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 fell

gave a knowing smile. “I’ve seen one of your speeches. Back at Boria University, you were quite the sensation–fluent in several languages and even served as an interpreter for dignitaries. Then you aced the diplomatic service exams during

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Chapte

“Those were the days,” she said, “but let’s not dwell on the past.”

the legal text, translating it with

to interpret for us in court, too? We’re really in a tight spot with

to check my schedule,” Natalia

available, great. If not, we’ll figure something

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

didn’t really want to tell Lionel too much about her personal affairs. She didn’t want anyone else to know about

in

they grab lunch. He had a reservation at a nearby steakhouse, a place Natalia wouldn’t have expected to visit. given her familiarity with Hamilton’s dislike for such fare.

in an unexpected twist of fate. was Hamilton, dining with the same Ms. Miller from the day before. It was clear she had become more than just a passing interest

hesitated at the entrance, but Lionel caught the subtle shift

quickly returned to her senses. “Why

calling out to Natalia in what seemed like

smile, meeting Hamilton’s

eyes were deep, without the slightest emotion showing. He acknowledged her with a casual nod, then shifted his attention to Lionel, sizing him up

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

step down out of boredom and start his own venture. Now, his

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

to meet you,” Hamilton replied with a nod, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips as he appraised the two of them,

his gaze sweeping