"I doubt it," Chelsea sobbed again, lifting her glasses and wiping away tears. "You're right, My Lord. No one needs me, and I can't hope for anything better than a waitress's job. But at least I won't starve, and thanks to your money, I'll be able to afford a place to live. Thank you, Lord Rich. At the orphanage, they said that if it weren't for your charitable donations, our lives would be much worse."
Richie, quite naturally, was completely unaware of how his annual donations were spent. Apparently, they were for orphans, but the charity managed it for what purpose. But the boy pretended to understand what was being discussed.
- So, Miss Chester, I want to hear a clear answer - are you ready to work hard and study for the sake of your future career?
"Yes, My Lord," Chelsea said, her gaze gleaming with hope as she looked at Rich. "Yes! And what..."
"I have something to offer you," Richard grinned, unable to contain himself, like a serpent-tempter. "Miss Chelsea, how would you like to become Lord Rich's personal assistant?"
- A?!
The girl's eyes became glassy, her jaw dropped to the tabletop, and the skin on her face smoothed out in amazement.
"My personal assistant, miss. Something like a secretary, but with a slightly broader scope of duties, a higher level of trust, and a much higher salary, about the same as the CEO of a medium-sized company."
Chelsea swallowed convulsively. Surprise was compounded by a mixture of delight and joy. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, as if it would burst out of her chest.
"Sir, is this true?" Chelsea asked breathlessly. "You're not joking, are you?"
"I'm not used to such jokes, Miss Chester. Despite my youthful appearance, I've been the owner of my own business for several years now and have earned over a hundred million pounds. You should be perfectly aware of who you're talking to."
- Forgive me, My Lord...
- Miss, won't you even ask what needs to be done to get the position?
A slight look of fear crossed Chelsea's face, which gave way first to an appraising look, and then to a mixture of excitement and determination. She took a deep breath and exclaimed in one breath:
- I'm ready to sleep with you, sir!
This wasn't the answer Richie expected. He couldn't help but burst into uncontrollable laughter, starting to slide out of his chair.
"Oh, my God!" he said, wiping away tears of laughter. "Oh!" He finally managed to sit up straight and stop laughing. "Miss Chester, you surprise me. I won't say you're not my type, but you'll actually have to try harder than just spreading your legs."
"Harder?!" Chelsea's eyes widened in fear, imagining who knows what, like a gangbang with a large group of gilded youth.
"Yes, more so," Richard nodded gravely. "During my time at Hogwarts, you'll need to have completed at least middle school. It would be even better if you completed high school. Ideally, you'd have time to attend college or at least enroll in distance learning in addition to your high school education."
Richard had never witnessed such astonishment. The girl looked as if she'd been thrown into an ice hole while she was sleeping, and had somehow swum out, only to find it pitch black outside. And there she sat, glassy-eyed, unable to comprehend what was happening, where she was, what to do?!
- Study at school?
- At school.
- At school?!
- At school!
"I agree, My Lord! But I'll probably have to study by correspondence, and that will cost money..."
"I'll pay for your correspondence education at school and even at college, Miss Chester. Naturally, on the condition that you work for me. We'll sign a contract outlining everything. But... Miss, you'll need to live on something, eat, and rent a place to live."
"Yes, sir, of course," Chelsea agreed easily.
"Therefore, Miss Chelsea, you will be going to work at the Ministry of Magic as an assistant to one of its leaders. You will gain experience there and spy for me."
"But, My Lord," Chelsea said, confused, "nobody would hire me at the Ministry of Magic!"
"We'll see. If Madam Bagnold becomes Minister of Magic, and I have some hopes for that, then you'll certainly be accepted into any position within the Ministry of Magic. If, however, some mishap occurs and Bagnold doesn't become Minister, then I'll get you a job in my workshop."
"Thank you, My Lord!" Chelsea began to thank the boy fervently. "Thank you so much! I promise I won't let you down! Sir, I'll do anything for you!"
"That's not all," Richie continued. "Miss, this summer you'll be working at the Rich Workshop as an intern. You'll live there in one of the dormitories, and meals will be provided. Share your ideas for using graphene with the wizards; perhaps you'll come up with something else."
"My lord..." Chester's eyes filled with tears, this time from happiness. "Sir... I... I don't know how to express my gratitude to you. Thank you!"
"I'm glad we came to an agreement. Miss Chester, I won't detain you any longer."