Chapter 363: A Pricetag on Freedom

Ellis had earned exactly $140,000 a year at Tate Group, but she wasn’t using that number as a benchmark for her next job. She knew very well how she had landed that salary in the first place.

The Fox Group originally offered her $70,000. Then, just like that, it jumped to $210,000—an increase of $140,000. She couldn’t lie; she was seriously tempted. Her heart was pounding. This is insane… but amazing.

Still, her professional instincts held her back. She gave a light smile. “Let me think about it. I’ll give you an answer tomorrow?”

Even with Mr. Maxwell personally authorizing such a high number, Ellis didn’t agree on the spot. Avery, clearly nervous, kept her on the line a little longer, trying gently to persuade her to come on board quickly.

After the call ended, Ellis couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. Maya caught it immediately. “So? How’d the job talk go?”

“Pretty well,” Ellis said. “But… I told them I’d let them know tomorrow.”

“Congrats!” Maya leaned into her shoulder. “Make sure you go big on the salary talk.”

“I was thinking something around $120,000 would be enough. I never expected them to offer $210.” As soon as she said it, Ellis broke into another wide grin.

“Whoa. Which company is this? That’s crazy generous.”

It was hard to believe that less than a year ago, Ellis had been panicking. After leaving Hudson Group, she’d felt completely lost. Now, she’d made a sharp turn and was finally standing on solid ground.

Ellis pulled up her browser, typed “The Fox Group” into the search bar, and tilted her phone so Maya could read. Maya skimmed the search results quickly. “Top of the food chain in entertainment, and a major company. Not bad at all.”

When she finished reading, Ellis locked her phone and stood. “Come on. Let’s go out to eat. It’s on me. We’re celebrating.” More than her birthday, she wanted to celebrate how far she’d come.

“Say no more,” Maya straightened up. “Hurry and get changed.”

“Give me a sec.”

After getting dressed, Ellis left the apartment with Maya, both of them laughing as they debated which restaurant to hit.

Back at the Fox Group, Avery was quietly stressed. What if she says no tomorrow? Cleveland wasn’t part of hiring, but he was tracking progress. He dropped by not long after relaying Mr. Maxwell’s instructions.

Seeing him, Avery immediately plastered on a nervous smile. “Mr. Cleveland, Ellis said she’ll give her final answer tomorrow.”

From Ellis’s calm, unbothered tone, it was clear she had other offers on the table. She wasn’t desperate. That meant she could walk.

“Two-ten, and she’s still hesitating…” Cleveland muttered, then stopped. She used to be the Hudson Group’s first lady. Of course, she has options. He shifted his tone. “Mr. Maxwell wants her. Make sure it happens.”

Avery nodded quickly. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Cleveland.”

“Not your best. Make it happen. That’s a direct order from Mr. Maxwell.”

“Got it.”

The next morning, under pressure, Avery made the call to Ellis as soon as she walked into the office.

Ellis, who usually slept in, was startled awake. She saw the name on the screen—Avery from the Fox Group—and answered sweetly.

“Hi, good morning.”

“Good morning, Ms. Harper! Just checking in—have you made your decision?”

The question was phrased politely, but Ellis could hear the urgency behind it. So Mr. Maxwell really is eager for me to join… That could save me a lot of hassle later on.

She didn’t bother with any negotiation games. “I’ve thought it over,” she said calmly. “I’m accepting the offer.”

Avery nearly burst with relief. “That’s wonderful! We’re so excited to welcome you, Ms. Harper.”

They quickly confirmed her start date. Ellis dropped her phone under her pillow and went straight back to sleep with a smile on her face.

When she woke up again, her inbox had a new email. It was the official offer letter. Her eyes landed on the number: 210,000. And just like that, her whole day lit up.