Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 263

Natalia paused, visibly taken aback. "What's going on?"

Ronin's voice carried a chill. "Last night, the scaffolding suddenly collapsed. Two construction workers got injured. We had already initiated the emergency plan, covering both medical treatment and compensation with the best possible solutions. But somehow, the families of those workers started causing a fuss and even reported us to the safety inspection department, claiming our site's safety standards were compromised. Now, the whole project is on hold." A heavy sense of dread settled in Natalia's heart. "How bad are the injuries?" she asked, hoping for some silver lining.

"Thankfully, they're not severe. The scaffolding wasn't that high."

Natalia felt a momentary relief. But it was short-lived as her worries quickly resurfaced. She had been looking forward to the North Suburb project going live, which would allow her to leave Ron Group and start her new role in the Foreign Affairs Department.

And now, with this incident throwing a wrench in her plans, her agreement with Mason Joyner was at risk. If the project didn't go live before the deadline, she'd be stuck at Ron Group.

"Try to calm the families down and investigate this thoroughly. There's no way our site violates safety standards. Check if the scaffolding was tampered with, especially keep an eye on Patrick Schafer."

She had recently taken Patrick to court over a bidding dispute, fearing this could be his revenge.

Upon mentioning Patrick, Ronin hesitated. "Natalia, the lawsuit against Patrick has been dropped." "What? Why was it dropped? Why wasn't I informed?" Natalia's frustration was evident.

"I don't know what Mason was thinking, just dropping the lawsuit like that."

Natalia asked pointedly, "Did President Joyner order the lawsuit to be dropped?"

Ronin confirmed, "Yes."

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Natalia took a deep breath to calm herself before calling Mason. "President Joyner, I apologize for calling at this hour. May I ask why the lawsuit against Patrick was dropped?" Mason's voice, still laced with mirth, didn't waver. "I heard you've been quite busy, so I didn't want to bother you."

Natalia, fighting to keep her composure, reminded him of their agreement that she'd have full control over the subsidiary's affairs.

Mason explained his stance on keeping a low profile, especially with government contracts making them a target. He had settled matters with Patrick privately, advising Natalia on the wisdom of forgiveness. Despite her dissatisfaction, Natalia knew arguing was futile.

she vented her frustration with a heavy

distress, inquired softly. "What's

she explained the situation, Hamilton's eyes darkened with suspicion. "Is Mason really worried about attracting attention, or did he never

suggesting Mason's lack of action was not about protecting the project but keeping Natalia

revelation about Davis being a distant relative of the Joyner family and placed in a crucial position by Mason himself led Natalia to question Mason's motives further. Hamilton apologized, acknowledging his role in her difficult situation with the

and familial obligations, Natalia faced a complex path ahead, her ambitions

day, it

just focus on the issue at hand." Hamilton felt a bitter taste in his heart. He wished she

was brush

get this sorted

nodded, not adding anything

their

Natalia called

emergency but simply said, "There'll be other chances." Upon their arrival in Silkwood City, Alden

over as soon as he saw

but there's no lead on Mason yet. He's kept his

glanced at Alden, "What about

Alden looked towards Natalia.

the project can proceed. But with the families making such a scene, it's causing a PR nightmare for Natalia. It might be best to have the affected parties come forward to clear the air." Natalia nodded, "I

when Hamilton grabbed

after a moment, she

be free this weekend.

Hamilton scooped her up towards the

what are

don't have to go. I've already taken care