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?

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Chapter 57

way, but with her, he

saved enough for

with the life of

were a whirlwind

afternoon, she decided to reach out to Lionel.

“Natalia? It’s been a while. I was beginning

never contacted Lionel again since Hamilton had forced her to pick up that call during such a compromising moment.

last time,”

be the one apologizing for calling you so late. How have you been? I saw

for

that you don’t have to be so formal with me.

your help with. When are you

free for you. Plus, I need your

asked, “You mean you never found

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

last time under those

translation work done,

So, what about this

I

discuss

she couldn’t refuse him,

picked was close to the hospital, and

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Chapter 57

arrived.

pale,” he commented as soon as he saw her.

offered a weak smile. “Haven’t been

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

it. “Natalia,

simply smiled bitterly and asked, “Is this difficult to deal

despite not wanting to admit

nodded in understanding. “Okay, I get

apologetic, Natalia seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

any loopholes, Mr. Deep Pockets wouldn’t be shelling out the big bucks to keep them on

Hamilton, aren’t you?”

lips, both of them knew the full weight

just quitting a job.

she did want to leave.

just like the ironclad severance agreement before her, if Hamilton didn’t

for the breach was astronomical; she couldn’t afford it on her salary alone, not to mention