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?”

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

Chapter 21

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

looked at

a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry.”

the pair 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

smile playing on his perfect features. “What

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

you?” Hamilton asked with

lips twitched.

what’s there to argue

have slept with you, it has nothing to do with Ms. Schafer. I’m not a mistress, I haven’t cheated, and I’ve done nothing shameful. Even my

narrowed slightly. “You seem quite justified about sleeping

smile. “At least I have

“Come

Natalia didn’t move.

expression turned sour. “Do you want Tess to

eventually made her

pulled her onto his lap and

office, Tess rushed to

did it

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

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

chuckled helplessly. “No need for that. Just be

pouted. “But they were so out

Chapter 21

doesn’t bother me, not one

shouldn’t give them the right to talk like that! And that Eveleen Schafer,

you, I won’t be able to save

you eat too much

it was from Hamilton’s rough

“Yeah, a

end, Natalia received a call from Scarlett. They agreed to meet at a

she quipped, “Be grateful I’m even

“Did you bring the medicine?”

good for nausea.

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

avoid taking them