it true

colleagues. She nodded, “Wishing you

she began packing her things quietly.