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?”

wasn’t my call to fight, but the reason for the fight was me. Mr. Fowler, I’ll take responsibility for

Chapter 21

at Tess and the other employee. “Since Ms. Jenkins is

stunned, then looked at

just offered a reassuring

but before any punishment, I need to clear the air. I don’t know

back, a cryptic smile playing on his perfect features.

said, “That Ms. Schafer gave me a

you?” Hamilton asked with

twitched. “I

what’s there to argue about?”

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

eyes narrowed slightly. “You seem quite justified

a bitter smile. “At least I have a clear conscience.”

“Come here.”

Natalia didn’t move.

you want Tess

her way over.

her onto his lap

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

did

all good now, get

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

helplessly. “No need for that. Just be less impulsive

they were so

Chapter 21

“It doesn’t bother

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

“Be careful. If Mr. Fowler hears you, I won’t be

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

was from Hamilton’s rough kiss.

said, “Yeah, a little.”

the workday neared its end, Natalia received a call from Scarlett.

she quipped, “Be grateful I’m

you bring the medicine?”

over. “They’re good for nausea. Are

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

to avoid taking them