When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2010

“Exactly. You're absolutely right, Ms. Talbot. That's why I feel so terrible now,” Heather said, cheeks flushed with shame.

Cecilia stared at her for a long moment before speaking. “You really think a simple apology is going to make up for all the loss you've caused Jamieson Group?”

“Loss? What loss?”

Charlotte stepped forward. “Old Mrs. Escobar, you publicly claimed our boss refused to support you and even accused her of being ungrateful. That lie caused Jamieson Group's stock to tank, and the company suffered losses of at least ten billion. How do you plan on making that up?”

“T-Ten billion? That can't be real,” Heather stammered, clearly stunned.

“Why wouldn't it be? If you don't believe us, ask your sons. And if they don't know, talk to a lawyer. Our boss didn't sue you because you're old. But now you're camping outside our building every day. Are you planning to pull something again?”

At the mention of legal action, Heather's face drained of color. Panic took hold. “I wouldn't dare, I swear! I really came just to apologize to Ceci.”

Seeing how scared she was, Charlotte and Cecilia exchanged a knowing look. It was time.

Charlotte pulled out an agreement and handed it to Heather. “If you don't want to end up in court or see your sons' companies dragged into this, you'd better sign this.”

Heather frowned in confusion. “What is this?”

“It's a formal document to sever ties,” Charlotte said clearly. “It states that our boss has no relationship with the Escobar family. From now on, you're not allowed to use your past connection to the Smiths to ask for money. If you break this agreement, you'll owe a penalty fee.”

The agreement had been drawn up under Cecilia's orders, meant to stop any future issues. She knew how the Escobar family operated. If she didn't make her position clear, they'd never leave her alone.

Once the situation was resolved, Heather quickly called her son. “Jonah, I've already spoken to Cecilia. She agreed to take down the news stories.”

Hearing that, Jonah finally relaxed. “That's a relief.”

“Can I come home today?” Heather asked carefully.

Jonah hesitated. “You can come back, but Mom, when are you going to pay back the forty million you gave to Magnus? That money was meant for me and my brother.”

Heather's face fell. “Well... Magnus said he doesn't have it yet. He asked us to give him more time.”

“Mom, you can't be serious. How can you believe anything he says?” Jonah let out a sigh. “He's buried in hundreds of millions in debt. He's never paying that back. You keep getting fooled. It's best if you live on your own from now on.”