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.

translator, and then you called,” Lionel explained. Natalia

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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felt a twinge of nostalgia. “Those were the days,” she said, “but let’s not dwell on the past.”

legal text, translating it

knew you’d be perfect. Would you be willing to interpret for us in court, too? We’re really in

check my schedule,” Natalia

you know the court dates, and if you’re available, great. If not, we’ll figure something else out.”

two chatted for a while, and Lionel suddenly asked, “You’re not looking so good.

of.” She didn’t really want to tell Lionel too much about her

a lot, in the end, Lionel was

grab lunch. He had a reservation at a nearby steakhouse, a place Natalia wouldn’t

they entered the restaurant, Natalia’s step faltered. There, in an unexpected twist of fate. was Hamilton, dining with the same Ms. Miller from the day before. It was

Lionel caught the

her senses. “Why don’t

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

Hamilton’s gaze with a stoic, “Mr.

emotion showing. He acknowledged her with a casual nod, then shifted his attention to Lionel, sizing him up with an air of

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

Rumor had it he had taken over the family empire at a young age, only to step down out of boredom and start his own venture. Now, his

Hamilton but had never found the right moment.

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to use her as a stepping stone, but fate had other plans, presenting an unexpected encounter

his lips as he appraised the two of them, the wheels in

gave a nonchalant nod, his gaze