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?”

eyes lifted, cold as winter Ice. “What, you feel sorry

head quickly he wouldn’t

suffer because of Graham. After all,

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

Alden. His brother’s heart

wanted her to stay, he was going about it in such a roundabout, ruthless

way.

Natalia rubbed her temples. There was no one else who could help her financially. Hamilton’s crowd of fair–weather friends was no

she wasn’t desperate enough to ask

breath to calm her frazzled nerves, Natalia returned to

product’s marketing plan is ready. You’ll need Mr. Fowler’s signature. The secretary mentioned you haven’t processed

“Just leave it to me.”

marketing plan and

and a deep

a flicker of interest. “Ms.

bit her lip. “Something came up today. I’ll take care

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

“Here’s the new product plan. Please review it,

took his time examining the document

dismiss her, so Natalia stood waiting as he scrutinized each page with

and handed the document back to

say something more but then giving up the

Ms. Jenkins?”

14:20

Chapter 6

“No, that’s all.‘

on your

dove back into

ago but quickly dismissing it. The thought of seeking aid from such a man

at her desk, Natalia tried to refocus. After work, she called Lionel, the

situation, she asked, “Lionel, could this

difficult to prosecute under extortion. He’s your legal father, and you have a duty to provide for him. If he claims it’s just for support, you wouldn’t have much

further. “Is there really

behalf of your mother, but it’s a lengthy

Natalia realized the bitter truth. She was trapped

I couldn’t be