I was surprised to learn that Camille was looking for me. What was left to say between us?
“Max, get over here!” she barked.
I had no interest in dealing with her, but I wasn’t about to let her ruin the opening ceremony of the launch of my business with Sophia, so I walked over.
“Ms. Layton, this is my company’s grand opening. I hope you’re here to congratulate us, not to cause trouble.”
The moment I finished speaking, Camille let out a cold snort.
“This little rinky–dink company? What’s there to brag about? Compared to my company, you’re not even in the same league, you know that?” At that point, she couldn’t help but jab her finger at my forehead.
She continued, “I honestly don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours. Wasn’t working for us good enough? Why did you have to run off and start your own business? Did you get kicked in the head by a mule?
‘Anyway, I’m not here to cause trouble today. I’m here with a very sincere offer to bring you back
Camille crossed her arms and stared at me.
I laughed and looked at her with complete disdain. “Sorry, Ms. Layton. I’m not going back. Thanks for the flattery, though.”
I had rejected her outright, but instead of getting angry, she just smiled. “Don’t be so quick to refuse. I said I came here with sincerity, and I meant it.”
She smugly pulled a contract from her bag and held it out to me. “Here, this is a new contract I drafted. Everything stays the same, but I’m doubling your salary,” she said. “What are you staring at? Take it! Aren’t you strapped for cash? Double salary isn’t chump change.”
Her eyes still gleamed with the same contempt.
I used to tolerate that look, back when I actually needed the money. However, I no longer needed it.
“Sorry, Maybe you didn’t hear me clearly. I’m not going back.” I kept my voice low, but I could see Camille’s face tightening, and her expression turning sour.
She offered, “Doubling the pay still isn’t enough for you? Fine. I should’ve known you’d be greedy as hell. I’ll triple it then. How about now?
I wasn’t angry earlier, but now I was getting pissed.
Chapter 58
With everyone watching, was this truly her idea of an offer? It seemed more like a public humiliation.
“I told you that I’m not going back. Don’t you get it?” I coldly asked.
Camille insisted, “Tripling your salary isn’t enough? Fine. Final offer–five times your current salary. Max, my patience is wearing thin. Five times is our absolute maximum.
“Take the contract and come back with me. Stóp embarrassing yourself here.”
She shot a look at Sophia and scoffed.
“Max, that’s a pretty good deal. Just how much do you think you’re worth?” That bastard Kieran had chimed in.
My expression grew darker as people around us began to stare and murmur to one another. I didn’t care about their stares, but that day was the launch day of my business.
Camille had deliberately chosen this moment to humiliate me.
“Camille, are you deaf or something? I told you I’m not going back with you!” I growled.
She hadn’t expected me to stand firm and immediately said through gritted teeth, “You’re still refusing? Fine. Ten times your salary!”
She continued, “You just need money, right? I’ll pay you ten times what you’re making. That should be enough, right?”
She lifted her chin, looking at me with disdain. She added, “I’ve already given you more than enough. Don’t push your luck. You’re nothing but a gold–digger and a pathetic muttface. Ten times your salary is the best deal a loser like you will ever get. I expect you to behave yourself. Otherwise, that offer disappears.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her words.
I reached out and took the contract.
Camille said, “That’s more like it. Don’t worry. As long as you stay in line and behave like a good lapdog, I won’t treat you badly. After all, obedient dogs like you are exactly what I-”
But a loud rip echoed in the air before she could finish her sentence.
I had torn the contract clean in half.
Chapter 59
