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?”

reason for the fight was me. Mr. Fowler, I’ll take responsibility

Chapter 21

employee. “Since Ms. Jenkins is willing to take responsibility, you

stunned, then looked

a reassuring smile. “Don’t

punish me however you see fit, but before

back, a cryptic smile playing

for a moment, then said, “That Ms. Schafer gave me a hard time because I slept

asked with

twitched. “I have.”

to argue

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

seem quite justified about sleeping with

offered a bitter smile. “At least I have a clear

“Come

Natalia didn’t move.

want Tess to be alright or not?”

her

pulled her onto his lap and kissed

out of the president’s office, Tess rushed

how did

softly. “It’s all good now, get back to work.”

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

helplessly. “No need for that. Just be

were so out of

Chapter 21

doesn’t bother me, not one

talk like that! And that Eveleen Schafer, she’s no

“Be careful. If Mr. Fowler hears you, I

but then gasped. “Boss, did you eat too much spicy food? Your lip’s all busted.”

touched her lip; it was from Hamilton’s

she said, “Yeah, a

end, Natalia received a call from Scarlett. They

Natalia a lemon water, she quipped, “Be grateful I’m even giving you lemon water. Someone like you

smiled. “Did you bring

nodded, handing them over. “They’re good for nausea.

her bag. “It’s not too bad; just

taking them then.”