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.

find a professional translator, and then you called,” Lionel explained. Natalia fell silent, pondering for a moment. “How did you know I

were quite the sensation–fluent in several languages and even served as an interpreter for dignitaries. Then you aced the diplomatic service exams during grad

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Chapte

were the days,” she said,

legal text, translating it with ease,

“I knew you’d be perfect. Would you be willing to interpret for us in court, too? We’re really in a tight spot with the

check my

the court dates, and if you’re available, great. If not, we’ll figure

asked, “You’re not looking so good. Is it

her personal affairs. She didn’t want

help her a lot, in the end, Lionel was different from Scarlett.

grab lunch. He had a reservation at a nearby steakhouse, a place Natalia

with the same Ms. Miller from

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

quickly returned to her senses. “Why don’t we

through the room, calling out to Natalia in what seemed like a boastful tone, “Ms. Jenkins, what a

meeting Hamilton’s gaze with a stoic, “Mr.

the slightest emotion showing. He acknowledged her with a casual nod,

took the opportunity to introduce himself. “Mr. Fowler, it’s a pleasure. I’m Lionel from Lio Law Firm, a friend

at a young age, only to step down out

connect with Hamilton but had never found the right moment. He

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fate had other plans, presenting an unexpected encounter with the man

with a nod, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips as he appraised

his