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

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

saved

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

thoughts were a whirlwind of chaos.

that afternoon, she decided to reach

hear from her. “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

time,” she apologized.

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

better. Thanks for your concern.”

don’t have to be so formal with me. By the way, why did you suddenly call me today?”

a contract I need your help with.

free for you. Plus, I need your help,

a pause, Natalia asked, “You mean you never found anyone else

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

time under those circumstances, and she had thought he had found

any translation work done, just email me. I don’t want to affect your

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

termination agreement. Shall I email it to

how about we discuss it over lunch today?”

refuse him, and after a short

picked was close to the hospital, and he was waiting when

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Chapter 57

arrived.

pale,” he commented as soon as

offered a weak smile. “Haven’t been resting well.”

didn’t want to elaborate, Lionel didn’t pry further, and they enjoyed a relatively

expression grew complicated as he read it. “Natalia, why would you agree to such

simply smiled bitterly and asked, “Is this

Lionel nodded despite not

“Okay, I

Natalia seemed

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

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

lips, both of them knew the full weight of that

more than just

dropped; she did want to

her, if Hamilton didn’t consent, she

couldn’t afford it on