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?”

call to fight, but the reason for the

Chapter 21

Tess and the other employee. “Since Ms. Jenkins is willing to take

then looked at Natalia with worry.

offered a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry.”

left the office. Hamilton 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 know if you’ve heard the rumors spreading around the office, but Tess was just defending me.”

cryptic smile playing on his perfect features. “What

“That Ms. Schafer gave me

have you?” Hamilton asked with a wicked

twitched. “I have.”

to

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. Schafer has no right to reprimand me!”

eyes narrowed slightly. “You seem quite justified

bitter smile. “At least I have

snorted. “Come

Natalia didn’t move.

“Do you want Tess to be alright or

made her way

his lap and

Tess rushed to her, tears streaming down her

how did it

smiled softly. “It’s all good now, get back

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

that.

pouted. “But they were so out

Chapter 21

“It doesn’t bother me, not one

that! And that Eveleen Schafer, she’s no good. I don’t

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

then gasped. “Boss, did you eat too

lip; it was from

said, “Yeah, a little.”

received a call from Scarlett. They agreed to meet at a dessert

“Be grateful I’m even

“Did you bring

for nausea.

bag. “It’s not too

taking them then.”