Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 161

Natalia raced to the hospital, only to find the caretaker, Debby, looking frantic at the door of the hospital room.

"What's going on?" Natalia asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

Debby's face bore the distinct mark of a slap.

"It's your father, Graham. He hasn't shown up for quite some time, but tonight, out of the blue, he barged in, drunk as a skunk. He insisted on seeing your mother, and I tried to stop him, but he was belligerent after the drinks. He managed to push past me, and before I knew it, he had unplugged her ventilator, spewing all sorts of nasty words, saying she should have died a long time ago and that keeping her alive was just a waste of money."

"I called security and the doctor right away, and thankfully, the doctor arrived just in time."

Natalia's face turned a shade paler.

She could never have guessed that Graham would suddenly reappear and cause such a commotion after being absent for so long.

Natalia glanced apologetically at Debby.

"I'm so sorry you got dragged into this."

Debby was obviously feeling aggrieved.

Graham had been rough with her, and to this moment, one of her ears was still ringing.

Natalia promptly transferred some money to Debby. "You should go home and rest. I'll take it from here."

Debby refused to accept the money, gave her a few instructions, and then left.

Natalia turned and entered the hospital room.

The doctor had just finished examining Tatiana and nodded at Natalia as she came in.

"Things seem stable for now; thankfully, Debby was quick to react. But let's try to avoid such incidents in the future. It's not just about your mother's well-being; it can also upset the other patients. Ms. Jenkins, you really should have a word with your father." Natalia nodded earnestly.

"I will, thank you, Doctor."

The doctor didn't say much more; just advised her on a few things, and then took her leave.

Natalia looked down at Tatiana lying on the bed, her face ashen and void of color.

Tatiana had become so gaunt it was disconcerting. Natalia remembered her as being beautiful.

bed now was just skin and bones, far removed from any semblance of

like Tatiana

stayed for a

on a phone

standing

he asked with a concerned look, "How

"It's okay

which he had just hung up, rang again. He frowned, looked at Natalia, and said, "Glad to hear your mother is okay. I've got to deal with something

he turned to Hamilton, "You coming, Mr.

on Natalia. After a long moment, he replied nonchalantly, "You go ahead. I've got something to

but didn't say anything else, turning back

mood to deal

her surprise,

"Hamilton, can you

a sting from her attitude. Couldn't this woman be a little nicer to

just say the word, and I can bring back those two bodyguards I had posted

for her in a fit of pique, expecting

couldn't very well send

like

want

least with them around, Graham wouldn't be able to cause such a

she didn't want to

was the kind of man whose favors came at too high a

yourself, Mr. Fowler. I

to leave, but Hamilton

do you plan to trouble if not me? Ryan? Or perhaps

warm breath and the unfamiliar scent of perfume-it wasn't his. It must be

welled up inside

a push, she broke

to ask is none of your business, Hamilton.

darkened

you honestly think others care about you that much? For all you know, they might just be playing with your

doing when I truly needed you? Now you show up for this little trouble? Well, guess what? I

stood there, his face a mask

hit where it hurt, and

heart felt like it was being pricked with needles-not intensely painful,

a sneer, he didn't

then, his