Adam's shock lasted only a second before his Spectator discipline clamped down, smoothing his expression back to calm. "A personal assistant?" he asked.
Pepper nodded. "I will be honest with you, Adam, I have about 50 Ivy League analysts who can crunch numbers. But none of them dares to manipulate the Board of Directors like you, and none of them can read people like you just did. I need a shield."
At that, Adam let a small, calculated smile show. "If I am going to be your shield against the Board and Tony Stark, Miss Potts, we need to discuss a salary that is going to reflect that level of hazard pay. I'm currently living in a very depressing apartment, and I'd like to change that," he added with a soft chuckle.
"Standard entry-level for a junior analyst at Stark Industries is $45,000," Pepper said, leaning back in her chair while folding her hands. "Given the… unique nature of your role as my assistant, I am prepared to offer you $65,000. It's more than enough for a young man such as yourself to live comfortably in the city."
Adam watched as her eyes seemed to be looking at his forehead rather than his eyes. He observed how she appeared calm while offering 65,000 dollars; she was waiting for him to jump at the offer. She expected him to be grateful. But he could see the tension in her hands—she was already calculating how much workload she was going to give him.
Adam let out a warm smile at her offer. "You aren't hiring a 'young man', Miss Potts," he said, his voice level and devoid of the excitement she expected. "You're hiring someone who saved you four hours of being screamed at by the Board of Directors and a billion-dollar manufacturing contract. My presence in this office buys you peace of mind. That's worth more than an entry-level salary."
He leaned forward a little. "Here's my counteroffer: $110,000 base salary plus a $20,000 signing bonus. I need to move into a place that matches the professional image of this company."
Pepper paused, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She expected him to jump at her offer like any teenager would, but she liked that he knew his worth. It meant he wouldn't be bullied by those she was going to send him to face.
"Good, I like your confidence, Adam. Now, here's my counteroffer: $100,000 starting base salary with $25,000 signing bonus. You will also be provided with health insurance, plus you will be provided with a company car, and believe me, as my personal assistant, you will need it," Pepper stated her terms.
Adam's smile widened a bit further as he replied, "I accept, Miss Potts."
Seeing Adam's smile grow, Pepper was surprised, then she understood and smiled. He just gave her $110,000, knowing that she would bring it down to $100,000. "Welcome to the team, Adam. Leave your bank details. I'll have HR wire you the signing bonus before you reach the lobby." She raised her hand for a handshake, and Adam obliged.
"Thank you, Miss Potts."
"You will start from tomorrow."
"Yes." With that, Adam gave his bank details and left Pepper's office, took the elevator, and headed downstairs. Just as he stepped out of the elevator, his flip phone beeped.
A glance at his phone revealed his bank account had been credited with $25,000. With that out of the way, Adam got out of Stark Industries. He could not stop smiling.
Noticing it had only been about half an hour, Adam hailed a cab and went directly to Cornerstone Cafe to start his last shift early and give Max a heads-up that he got the job.
After about fifteen minutes, Adam got out of the cab, paid the fare, and headed inside. As he opened the door, the bell above chimed, announcing his arrival. Max looked up from the counter and smiled seeing him. "Hey, Adam, it's too early for your shift to start," Max said while looking at the clock.
"I know, Max, but I have some good news. You know, I told you yesterday about a job interview that I had? I got the job," Adam said while smiling brightly.
"Congratulations, Adam. I knew you would crack that interview. So, you came early to quit, eh?" asked Max with a mischievous tone, not bothered at all.
"Yes, but I would want to work this day, as this will be my last day here," Adam replied a little sadly.
"Hey, no need to make that face, me and this cafe are not going anywhere. Whenever you have time, come visit us. And I also found someone to take your place."
"Already?" Adam asked in surprise.
"Yes, you know how I was already looking for helpers way before you told me about your job interview. He would be here at 4:00 PM. Here, you're on waiter duty today as well," Max said while handing him the apron. Adam tied the apron around his waist and got ready to do his job.
It was still early afternoon, and not many people were in the cafe, so Adam could take it easy for now.
Time passed slowly as the early afternoon gradually shifted toward evening. Just then, the bell chimed the arrival of someone. "Hey, Max, I am here." At that, Adam turned to look at the one who spoke. From the looks of it, he was a high schooler with black hair and brown eyes. He had some freckles on his face and wore a black t-shirt over blue jeans and white sneakers.
Max looked at him and gestured for Adam to come close. "Ah, James, come in, meet Adam here, it's his last day working here."
"Hi, Adam, I am James, nice to meet you." James introduced himself and raised his hand for a handshake.
Adam accepted the handshake. "Nice to meet you, too, James, and welcome." With the introduction out of the way, Max took James to show him how everything works and what his job will be.
Slowly, the closing time came, and after checking everything, Adam removed the apron from his waist.
"Max, do you need any more help?"
"No, that would be all." Max left what he was doing and came in front of Adam. "Take care of yourself, kid. Visit when you have time." With that, Max pulled Adam in a hug.
Adam was surprised at first, but then he returned the hug as well. "Thank you for everything you did, Max. I would not forget it. If you need anything, just give me a call," Adam said solemnly. He treated Max like family; if he ever needed anything, Adam would do everything he could to help.
"Don't worry about me, kid. Good night."
"Good night, Max," Adam said as he walked back to his home. As he neared his apartment building, he suddenly stopped for a split second, then started walking normally to his apartment, as if nothing had happened.
When he reached his home, he took out the key, opened the door, got inside, and without any fanfare, changed out of his clothes and plopped on his bed. As soon as his back hit the mattress, he was out like a light.
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Author's Note: There was a plot hole in Chapter 9; it has been fixed.