Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Natalia didn't utter a word, merely wrestled free from his grasp.

"Just take the medicine, okay? I've unblocked your number. Call me if you need anything."

Hamilton, however, clasped her wrist once more.

But before he could speak, his phone suddenly rang.

He took it out to glance at the screen.

It displayed "Eveleen's caregiver."

Both stiffened for a moment.

Natalia chuckled, shaking off his grip and heading for the door.

Hamilton promptly ended the call and hurried after her, grabbing her again.

"Answer me."

Natalia remained silent, the ringing phone sounding like a death knell.

Natalia's gaze fell upon Hamilton's phone, "You better take that call."

Hamilton paused, then assured, "Don't worry, regardless of what happens tonight, I'll sort things out."

Natalia didn't respond.

Hope was slim, now even slimmer.

Hamilton frowned at her, "Don't you trust me?"

"It's not about trust, Hamilton. Regardless, thanks for everything today."

Hamilton's expression soured.

But eventually, he answered the call.

"What happened?"

"Mr. Fowler, Ms. Schafer was stabbed in the chest by a suddenly aggressive patient. She's currently in critical condition."

Hamilton's face darkened considerably.

He glanced involuntarily at Natalia.

Natalia clearly heard the voice through Hamilton's phone.

She stood still, nearly amused.

Seems her lack of hope was justified.

At least there's no disappointment.

Hamilton's face couldn't look worse, the caregiver's voice continued from the phone.

"Mr. Fowler, did you catch what I said?"

Hamilton, struggling to contain his frustration, asked, "Weren't sharp objects banned?"

The caregiver trembled, "There was a talent show at the facility today, Ms. Schafer was insistent on attending, and we had no choice but to take her. There was a caregiver there, preparing fruit for the patients." Natalia didn't listen further, turning to leave.

Hamilton watched her go, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

He hung up and called Alden.

Alden seemed to have already heard the news.

"Bro, I'm on my way to the hospital now. Don't worry, I'll call you if anything happens."

Hamilton was silent for a moment before nodding.

After ending the call, he followed Natalia.

Natalia was about to close her door when Hamilton stopped it with his foot.

"Don't be mad, okay?"

Natalia replied, "I'm not mad. Mr. Fowler, taking care of your darling is normal, right?"

"Natalia, you know I-"

Natalia met his gaze, "Hamilton, can you leave her alone?"

Hamilton's brows furrowed, unable to promise to abandon Eveleen.

Natalia calmly said, "Hamilton, stop bothering me! Also, forgive me for not being magnanimous, but I hope Eveleen doesn't make it through the night!"

After her words, she pushed Hamilton out and shut the door.

Behind the door, Natalia stood for a long while before taking a deep breath, grabbing some clothes, and heading to the shower.

Hamilton, staring at the closed door, felt both angry and annoyed.

It seemed like that one call had undone all his efforts.

Natalia, this woman, was indeed heartless.

After her shower, Natalia heard knocking.

Expecting Hamilton, she was surprised to hear Caspian's voice from the other side.

She quickly opened the door.

Caspian handed her a piece of cake.

"Have some dessert, cheer up."

Natalia smiled, "I'm fine."

She was genuinely okay this time, only feeling a bit irritated. It seemed Eveleen's instigation would once again go unpunished.

Caspian nodded, "Good to hear. I spoke with Hamilton. He's already taken care of Thalia's family. As for Thalia herself, she'll face legal consequences."

Natalia instantly grasped Caspian's implication.

This time, everything was blamed on Thalia.

She nodded, "Thank you."

Caspian smiled, "You're welcome. Try to get some rest."

Caspian didn't stay long and soon left.

Natalia had expected a sleepless night but fell asleep shortly after lying down.

The next morning, Collin called her.

"Natalia, regarding yesterday's incident, the department has decided on a final resolution. Termination and a lifelong ban from public service. We'll also issue a public statement, but we'll only mention misconduct. I hope you understand." Natalia chuckled, "Mr. Collin, I understand."

Collin continued, "Moreover, Minister Dawson used some private connections. The person who harassed you will likely find it hard to stay in Boria City from now on."

Natalia was taken aback; she hadn't expected Dawson to use his personal contacts for her.

"To be honest, Minister Dawson really appreciates you. Even your coordinating the meeting was his decision against others' opinions. Natalia, keep up the good work. Your future is promising."

Natalia was speechless, eventually managing only a "Okay."

After hanging up, she still couldn't quite believe it.

She didn't understand why Dawson would go to such lengths for her.

After much thought and finding no answer, she decided to call Dawson to express her gratitude.

Dawson's words were comforting.

Natalia couldn't deny her gratitude, "Minister Dawson, next time I'll bring you some specialties from Silkwood City."

Dawson paused, then laughed, "I'll look forward to it."

After hanging up the phone, Natalia packed her bags and headed back to Silkwood City.

The moment she stepped off the plane, her phone buzzed with a call from Tatiana Joyner's caregiver.

A jolt of panic shot through Natalia.

But when she answered, the caregiver's voice couldn't hide the joy bubbling through.

"Ms. Jenkins, your mother has woken up!"

Natalia's mind went blank, and it took her a moment before she could muster a response, "I'll be right there."

She rushed to the hospital, and upon entering the room, she saw Tatiana, eyes open, lying on the bed.

Tears began to stream down Tatiana's face upon seeing her.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she tried to lift them.

Natalia couldn't hold back her tears.

"Mom, I thought... I thought you didn't want me anymore. Mom, I've missed you so, so much."

Approaching the bedside, Natalia was laughing through her tears.

Tatiana's tears kept flowing unceasingly.

Natalia wiped away her own tears and then Tatiana's.

The caregiver stood by, a mix of laughter and tears on her face.

"Ms. Jenkins, this is a happy occasion, let's not cry anymore. Ah, we shouldn't upset your mother too much with our emotions."

Hearing this, Natalia quickly wiped her tears.

She nodded vigorously, "I won't cry."

Then, she smiled, "From now on, I can hug my mom every day."

Tatiana continued to shed tears, and Natalia tenderly wiped them away.

The doctor waited until Natalia had calmed down before speaking.

"Even though she's awake, we're not out of the woods yet. Several organs are failing, and there's muscle atrophy. Besides rehabilitation, we need to be very careful in all respects." Natalia nodded firmly.

"Okay, I understand."

The doctor paused, "As for rehabilitation, Ms. Jenkins, you should prepare yourself for a lengthy process."

Natalia nodded, "It doesn't matter how long it takes."

Her nose still tingled with the threat of more tears.

After the doctor had shared all the necessary precautions and left, Natalia escorted him to the door, only to find Hamilton standing there.