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

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

had barely saved enough for her mother’s medical bills.

but it was bought with the life of her child. And even if it

were a

her treatment that afternoon, she decided to reach

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

Lionel again since Hamilton had forced her to pick up that call during such a compromising moment. It was mainly because she was

time,” she

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

better. Thanks for your concern.”

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

contract I need your help with. When are

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

you never found anyone else

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

was at a loss for words. Lionel never contacted her again after she rejected him last time under those circumstances, and she had

work done,

what about this contract you need my help

I email it to

how about we discuss it over

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

restaurant Lionel had picked was close to the hospital, and

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Chapter 57

arrived.

pale,” he commented as

weak smile. “Haven’t been

pry further, and they enjoyed a relatively

it. “Natalia,

asked, “Is this

not wanting to admit it.

understanding. “Okay, I get

was apologetic, Natalia seemed

were any loopholes, Mr. Deep Pockets wouldn’t be shelling out the big bucks to keep

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

of them knew the full

just quitting a

gaze dropped; she did want to leave.

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

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