Why would she help him after how he’d treated her? I work here, she said finally. What happens to this company affects everyone who depends on it, including me. Richard sank into his chair, studying Elena with new eyes.
Twenty years, he muttered. Twenty years you’ve worked in my home, raised my children, cared for my dying wife, all while I treated you as furniture. He winced at his own words.
I don’t even know where you’re from. Venezuela, Elena replied. I taught at the Central University in Caracas before the regime change.
When they began imprisoning academics, I escaped with only what I could carry. Richard nodded slowly. And your credentials wouldn’t transfer here.
My documentation was left behind. Starting over would have meant years of revalidation, expensive schooling. I needed immediate work.
She paused. Your first wife hired me. She was kind.
The mention of his late first wife softened Richard’s expression. Margaret had better judgment than I ever did. He drummed his fingers on the table.
The salary I promised. That was cruel. It was a joke, Elena said.
I understood. No, it was more than that. It was a power play.
To remind everyone in that room of their place and yours. He looked away, shame evident in his posture. I became exactly the type of man I swore I’d never be.
Elena remained silent. This moment of self-reflection wasn’t for her to interrupt. Richard stood suddenly.
The deal’s a deal. Four hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Harrington, that’s not necessary.
It’s Richard, please. And yes, it is necessary. He walked to his desk and unlocked a drawer.
This isn’t just about the translation. You saved my company from a catastrophic breach. Our security team will need to do a complete audit.
But your work just prevented what could have been billions in damages. He returned with his checkbook. I’m writing this now before my ego finds some excuse not to.
Elena watched as he wrote the check. Her mind racing. That amount would fund her nephew’s medical school education.
It would help her sister’s family back home. It would secure her retirement. Richard handed her the check.
I’d like to offer you a different position. Our international division needs someone with your expertise. The salary is appropriate for your qualifications, with benefits to match.
Elena looked at the check, then back at Richard. I’ve been invisible for twenty years for a reason. My family back home remains at risk.
Understanding dawned in Richard’s eyes. A private contractor position. Then, no public profile.
Working directly with our legal team on international agreements. We can structure it however makes you comfortable. Elena considered this.
I would need certain guarantees. Name them. Anonymity.
Flexible hours. And, she hesitated, then continued firmly. Equal treatment.
No more jokes at the expense of your staff. Richard flushed but nodded. You have my word.
And I understand it will take time to trust that. Elena folded the check carefully and placed it in her pocket. I should finish my duties for today.
Of course, Richard stepped aside, then added. Elena, I’m sorry. Truly.
She acknowledged this with a small nod before turning to leave. Three months later, Elena sat in a private office on the top floor of Harrington Tower. Her desk contained a state-of-the-art computer system and references in seven languages.
She had just finished reviewing a joint venture agreement with a Brazilian tech firm, identifying three contractual vulnerabilities that the legal team had missed. A knock came at her door and Richard entered carrying two coffee cups. He set one on her desk, prepared exactly how she liked it.