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?

1/4

13.07-

Chapter 57

her, he was stingy, as if afraid of being taken. advantage

barely saved enough for her

the life of her child. And even if it was worth millions, it

were a whirlwind of

afternoon, she decided to reach

It’s been a while. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me.”

pick up that call during such a compromising moment.

about last time,” she apologized.

How have you been? I saw online that you

better. Thanks for your

have to be

I need your help with.

free for you. Plus,

pause, Natalia asked, “You mean you never found anyone else for that case?”

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 her surprise, he had been waiting

a short silence, she agreed. “If you need any translation work done,

So, what about this contract you need

a termination agreement. Shall I

about we discuss

refuse him, and after a short pause, she said. “Okay.“.

picked was close to the hospital, and he

274

13:07

Chapter 57

arrived.

as soon as

a weak smile.

didn’t want to elaborate, Lionel didn’t pry further, and they enjoyed a relatively quiet and harmonious meal. Afterward, Natalia handed over the agreement.

expression grew complicated as he read it. “Natalia,

bitterly and asked, “Is this difficult

nodded despite not

“Okay,

Lionel was apologetic, Natalia seemed to have anticipated

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

seriously considering leaving Hamilton, aren’t you?”

moment the words left his lips, both of them knew

meant more than just quitting a job.

gaze dropped; she did

her, if Hamilton didn’t consent,

it on