Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO WOULDN'T BE BOUGHT
Aurelio offered Marin a job.
Not as a waitress.
Not as a personal assistant.
As an operations compliance coordinator.
She stared at the offer letter.
“You're serious?”
He nodded.
She read the salary.
Then looked up.
“That's more than I've ever made.”
Aurelio smiled.
“I know.”
Marin folded the letter.
“No.”
He blinked.
“No?”
She nodded.
“I don't have the qualifications.”
“You have instincts.”
“Instincts aren't accounting.”
Aurelio laughed.
She continued.
“I'll take the job if you pay for proper training and let me earn the position.”
He studied her.
Then nodded.
“Done.”
Marin smiled.
Over the next year, she completed courses in business administration, compliance, and workplace safety.
She worked part-time while studying.
Dina adjusted her schedule.
Gus helped her practice interviews.
Pearl brought food.
Aurelio didn't interfere.
He simply made sure the opportunity was real.
When Marin completed her training, she joined the company.
Her first day, she walked into the office wearing a navy blazer.
Aurelio stood.
“Miss Halloway.”
She smiled.
“Mr. Ferrante.”
He held out his hand.
“Welcome.”
She shook it.
Then said:
“Just so we're clear, I'm not going to agree with everything you say.”
May you like
Aurelio laughed.
“I'd be disappointed if you did.”
