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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in his own way, but with her, he was

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

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

thoughts were a

decided to reach out to Lionel.

from her. “Natalia? It’s been a while.

had forced her to pick up that call during such a compromising moment.

time,” she apologized.

late. How have you been? I saw online that you were

for your

a gentle voice, he said. “I’ve told you countless times that you don’t have to be so formal with

contract I need your help with. When are you

Plus, I need your

a pause, Natalia asked, “You mean you

me, didn’t you? Are you going to go back

a loss for words. Lionel never contacted her again after 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 me. I don’t want to affect your work.”

this contract you

a termination agreement. Shall I email it to

how about we discuss

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

picked was close to the

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Chapter 57

arrived.

as soon as he saw

a 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

“Natalia, why would you

simply smiled bitterly and asked, “Is this difficult

nodded despite not wanting to

understanding. “Okay, I get it.”

Natalia seemed to have

team of lawyers. If there were any loopholes, Mr. Deep Pockets wouldn’t be shelling out the big bucks to

Hamilton, aren’t you?” Lionel prodded once more.

words left his lips, both of them knew

more than just quitting

she did want

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

breach was astronomical; she couldn’t afford it on her salary alone, not to mention an even more lopsided