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Someone’s head was going to roll over this. I wasn’t happy with my request being disregarded. Lack of attention to detail was a fireable offense as far as I was concerned, and not following through with the CEO’s directive was a massive oversight.
“Pretty dismal.” She let out a shuddering laugh. “But didn’t you hear the part about the lies on my résumé?”
“I heard, and I was aware. If you think I’d have a background check done on you and not look into your references, you’re mistaken.”
She pulled back, looking up at me with wide eyes. “You knew the reference wasn’t real? Liam said he made a fake email address—”
I scoffed. “He’s an idiot. One search and it was obvious the company never existed. My interest was piqued though, so I reached out to the email address listed. The response—from Liam, I now know—was riddled with typos, and he claimed the business wasn’t searchable outside of Australia.”
Her brow puckered in confusion. “Why in the hell did you hire me if you knew?”
“Your other references were legitimate and glowing. I needed an assistant, and you were the best candidate, despite the fudging on your résumé.”
“That…doesn’t seem like you, but I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.”
It wasn’t like me. She had no earthly idea howunlike me it was, and it was better that way.
I cupped her shoulders. “I’m not pleased you accepted less than you should have, Catherine. You should have come to me about your salary.”
“I was scared, Elliot.”
“I understand that, and I’m going to make it right for you immediately. But I need you to know your worth. Don’t you understand how valuable you are to me?”
She sucked in a sharp breath. “I’m only an assistant.”
“No. I’ve had a lot of assistants. None have lasted longer than six months. They either quit or I fire them, and the reasons are numerous. But you have become my teammate, and I refuse to lose you. You’ll be paid what you’re worth, which should always be nonnegotiable.”
Her lips parted, but no words came out. I may have stunned her silent, but at least she wasn’t crying anymore.
“Since we’re laying our cards on the table, what are your plans for the house?” I asked.
Her eyes darted to the side. “I want to sell it. Ihaveto, but…”
“But you can’t afford the work it needs?”
“Right.”
“Would you live there if youcouldafford it?”
“Yes. I mean, the neighborhood is lovely, and it’s the perfect size for me and Joey, but it’s not going to happen. I have to sell it.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“What? No, that’s too much.” Color rose to her cheeks again, but I sensed this time it was more due to indignation than embarrassment.
I squeezed her biceps. “Real estate is my arena, as you know. I’ll have one of my realtors do the work.”
“I really can’t ask you to do more for me than you already have.”
“Good. You didn’t ask, so don’t worry about it anymore. It’ll be taken care of.”
She stared up at me for a long time, brown eyes darting between mine. “I’m too tired to argue with you about this, but this conversation isn’t over.”
“There’s nothing to argue about. I have resources at my disposal, and I’m choosing to use them to help my assistant so she can do her job without worrying about anything else.”
One brow popped. “So this is purely for selfish reasons.”
I inclined my chin. “Of course it is. Why else would I help you?”
