Chapter 472

"Fine?" Katherine whispered, her voice trembling.

She swallowed hard before asking, "What fine? I don't recall that clause in our contract."

Evelyn Carter arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow. "Ms. Whitaker, did you sign without reading the terms?"

Katherine's stomach dropped. That was precisely what she'd done. In her eagerness to impress Julian Hartwell during the signing, she'd barely glanced at the paperwork.

Her signature had been scrawled carelessly across every page without review.

Panic clawed at Katherine's throat as she twisted the fabric of her blouse between nervous fingers. The nest egg she'd carefully saved had already been depleted on designer outfits. There was nothing left for exorbitant penalties.

But what choice did she have now?

"How... how much is it?" Her voice cracked like thin ice. Her pulse roared in her ears.

Evelyn's lips curved into a humorless smile. "Terminating now requires a breach penalty of fifty million dors."

"The exact amount... well, that depends entirely on my discretion."

Katherine's legs buckled. Only one thought screamed through her mind:

She was ruined!

"Ms. Carter, please," she begged, hands clasped in supplication. "Have mercy."

Though she'd initiated the termination, Katherine spoke as if Evelyn were the villain here.

"Ms. Whitaker, you requested contract dissolution. Kingsley Industries respects employee autonomy."

"Should you reconsider, that's acceptable. Though your career trajectory within the company may require... reevaluation."

Katherine nodded frantically, strands of hair coming loose from her updo. "I take it back! My mistake, Ms. Carter. I want to stay."

Evelyn folded her arms, gaze glacial. "Very well. However, you'll receive no further resources or support."

The color drained from Katherine's face.

"You can't do this!"

She'd gained modest recognition in the industry. With proper backing, she could have built a respectable career.

"Please, Ms. Carter! I'll behave. No more trouble. Just don't blacklist me!"

Without company resources, she'd vanish from public view. Forgotten before her next Instagram post could upload.

Katherine's breath came in shallow gasps. No resources meant no roles. No roles meant no income.

No income meant she couldn't afford the penalty. She'd be trapped for the contract's full duration.

Five endless years.

An eternity in entertainment. Even if she returned afterward, she'd be yesterday's news.

Tears carved hot paths down her contorted face. Ugly, heaving sobs wracked her frame.

Evelyn remained unmoved. "You're an adult, Ms. Whitaker. Choices have consequences."

With that, she turned on her designer heels.

Katherine lunged forward, blocking the exit. "Wait! I'm Julian's protégée! I'll generate profits! Take any role! Just don't bench me!"