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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was generous in his own way, but with her, he was stingy, as if afraid of being

barely saved enough for her

was bought with the life of her

thoughts were a

that afternoon, she decided to reach out to Lionel.

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

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

How have you been? I saw online

better. Thanks for your

said. “I’ve told you countless times that you don’t have to be so formal

help with. When are you free?”

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

mean you never

would I? You already promised me, didn’t you? Are you going to go back on

again after she rejected him last time under those circumstances, and she had thought

a short silence, she agreed. “If you need any translation work done, just email me.

what about this contract you need my help with?”

I email it to

discuss

Lionel’s help, she couldn’t refuse him, and after a

was close to the

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Chapter 57

arrived.

commented as

offered a weak smile. “Haven’t been

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

it. “Natalia, why would you

and asked, “Is

not wanting to admit

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

apologetic, Natalia seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

a contract drafted by Hamilton’s crack team of lawyers. If there were any loopholes, Mr. Deep Pockets wouldn’t be shelling out

Hamilton, aren’t you?” Lionel

lips, both of them knew

more than just

gaze dropped; she did want to

like the ironclad severance agreement before her, if

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