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

with her, he was stingy, as

three years, she had barely saved

millions, but it was bought with the life of her

a

treatment that afternoon, she decided to reach out to Lionel.

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

bit awkward. After all, she never contacted Lionel again since Hamilton had forced her to pick up that call during such a compromising moment. It was mainly because

time,”

return. “I should be the one apologizing for calling you so late. How have you been? I

better. Thanks for

he said. “I’ve told you countless times that you don’t have to be so formal with me. By the way,

help with. When are you

for you. Plus, I need your help,

mean you never found anyone else for that case?”

didn’t you? Are you going to go back on your

last time under those circumstances, and she had thought he had found a replacement.

need any translation work done, just email me.

what about this contract you

I email

how about we discuss it

refuse him, and after a short pause,

to the hospital, and he

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Chapter 57

arrived.

look pale,” he commented as soon as he saw

smile. “Haven’t been

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

expression grew complicated as he read it. “Natalia, why

bitterly and asked, “Is

nodded despite not wanting

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

Lionel was apologetic, Natalia seemed

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

aren’t you?” Lionel prodded once more.

his lips, both of them knew the full weight of

just quitting a

dropped; she did want to leave.

ironclad severance agreement before her, if

astronomical; she couldn’t afford it on her salary alone, not to