Echoes Of a Forsaken Heart

Chapter 57

“Mr. Fowler, I’d like to discuss the terms of my termination of the contract,” Natalia said, her voice trying to mask the tension beneath.

From the other end of the line, Hamilton’s chuckle was cold as winter frost. “Didn’t you read the agreement?”

Natalia’s lips tightened. “I did.”

“Then what part of it do you not understand?” he prodded.

Taking a deep breath for composure, Natalla responded, “I simply want to resign gracefully. If it’s necessary, I’m willing to wait until you’ve found a suitable replacement before proceeding.”

Hamilton’s voice was laced with a chill that even the phone line couldn’t temper. “Ms. Jenkins, this isn’t a charity. You signed the contract; now you’re expected to honor it.”

Natalia clenched her fists, her knuckles whitening. “Mr. Fowler, back at the Crest Club, you agreed to let me go.

The mention of the Crest Club and Victor’s olive branch she had accepted then cast a shadow over Hamilton’s face. The silence in the conference room was deafening, a room full of executives too afraid to even breathe.

Hamilton slammed his pen down on the table with a snap, causing everyone to jump.

Then, the man at the head of the table spoke, his voice as cold as the Arctic. “Ms. Jenkins, I did agree to your resignation. But do I need to remind you of the choice you made in the end?”

Natalia felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She remembered all too well the last time she approached Hamilton for that million–dollar favor. She didn’t want to relive that humiliation.

“No, I remember,” she said quietly.

“Good. Then take care of yourself and return to work as expected,” he replied curtly.

But Natalia wasn’t ready to give up. “What will it take for you to let me resign?”

Hamilton’s eyes narrowed sharply. “Ms. Jenkins, this isn’t a hotel. You can either pay fifty million, come back to work after you’ve recovered, or if you prefer, we can settle this in court.”

Pausing, he added, “And just a reminder, Ms. Jenkins, that fifty million is a courtesy for your three years of hard work. You ought to be grateful.”

Taking a deep breath, he finally said, “Is there anything else?”

Natalla inhaled deeply, desperately trying to calm herself, Without another word, she ended the call.

She rubbed her temples. Fifty million. Where would she get fifty million?

1/4

13.07-

Chapter 57

with her, he was stingy, as if

years, she had barely saved enough for her mother’s

villa he gave her was indeed worth millions, but it was bought with the life of her child. And even if it

were a whirlwind

afternoon, she decided to reach out to

hear from her. “Natalia? It’s been a while. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me.”

she never contacted Lionel again since Hamilton had forced her to pick up that call during such a compromising moment. It was mainly because she was embarrassed and did not know what to

last time,” she apologized.

you so late. How have

better. Thanks for

told you countless times that you don’t have to be so formal with me. By the way, why did you suddenly call

contract I need your help with. When are you free?”

always free for you. Plus, I need your help, too.”

asked, “You mean you never found anyone

You already promised me, didn’t you? Are you going to go

time under those circumstances, and she had thought he had found

she agreed. “If you need any translation work done, just email me. I don’t want to affect

this contract you

Shall I email it to you?”

how about we discuss it over lunch today?”

she couldn’t refuse him, and after a short pause,

Lionel had picked was close to the hospital, and he was waiting when Natalia

274

13:07

Chapter 57

arrived.

as soon as he

weak smile. “Haven’t been resting

she didn’t want to elaborate, Lionel didn’t pry further, and they enjoyed a relatively quiet and harmonious meal. Afterward, Natalia handed over

“Natalia,

and asked, “Is this difficult to deal with?”

despite not

nodded in understanding. “Okay, I get it.”

was apologetic, Natalia seemed

team of lawyers. If there were any loopholes,

seriously considering leaving Hamilton, aren’t you?” Lionel prodded once

both of them knew the full weight

meant more than just quitting

she did want to

ironclad severance agreement before her, if Hamilton didn’t

it on her salary alone, not to mention an even more