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?”

lifted, cold as winter Ice. “What, you

shook his head quickly he wouldn’t

want Ms. Jenkins to suffer because

replied Indifferently, “She had a shortcut but she didn’t take it.

Alden. His brother’s heart was indeed

wanted her to stay, he was going about it in

way.

one else who could help her financially. Hamilton’s crowd of fair–weather friends was no good. Alden was the only on she was somewhat close to. If

person was Victor, but she wasn’t desperate enough to

to calm her frazzled nerves, Natalia returned to her

ready. You’ll need Mr. Fowler’s signature. The secretary mentioned

“Just leave

Tess left, Natalia reviewed the marketing plan and made

knocked twice and a deep voice beckoned

up with a flicker of

lip. “Something came up today.

it soon. Don’t hold

the marketing plan before him. “Here’s the new product plan.

time examining the document thoroughly, his approach always meticulous.

stood waiting as he

signed his name and handed the document

wanting to say something more but then giving up the

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

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

on

Hamilton dove back into

Hamilton for help moments ago but quickly dismissing it. The thought of seeking aid from

called

explaining her situation, she asked, “Lionel, could this be

you have a duty to provide for him. If he claims

heart sank further. “Is there really

on behalf of your mother,

realized the bitter truth. She was trapped in Graham’s

I couldn’t be more help.”