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

her, he was stingy,

barely saved enough for

of her child. And even if

a whirlwind

decided to reach out to

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

forced her to pick up that call during such a

last time,” she

so late. How have you been? I saw

Thanks for your

times that you don’t have to

I need your help with. When are

you. Plus, I need

pause, Natalia asked, “You mean you never

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

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

“If you need any translation work done, just email

what about this contract you need my

termination agreement. Shall I email it

how about we discuss it over lunch today?”

him, and after a short pause, she

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

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Chapter 57

arrived.

pale,” he commented as

weak smile. “Haven’t

further, and they enjoyed a relatively quiet and harmonious meal. Afterward, Natalia

he read it. “Natalia, why would you

bitterly and asked, “Is this

despite not wanting

“Okay, I

Natalia seemed to have

crack team of lawyers. If there were any loopholes, Mr.

considering leaving Hamilton, aren’t

lips, both of them knew the

more than just quitting

gaze dropped; she did want to leave.

the ironclad severance agreement before her, if Hamilton didn’t consent, she was going

afford it on her salary alone, not to