Chapter 11 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BE BOUGHT
Tony offered Clara a new position.
Not as a maid.
As director of an educational foundation he planned to establish.
The foundation would support children from low-income families.
Scholarships.
Tutoring.
Teacher training.
Clara stared at the proposal.
“Tony.”
He smiled.
“Yes?”
“This is too much.”
He leaned back.
“Why?”
“Because I don't have experience running a foundation.”
He nodded.
“Then we'll hire people who do.”
She laughed.
“That's not the point.”
He smiled.
“What's the point?”
Clara looked at him.
“I want to earn whatever position I take.”
Tony's expression softened.
“Good.”
She blinked.
“What?”
He continued.
“Then interview for it.”
Clara stared.
He smiled.
“With an independent board.”
She laughed.
“You're serious?”
“Very.”
She looked down at the proposal.
Then smiled.
“Fine.”
Tony nodded.
“Good.”
Clara looked up.
“And if I don't get the job?”
He smiled.
“Then I'll have to find another reason to see you.”
Her heart skipped.
She stared.
Tony's expression changed.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Clara smiled faintly.
“Maybe you could just ask me to dinner.”
Tony laughed softly.
“Clara Thorne.”
“Yes?”
“Would you have dinner with me?”
May you like
She smiled.
“Yes.”
