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

am your father!”

child? If you do, I promise to take care of your mother. Then she’s

his hand away and then his face.

with that slap, all eyes

Graham lunged, grabbing Natalia’s collar, his

hand could fall,

meddling?” Graham’s roar was met with

sight of Hamilton made Graham shrink

grip on Graham’s wrist tightening until

disdain, Hamilton

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

from pain but not daring to

slightly red

Mr. Fowler.”

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

Graham would occasionally touch her face, grope her backside.

college. But she

his gaze, she simply said,

darkened, “I don’t want to see

up at the

be a next time. I’m going to resign

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14:19

Chapter 5

laugh escaping him, “It seems Ms. Jenkins is

leave.”

voice was

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

Natalia nodded, “Alright.”

glanced at her before heading to a

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

in Hamilton’s life

her heart. Her hand instinctively tightened

best that she

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

abuzz with talk of her resignation.

last night at the Crest Club had leaked, and the

others commented on Mr. Fowler’s ruthlessness, but

glanced inside and

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

open her office door, the room fell

reddened at the sight

is it true you’re resigning?”

She nodded,

packing her things