Chapter 57: Everyone Knows They're About to Tie the Knot

"Grayson, I wanted to discuss the termination agreement with you."

A cold chuckle came from Grayson's end of the line.

"Did Whitney you not see the agreement?"

Her jaw tightened as she spoke, "I've seen it."

"So, is there anything you don't understand about it?"

Taking in a deep breath, Madison said, "I just want a normal resignation. If necessary, I can wait to leave until you've found a suitable replacement."

His voice was cool, his displeasure palpable even through the phone.

"This isn't a charity, WhitneyMadison. When you signed that employment contract, you agreed to play by its rules."

Madison clenched her fists., "Grayson, you clearly agreed to my resignation back at the club."

Instantly, Grayson recalled the moment at the club when Madison had accepted Nicholas's offer.

His expression darkened in a flash.

The entire boardroom fell eerily silent.

Though filled with people, not one dared to breathe too loudly.

With a snap, Grayson threw his pen onto the table.

The company executives all jolted.

The man at the head of the table spoke next, his voice as cold as ice.

"Yes, WhitneyMadison, I did agree to your resignation then. But do I need to remind you of the choice you ultimately made?"

Feeling deeply uncomfortable, Madison remembered all too well. The last time she saw Grayson for the million-dollar deal, she could recall every single word he had said.

She did not want to live through that kind of embarrassment again.

"No need, I remember."

"Good, then take care, WhitneyMadison. Come back to work when you're ready."

Madison still didn't want to give up.

"What will it take for you to let me resign?"

Grayson's eyes narrowed fiercely.

"WhitneyMadison, I've told you before, this isn't a hotel. You either cough up fifty million or, get well, and come back to work. , or Iif you prefer to see me in court, I'm game," he challenged her.

Pausing for effect, he added, "Let me remind you, WhitneyMadison, fifty million is a courtesy for your three years of hard work. You should be grateful. "

"Anything else?"

Madison took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions.

In the end, she hung up without another word.

After the call, she massaged her temples.

Fifty million.

She had no way to get that money.

, where would she even get that kind of money? While Grayson could be generous, he was notoriously tight-fisted with her, as if fearing any extra dollar was a loss. That was's why, over these three years, she only managed to save enough for a few months of her mother's medical bills.

The mansion he gifted her was indeed worth millions. But that was traded for her child's life. And even with its worth, it was nowhere close to fifty million.

Madison's mind was a whirlwind of turmoil.

...

By the time the IV was done, it was noon.

Madison thought for a moment and dialed Nathan's number.

Nathan seemed genuinely surprised to hear from her.

"Madison? It's been a while. I thought you'd forgotten me."

She felt a bit awkward. After being cornered by Grayson to take Nathan's call, under those circumstances, she hadn't reached out to Nathan again. Partly out of embarrassment and partly because she didn't know what to say.

"About last time, I'm sorry."

Nathan chuckled. "I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn't have called so late. How have you been? I saw online a few days ago that you were injured. Are you feeling better?"

Her smile was audible. "Much better, thank you."

Nathan's voice was gentle. "How many times do I have to tell you? No need for formalities with me. So, calling today, is there something you need?"

"There is a contract I would like you to help me review. When are you available?"

Nathan replied, "For you, Madison, I'm always free. Plus, I've been waiting onfor your help over here."

Madison hesitated., "You haven't sought anyone else for that case?"

He laughed softly., "You already agreed to help me. Why would I look elsewhere? Unless you're having second thoughts?"

Madison suddenly found herself at a loss for words.

The last time Nathan mentioned he needed her help with some documents, she refused him under stressful circumstances, and he hasn't reached out since.

She figured Nathan must have found someone else by now.

But Sshe didn't expect that he had actually been waiting for her all this time.

After a moment, she responded with a smile.

"If there's anything you need translating in the future, just shoot it over to my email. I'll try not to hold up your work."

"Deal," he said. "What's the situation this time?"

"It's a termination agreement. Should I email it to you?"

"No need. It's lunchtime. How about we grab a bite?"

Given that she was asking for his help, it was hard for Madison to refuse Nathan's invitation.

"Sure," she relented after a brief pause.

The restaurant Nathan had chosen was conveniently located near the hospital.

When Madison arrived, Nathan was already waiting.

"You look pale. Everything all right?" Nathan inquired upon seeing her.

Madison gave a faint smile.

"Just haven't been resting well lately," she replied.

Nathan could tell she didn't want to elaborate and decided not to press further.

Their meal was quiet and amiable.

It wasn't until after the meal that Madison brought out the agreement.

Nathan took it from her. Then, after a moment, he looked up at her with a complex gaze.

"Madison, how did you end up signing a contract like this?"

Madison managed a wry smile, not answering the question. Instead, she asked, "Is it going to be tough to get out of?"

Nathan frowned, not wanting to admit it, but eventually, he nodded.

"Okay, I understand," Madison said.

Nathan felt sorry, but Madison almost seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

After all, this was an agreement drafted by Grayson's legal team. If there were visible loopholes, Grayson wouldn't spend a fortune retaining them.

"Are you really planning to leave Grayson?" Nathan asked again.

They both knew the full weight of the question.

Leaving meant more than just resigning from a job.

Madison looked down. She wanted to leave.

ButHowever,, like the termination agreement, if Grayson didn't agree, she couldn't go.

She could never afford such a penalty, even for just a labor contract, let alone an even more lopsided agreement.

"I can't leave," Madison said with a resigned laugh.

Nathan's brow furrowed. "What if you side-step the legal procedure and talk to him directly? Isn't he about to marry Nora?"

Madison's gaze drifted out the window, pondering his suggestion.

"Right," Nathan Madison acknowledged, now aware that everyone—including himselfNathan—knew about his relationship with Nora. Their upcoming marriage was practically public news.

He caught something in her expression and suddenly realized he might have misspoken. "Sorry."

Madison offered a wry smile. "No need to apologize. You're just stating the obvious."

Nathan wanted to offer some comforting words but oddly found himself at a loss despite usually having a way with words.

For Madison, it seemed like no big deal. These emotional bruises may hurt less with repeated impact. They exchanged a few more pleasantries before she excused herself.

Nathan walked her all the way to the entrance of the Inpatient Department before parting ways.

Madison had barely set foot inside the hospital building when her phone rang—the screen displaying Amelia's name.

"Where did you go?"

"Just stepped out for a bit."

"Get back here. Do you even remember your condition? Stop wandering off."

A quick assurance and Madison ended the call.

Returning to the hospital, she found Grayson standing by the window, his gaze fixed outside. Licking her lips nervously, she called out, "Grayson?"

He turned, his eyes meeting hers. "Whitney is backYou're back. Come over here."

A smile played at the edges of his mouth, but his eyes were icy.

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