Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 21

Natalia emerged from the restroom only to find an intern from the marketing department rushing toward her, her face flushed with urgency.

“Ms. Jenkins, it’s a mess. Tess got into a fight with someone.”

Natalia’s brows furrowed instantaneously. “What happened?”

The intern hesitated for a moment. “It seems she overheard someone badmouthing you, and Tess just couldn’t stand it. She went over to set things straight, but it turned into a brawl.”

“Where is she now?”

“She’s been summoned to Mr. Fowler’s office.”

Natalia took a deep breath and headed upstairs. At the entrance to the president’s office, the executive secretary seemed to be waiting for her arrival. “Ms. Jenkins.”

Natalia nodded in acknowledgment, “How are things inside?”

The executive secretary looked at her, “It might lead to a termination.”

A pang of guilt hit Natalia. She had been with the company for three years, and Tess had been her right hand for just as long. She knew all too well the struggles of Tess’s family life. Her mother was in poor health, and there was a pair of younger siblings to care for. If Tess were to lose her job over speaking up for her, Natalia’s conscience would never be at ease.

Natalia bit her lip. “How’s Mr. Fowler’s mood today?”

The executive secretary shook her head. “Not great.”

Natalia took another deep breath. “I’ll go in and see.”

“Alright.”

Natalia knocked, but there was no response from inside for a while. It seemed Hamilton wasn’t in the mood to entertain. After several more knocks, finally, a languid voice came through,

“Come in.”

When Tess saw Natalia enter, her eyes, red from crying, welled up with fresh tears.

“Boss,” she whimpered.

Natalia went over and patted her, then turned to Hamilton. “Mr. Fowler, this whole mess started because of me. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”

Hamilton was sitting behind his desk, his gaze lifted slightly, his face stormy. “Did you tell her to fight?”

for the fight was

Chapter 21

and the other employee. “Since Ms. Jenkins is willing to take responsibility, you two can

stunned, then looked

just offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t

cracked a smile. “How do you plan to take responsibility?” “Mr. Fowler, you can punish me however you see fit, but before any punishment, I need to clear the air. I don’t

lounged back, a cryptic smile playing on his perfect features.

then said, “That Ms. Schafer gave me a hard time because

you?” Hamilton asked with

lips twitched. “I have.”

what’s there to argue

nothing to do with Ms. Schafer. I’m not a mistress, I haven’t cheated, and I’ve done nothing shameful. Even my relationship with you is consensual.

seem quite justified

a bitter smile. “At least I

“Come here.”

Natalia didn’t move.

sour. “Do you want

her way over.

his lap

out of the president’s office, Tess rushed to her, tears streaming

did

good now, get back

burst into tears again. “Boss, you’re the best. I’d walk through fire for you.”

that. Just

“But they were

Chapter 21

bother me,

still indignant on Natalia’s behalf. “That shouldn’t give them the right to talk like that! And that Eveleen Schafer, she’s no good. I

Fowler hears you,

you eat too much spicy food?

it was from Hamilton’s

said, “Yeah,

Natalia received a call from Scarlett. They agreed

“Be

“Did you bring

for nausea. Are you having a tough time?”

the medicine in her bag. “It’s not too bad; just some smells set

to avoid taking them then.”