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

he was stingy, as if afraid of being taken.

saved enough for her mother’s

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

thoughts were a whirlwind of

her treatment that afternoon, she decided to reach

“Natalia? It’s been a while. I

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 she was embarrassed and did not

about last time,” she

you so late. How have you been? I saw online

better. Thanks for your concern.”

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

a contract I need your help with. When

for you. Plus, I need

Natalia asked, “You mean you never

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

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

translation work done, just email me. I don’t want

it’s settled, then. So, what about this contract you need my help

I email it to you?”

how about we discuss it over lunch

she couldn’t refuse him, and

had picked was close to the hospital,

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Chapter 57

arrived.

commented as soon as he

a weak smile. “Haven’t been resting

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

he read it. “Natalia, why would you agree to such terms?”

“Is this

despite not wanting to admit

in understanding. “Okay, I

Natalia seemed to

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

considering leaving Hamilton, aren’t you?” Lionel prodded once

both of them knew the full weight of

than just

gaze dropped; she did

just like the ironclad severance agreement before her, if Hamilton

on her salary alone, not to