Impulsive Vow to an Enigmatic Husband (END) novel Chapter 1402

Thinking about all this, Hannah was thoroughly disgusted, deeply unwilling to have anything to do with Steven again. "Joan, why on earth did you call? If you're not here to help me deal with the online public opinion, I'm hanging up."
Joan replied, "Look at you, so stubborn. I just said a few words and you're already fed up. This public situation, it's the Salazar family behind it, and our company can't handle this. If you want to change your image and improve your reputation, the only person who can help you is President Dixon."
Hannah was speechless. After all the twists and turns, the only person who could help her was still Steven. Just like that night many years ago when she fell into the water. Leaving her with no other options.
However, this time, she didn't want to tread the path she'd been down before. She wanted to walk a different path. She didn't want to kneel, she wanted to stand up and live with dignity.
Joan asked, "Why are you silent? Do you have another plan?"
Hannah responded, "When I make money, the agency is eager to get its share. But when it comes to dealing with real issues, they can't handle it. What's the use of such an agency?"
Joan replied, "What else can we do? Your contract is with our agency. They get a piece of your earnings as long as the contract is valid. And they don't have to help you when you're in trouble."
Hannah replied, "I've been under contract for many years and I've made a lot of money for the company. Can't they just show some humanity and help sort things out?"
Joan said, "Hannah, you've been in the entertainment industry for so long, and you know how things work here. You're being delusional if you think they'd show you any sentiment. Our company is all about capital and profits. Don't even think about bargaining feelings with them. They're interested in how much you can earn for them. The only reason they haven't given up on you is because they believe your backer will save you and you can still make money for them. If they knew your backer won't save you, what do you think they would do?"
Joan let out a long sigh, "Hannah, once President Dixon doesn't help you, there's no chance for you to turn things around."
Hannah was silent.
Joan continued, "Hannah, do you think dignity is important, or money?"
Hannah responded, "Can't I earn money with dignity? I used to make money on my knees, but now I want to make money standing up."
Joan laughed, her laughter ringing through the phone into Cornelia's ears, "From the moment you walked away with Rick, you lost the right to earn money with dignity."
Yes, Hannah knew. From the moment she decided to go to Steven's room with Rick, she lost the right to earn money with dignity. Then could she just stop earning money?
Hannah added, "Joan, what if I don't want to save myself?"
Joan asked, "What do you mean?"
Hannah replied, "Just let the storm continue, let anyone who wants to belittle me do so. I don't want to act anymore. I want to leave this filthy environment and live a peaceful life in the future."
Joan said, "If you want to quit the entertainment industry, I have no objections, but now is definitely not the right time."
Hannah responded, "But I think the timing is perfect."
Joan angrily said, "Perfect timing? Hannah, are you out of your mind?"
Hannah replied, "Lower your voice. I'm not deaf."
Joan continued, "You want to quit? Do you really think you can quit at this critical moment? If you don't change your image, and handle the unfavorable public opinion immediately, do you know how much in breach of contract penalties you'll face?"
Hannah asked, "What penalties?"