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?”

but the reason for the fight was me.

Chapter 21

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

looked

just offered a reassuring smile.

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,

lounged back, a cryptic smile playing on

“That Ms. Schafer gave

Hamilton asked with a wicked

twitched.

there to argue

to do with Ms. Schafer. I’m not a mistress, I haven’t cheated,

narrowed slightly. “You seem quite justified about sleeping with me.”

offered a bitter smile. “At least I

“Come

Natalia didn’t move.

want Tess to be alright or

her way over.

lap and kissed her

president’s office, Tess rushed to her, tears streaming down her

did it go?”

softly. “It’s all good now,

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

for that. Just be less impulsive next time.”

were

Chapter 21

“It doesn’t bother me, not one bit.”

the right to talk like that! And that Eveleen Schafer, she’s no good. I don’t understand what Mr. Fowler sees in

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

“Boss, did you eat too much spicy food? Your lip’s

touched her lip; it was from Hamilton’s

she said, “Yeah,

neared its end, Natalia received a call from Scarlett. They agreed

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

“Did you

them over. “They’re good for nausea. Are you having a tough time?”

“It’s not

taking