Chapter 205
Reynaldo tugged at his lips and said, “She knows her own weight; there’s no need for me to belittle her.” I secretly clenched my hand. These two were truly shameless, singing and mocking me. I swore that in the future, I would make a name for myself and dazzle them with my success. I was furious! But this was Reynaldo's territory, and he wasn't someone to trifle with. So, despite my anger, I remained outwardly calm.
Reynaldo sneered and chuckled, “I put you here at the Secretariat to do odd jobs for them. Do you have any objections?” I said, with lowered brows and a submissive expression, "No."
I pursed my lips and asked, “What about the salary?” I still planned to leave; to do so, I needed money. Since I couldn't escape this man yet, I might as well get some money from him first. I hoped Reynaldo would offer a high salary. That way, by the time my pregnancy became obvious, I would have saved considerably.
Reynaldo raised an eyebrow and looked at me. “What is your intention?” My intention? The question caught me off guard; I dared not answer. I wanted to ask for a monthly salary of 100,000—300,000 in three months! But seeing the mockery in his eyes, I feared open ridicule. I simply threw the question back: “You can name any amount, Mr. Humphrey.”
Reynaldo leaned back, amusement in his eyes. He tapped the table and said casually, “You’re just a gofer, without any real talent. I’ll give you…”
“Wait a minute!” I interrupted. I’d ask for my salary myself. Odd-job salaries are generally low; I feared he'd offer only 5,000. That wouldn't cover rent and food, let alone saving and raising a child. I pursed my lips and said, “Um, let me mention my salary expectation for your reference.”
Reynaldo raised an eyebrow, smiled, and waited. I licked my lips, ready to try for 50,000, but hesitated, settling on, “30,000. I hope my salary is 30,000 per month.” I had no formal work experience. Previously, I'd been job hunting, earning around 8,000 monthly. So, my request was audacious.
At that moment, Kimberly exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, Ms. Duffy, how could you ask for a monthly salary of 30,000?” Even Reynaldo was surprised. Was 30,000 truly excessive for someone with my limited experience? Fearing Reynaldo’s mockery, I quickly said, “Two… two thousand will do.”
Reynaldo’s lips twitched. He stared at me and said casually, “Alright, as per your preference, I’ll give you a monthly salary of twenty thousand.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. Reynaldo was generous, offering twenty thousand for odd jobs. Then Kimberly, looking surprised, said, “Ms. Duffy, why only 20,000? My monthly salary is 100,000, and even new employees earn 50,000.”
Damn it! I stared at her in frustration. When I’d asked for thirty thousand, she’d been amazed. It seemed I’d overcharged. She did it on purpose; she was cunning!
Reynaldo chuckled. “Originally, I was prepared to offer you fifty thousand, but since you mentioned twenty thousand, I’ll go along with your suggestion. It’s also a way to save money for the company.”
Damn it! Those two had conspired to trick me. I didn’t believe him, and said, “Mr. Humphrey is really generous, actually willing to pay a janitor a monthly salary of fifty thousand.”
Reynaldo stood and walked towards me. He laughed mockingly. “Don’t you know? I have always been generous.” I had said I wouldn't accept less; it was just that I didn't believe it myself.