Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 9

The morning sun had barely peeked over the horizon when Natalia’s doorbell chimed, rousing her from a restless sleep. Standing on her doorstep with a warm smile was the executive assistant from the office.

“Good morning. Ms. Jenkins. Mr. Fowler has arranged for you to have a check–up today,” she said, her tone polite yet friendly.

Natalia nodded, her voice still groggy, “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

They arrived at the clinic, where the sight of Scarlett by the blood draw station eased Natalia’s nerves. After the blood work, the assistant suggested grabbing a bite to eat.

“Mr. Fowler mentioned you could take today off,” she said, her eyes scanning Natalia for a

reaction.

“Sounds good to me,” Natalia agreed without hesitation, her mind already on the other matters she had to attend to.

They parted ways, and Natalia made a beeline for the diner where she had agreed to meet Lionel.

“What can I get ya?” Lionel asked as soon as Natalia slid into the booth opposite him.

“Just water, thanks,” she replied, keeping it simple.

Lionel flagged down the waitress and ordered a glass of ice water for Natalia. She took a sip and got straight to the point.

“You mentioned you needed my help with something. What’s up?” Natalia asked, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. “I didn’t get the details before, but you weren’t about to ask me to go jewelry shopping with you, were you?”

Lionel chuckled and shook his head. “No, it’s actually something serious.” He slid a document across the table to her. “Could you help me translate this?”

Natalia paused, surprised, as she picked up the document and skimmed through the Italian legal jargon.

“What’s this about?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

We’ve been scrambling to find a professional translator, and then you called,” Lionel

Boria University, you were quite the sensation–fluent in several languages and even served as an interpreter for dignitaries. Then you aced the

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Chapte

a twinge of nostalgia. “Those were the days,” she said, “but let’s

text,

lit up. “I knew you’d be perfect. Would you be willing to interpret

have to check my

court dates, and if you’re available, great. If not,

looking

want to tell Lionel too much about her personal affairs. She didn’t

Lionel did help her a lot, in

a nearby

an unexpected twist of fate. was Hamilton, dining with the same Ms. Miller from the day before. It was clear she

entrance, but Lionel caught the subtle shift in her demeanor.

to her senses. “Why don’t

could respond, Ms. Miller’s voice echoed through the room, calling out to Natalia in what seemed like a boastful tone, “Ms.

Hamilton’s gaze

He acknowledged her with a casual nod, then shifted his

opportunity to introduce himself. “Mr. Fowler, it’s a pleasure. I’m Lionel from Lio Law Firm, a friend of Natalia’s. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

empire at a young age, only to step down out of boredom and start his own venture. Now, his company was thriving, and Hamilton was a

connect with Hamilton but had never found the

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stone, but fate

enigmatic smile playing on his lips as he appraised the two of them, the wheels in

nonchalant nod, his gaze sweeping over to