Echoes of a Forsaken Heart (Natalia and Hamilton)

Hamilton's gaze instantly darkened.

He glanced at the restroom before asking in a low voice, "What's going on?"

Scarlett's voice was filled with urgency, "I'm not sure about the details. The caregiver mentioned that she took Natalia's mom for her physical therapy session. She waited at the door, but after everyone else came out, there was still no sign of Natalia's mom. That's when she got worried and checked inside, only to find no trace of her. She asked all the doctors, but none of them seemed to notice anything."

Hamilton's expression turned grim, "Don't worry just yet. I'm going to give Baxter Lehner a call."

After he hung up, Natalia had just come out of the restroom.

Seeing his troubled expression, she couldn't help asking, "What's wrong? Is there trouble at work? Or are you not feeling well?"

Hamilton hesitated to tell her, but he knew it was something that couldn't be kept secret.

"Scarlett just called. She mentioned there was an incident with your mom at the hospital."

Natalia was visibly shocked, her face turning pale.

"What happened? Was there an accident during her physical therapy?"

Tatiana had only started her rehabilitation a couple of days ago.

Given the doctor's warnings not to rush things, Natalia's first thought was that something went wrong during the session.

Hamilton paused for a moment, "Scarlett said she's gone missing."

Natalia was stunned, "Missing? How can someone just go missing?" Growing anxious, she rushed towards the door.

Hamilton tried to stop her but couldn't.

He quickly changed his clothes and followed her out.

Downstairs, he saw Natalia getting into her car.

He hurried over and pulled her out.

Natalia's face was deathly pale.

Without saying a word, Hamilton led her to his car and carefully buckled her in.

"You're not in a state to drive. Let me take you."

Natalia was already in a panic.

She didn't protest, merely nodding her agreement.

Hamilton's car sped off.

On the way, he called Baxter again.

After the call, he looked at Natalia with a sympathetic gaze.

The woman, pale and leaning against the seat, seemed exceptionally vulnerable.

Suddenly, Natalia turned to him, "When we get to the hospital, could you check in with a doctor?"

Hamilton was taken aback but then smiled, holding her hand.

"Worrying about me at a time like this?"

Natalia felt a sourness in her nose. She was indeed worried.

For some reason, having Hamilton by her side always brought her comfort.

"Hamilton, thank you."

Hamilton frowned at her, "Thank for what? I haven't even done anything yet."

Natalia looked down, not responding, but inwardly she thanked him for being there when she needed someone the most.

When they arrived at the hospital, Scarlett had just parked her car.

The three of them rushed upstairs together.

At the hospital room's door, they found Mason was also there.

Natalia was taken aback.

"President Joyner, what brings you here?"

Mason nodded at Hamilton and then turned to Natalia, "I was passing by and thought to check on your mother, but I didn't expect to walk into an emergency."

Tatiana's caregiver burst into tears upon seeing Natalia.

"Natalia, I swear I never left the therapy room's entrance. I was there the whole time, but I didn't see your mother leave."

Natalia's expression darkened, "Please, don't cry. I'm not blaming you. Can you tell me exactly what happened? From the time you went in to when you noticed she was missing." "Sure." The caregiver quickly wiped her tears and recounted the events in detail.

"I even asked all the therapists, but none of them noticed when your mother left."

Natalia's expression grew even more troubled.

Hamilton held her hand, offering silent support.

Mason observed the interaction with a fleeting look of curiosity.

Baxter arrived in a hurry.

"Let's check the surveillance footage."

Baxter likely had made arrangements earlier because the necessary footage was promptly presented.

From the hospital corridor to the therapy room and the hallway outside, leading to all exits, the footage was clear and comprehensive.

Natalia held Hamilton's hand throughout.

Her face was expressionless, but her unease was growing.

According to the caregiver, it had been two hours since Tatiana's disappearance.

Given Tatiana's condition, if something had happened...

Natalia's eyes reddened as she watched the footage.

Hamilton pulled her into an embrace, offering silent comfort.

The footage revealed Tatiana undergoing her therapy session as normal.

However, following a brief exchange with a therapist, her expression changed, and she fell from the equipment.

The therapist quickly assisted her into a wheelchair, and after a short conversation, wheeled her away through a different emergency exit.

After that, Tatiana was no longer seen on any of the hospital's cameras.

Natalia swayed, on the verge of collapse.

Hamilton, deeply concerned, comforted her before turning to Baxter.

"I need the details on that therapist."

Baxter nodded, "Right away."

Then, turning to Natalia, he apologized before leaving.

Mason had been present throughout and followed them out of the surveillance room.

Once outside, Natalia managed to compose herself and addressed Mason.

"President Joyner, you should head back. I apologize for the inconvenience today."

Mason's heart ached, "This isn't the time for such talk. Just take care of yourself, and let me know if there's any word about your mom, alright?"

Natalia managed a weak smile.

"Okay, thanks, President Joyner."

After Mason left, Natalia found herself lost in thought in Tatiana's room.

She'd been feeling down lately, both emotionally and physically, which had kept her away from Tatiana.

And now, to think that Tatiana had just vanished.

Natalia sat by Tatiana's bed, tears silently streaming down her face.

This time, she was genuinely scared.

Scared that something terrible had happened to Tatiana, and scared that she might never see her again.

Scarlett stood by, softly trying to comfort her.

But at times like these, perhaps no words could help.

Hamilton called from outside, and when he entered, he saw Scarlett holding Natalia.

He stepped closer.

"Let me talk to her."

Scarlett glanced at him, then nodded.

She turned to leave, gently closing the door behind her as she went.

Hamilton moved to wrap Natalia in his arms.

Whispering reassurances.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."

Hearing his voice, the emotions Natalia had been holding back suddenly overwhelmed her.