Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton) novel 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 NorthSuburb 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.

Hanging up, she vented her frustration with a heavy sigh, having hoped to finally settle scores with Patrick.

Hamilton, noticing her distress, inquired softly. "What's wrong?"

After she explained the situation, Hamilton's eyes darkened with suspicion. "Is Mason really worried about attracting attention, or did he never intend to go after Patrick?"

Natalia was puzzled by his implication.

Hamilton hinted at a deeper game, suggesting Mason's lack of action was not about protecting the project but keeping Natalia tied to Ron Group.

The 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 bet agreement.

Caught in a web of corporate and familial obligations, Natalia faced a complex path ahead, her ambitions and loyalties tested.

At the end of the day, it was her choice to make.

She lowered her gaze, and after a long pause, she finally said, "There's no point talking about this now. Let's just focus on the issue at hand."

Hamilton felt a bitter taste in his heart. He wished she would just lash out at him instead.

But all she did was brush it off with a light-hearted comment.

"Don't worry, we'll get this sorted out," he reassured her.

Natalia nodded, not adding anything more to the conversation.

Natalia was taken aback.

Hamilton ushered her into the car, "I arranged for someone to talk to the families before we even boarded the plane."

Natalia, looking at the man before her, suddenly didn't know what to say.

Hamilton pulled her onto his lap.

"Natalia, stop thanking me. I'd rather you rely on me than keep thanking me. I want to be your rock, understand?"

Natalia pursed her lips, "Hamilton, I can handle this on my own."

Hamilton smiled, "Yes, Ms. Jenkins is very capable, I know. But I still want to help you, Natalia. Let's call it my way of making amends, okay?"

Natalia smiled after a moment, "Well, you've got a lot of amends to make then."

Hamilton's Adam's apple bobbed as he held her closer, sealing his promise with a kiss.

"I'll make amends with all I have, Ms. Jenkins. Is that acceptable?"

Natalia quickly looked away.

"Hamilton, can you be serious for a moment?"

But Hamilton just laughed, gently pinning her to the back seat.

Alden, who had initially wanted to say something, found himself at a loss for words at the sight of the two in the back.

Silently, he raised the privacy partition, started the car, and drove off.