Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 6

Stumbling back with a forceful shove from Graham, Natalia clutched her belly protectively. shooting him a glare that could shatter glass.

“Graham, don’t you ever fear karma will come knocking?”

“The biggest karma of my life was crossing paths with your mom and you!” he spat back venomously.

Trembling with fury, Natalia took a deep breath, trying to quell the throbbing in her belly.

She quickly dialed Scarlett’s number to ask for her help.

“It’s probably the stress causing the pain. Find a place to sit down and try to relax. If it doesn’t get better soon, head straight to the hospital.”

After hanging up, Natalia inhaled deeply, working to steady her swirling emotions.

Sitting on a nearby bench, the pain gradually subsided. When her stomach finally settled, she allowed herself a small sigh of relief. She checked on her mother before leaving, and reminded the caregiver once more.

“If Graham shows up again, please call me right away.”

The caregiver nodded earnestly, “Of course.”

Leaving the hospital behind, Natalia headed straight back to the office. The resignation letter sat untouched on her desk, but she didn’t have the heart to deal with it.

Tucking the letter into a drawer, she hesitated before picking up the phone and making another call.

Alden was clearly surprised to hear from her. “Ms. Jenkins, what a surprise! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

There was a moment of silence before Natalia spoke, “Alden, I’m in a bit of a bind. Could I possibly borrow some money from you?”

Sitting in his brother Hamilton’s office, Alden glanced over at the man who ‘seemed to anticipate every move in this chess game called life.

“Ms. Jenkins, I’m really sorry. But you might not know this – my big brother cut off my credit cards because of last night’s incident. I’ve been living off leftovers since then.”

A heavy weight seemed to settle in Natalia’s chest. After a brief pause, she simply said, “I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

Feeling guilty, Alden suggested, “Maybe you could wait a few days? I reckon my brother will cool off soon.”

“There’s no need, thank you,” Natalia replied before ending the call.

Alden looked at Hamilton, who was meticulously reviewing contracts, and ventured, “Bro, are you really going to let Graham mess with her like this?”

winter Ice.

head quickly he

just don’t want Ms. Jenkins to suffer because of Graham. After all, she is your

shortcut but she didn’t take it. If she suffers, she has only herself to blame.”

His brother’s

stay, he was going

way.

fair–weather friends was no good. Alden was the only on

she wasn’t desperate enough to

calm her frazzled nerves,

the final version of the new product’s marketing plan is ready. You’ll need

nodded. “Just leave it to me.”

the marketing plan and made her way to

door was ajar. She knocked twice and a deep

flicker of interest. “Ms. Jenkins hasn’t

today. I’ll take care of it tomorrow.”

“Please do it soon. Don’t hold up the new manager’s

before placing the marketing plan before him. “Here’s the new product plan. Please review it,

the document thoroughly, his approach always

so Natalia stood waiting as he scrutinized each page with precision.

satisfied, Hamilton signed his name and handed the document back to

to say something more but then giving

else, Ms. Jenkins?” Hamilton’s expression was

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

door on

that, Hamilton dove back into his work.

sudden urge to ask Hamilton for help moments ago but quickly dismissing it. The thought of seeking aid

tried to refocus. After work, she called

she asked, “Lionel, could this be considered extortion?”

under extortion. He’s your legal father, and you have a duty to provide for him. If he claims it’s just for

sank further. “Is there really no

could potentially file for divorce on behalf of your mother,

She was trapped in Graham’s malicious game.

be