Riches in Disguise

Just then, Lynn walked over with Riley in her arms.

When Mark saw her, he blushed and said, "I didn't do it on purpose. I only became Mr. Donovan's fighter to make a living. Moreover, he paid for my mom's surgery. I owe him, so I have no choice but to help him out."

"Even so, you could just pay him back the money. Why do you have to help him do bad things?" I asked.

Mark shot me an angry look. "Do you think it's that simple? You guys are so rich, so you don't understand what it's like for people like me. While I may be righteous, money still gets in the way!

"Mr. Donovan paid 600 thousand dollars for my mom's surgery. So, I must work as his fighter for at least ten years to repay him!"

I was stunned. "Ten years? Are you saying that he only pays you 60 thousand dollars a year to be his fighter?"

Mark corrected me. "It's 80 thousand dollars. After deducting 20 thousand dollars for my living expenses, I'll send the remaining 60 thousand dollars to Mr. Donovan to pay off the surgery."

Honestly, 80 thousand dollars was still a very low salary!

Since Quintus was more skilled than Mark, I couldn't really compare their salary.

However, in the White family, even the least skilled bodyguards received a base salary of at least 120 thousand dollars a year. On top of that, they also received bonuses and allowances ranging from 30 to 50 thousand dollars.

As for the top bodyguards, their salaries started at around 300 thousand dollars a year.

With Mark's skills, his salary should easily be over 200 thousand dollars annually. So, the 80 thousand dollars was ridiculously low!

I asked, "Had you ever worked as a fighter for anyone else before Maximus?"

Mark shook his head. "I used to be a laborer on construction sites. However, Mr. Donovan saw something in me. So, he gave me the chance to be his bodyguard and fighter.

"That also opened doors for me to travel with him and experience different places and events."noveldrama

Was he seriously thinking that Maximus had opened the door for him? Maximus was clearly using him! Looking at Mark, I was at a loss for words.

I waved at one of Victor's people and had him explain it to Mark. After all, I was too young for him to take me seriously. Plus, I wasn't really familiar with the world of bodyguards and fighters. I was worried that I wouldn't

e able to

explain it adequately.

Once Victor's people finished explaining, Mark's face went dark. "Are you saying that Mr. Donovan is framing me?"

I smiled. "I would say that the chances are pretty high. He must have noticed your personality and skills early on. So, he deliberately showed up and covered your mom's surgery costs to get you to work for him.

"However, he only pays you 60 thousand dollars a year. After you've paid him off, he would have essentially gotten a loyal and capable fighter for free for years. That's a pretty sweet deal!"

Given how sly Maximus was, I continued, "But by then, I bet he'll come up with some excuse to keep you as his laborer."

Mark's expression was hard to read. Once it clicked for him, he said, "I need to confront him about this!"

I stopped him. "Don't waste your time."

After all, he was no match for Maximus. Ultimately, he would just end up getting tricked by Maximus again.

I continued, "think you're a decent guy. How about you report to Victor? I'll make sure he offers you 300 thousand dollars a year. Once you sign a three-year contract, you can even get the next three years salary upfront."

Mark and Lynn were shocked by the amount. But for the White family, that was

just the base pay. In fact, they would end up with more in the end.

I said, "You can use the 900 thousand dollars to pay off Maximus. As for the

remaining 300 thousand dollars, you can consider it your living expenses for these three years.

"It should be better than the 60

thousand dollars you're getting from Maximus each year, right? After

three years, you'll be earning at least 300 thousand dollars a year. By

then, your life should start to improve."

Mark swallowed hard. "Why are you being so nice to me? Are you trying to frame me, too?"

I couldn't help but laugh. In front of Maximus, he looked like an idiot. But when it came to me, he was sharp and alert.

I replied, "If I wanted to frame you, you'd probably end up in jail. Anyway, go report

to Victor. From now on, you and Quintus are staying with me in Welsington City."