I'm Rich But don't want to make money

Chapter 3: Suppressing Wages? Not on My Watch

"Salary? What salary?"

Henry Green feigned ignorance, casting frantic glances at Paul Bennett.

He had purposely avoided addressing the salary issue, planning to leave the matter unresolved until the company handover was completed. However, he hadn't expected the issue to surface before that.

Henry silently hoped Paul would catch on and help deflect the topic.

Meanwhile, Lauren Taylor, standing nearby, perked up at the exchange. Could it be that the employees' salaries hadn't been paid yet? If so, she was glad she had come along.

Paul broke the silence. "It's the employees' salaries for this month. Now that the company has been sold, who's going to pay them?"

Henry's face stiffened. He hadn't expected Paul to address the matter so directly. Just as he was about to offer a flimsy excuse, Lauren stepped forward with a stern look.

"Mr. Green, as per the terms of the sale, salaries should be settled before the contract is signed," Lauren said firmly. "Attempting to bypass this could lead to legal repercussions, and as your lawyer, I'd strongly advise against it."

She adjusted her glasses with calm confidence, her eyes locking on Henry.

Her words weren't empty threats. As an elite lawyer, Lauren knew how to leverage the law to her client's advantage.

"This… well…" Henry stammered. He had been planning to shift the burden to Andrew Carter, but Lauren's tone left him no room to argue. The risk of a lawsuit wasn't worth it.

After a moment's hesitation, Henry turned to Andrew with a sheepish expression.

"Mr. Carter, the salary issue is my oversight. I'll settle the employees' wages as soon as possible."

Andrew smiled knowingly. He had picked up on the dynamics of the conversation. Henry had hoped to pocket the acquisition money and leave the salary payments to him.

While Andrew was eager to spend his system funds, he had no intention of being taken advantage of.

"Since this month's salary is your responsibility, Mr. Green, I'll handle next month's," Andrew said with a shrug.

Lauren caught his gaze and smirked slightly. She could tell he was one step ahead.

Paul, who had been silently observing, finally pieced everything together. The young man in front of him was the new owner of the company. But could someone so young—barely in his twenties—really manage a business?

---

Addressing the Employees

Paul turned to the employees who had been eavesdropping in the hall. "You all heard Mr. Green. The salary will be settled, so there's no need to worry."

The employees exchanged glances, their initial concerns fading. Most of them dispersed, satisfied with the promise.

However, one employee, Daniel Ross, remained rooted to the spot.

"Daniel, is there something else you need?" Paul asked, his brow furrowing.

Daniel took a deep breath and stepped forward. "When exactly will the salaries be paid?"

Henry's lips tightened. He had hoped the promise alone would appease the workers for now.

"Two days," Henry said after a moment, forcing a smile.

Andrew stepped forward with a calm expression. "Mr. Green, didn't I just transfer $400,000 to you as the acquisition fee? That amount should be more than enough to cover the salaries. Why not settle them today?"

Henry's face twitched.

Lauren chimed in at the perfect moment. "Mr. Green, delaying wage payments could lead to labor arbitration, and the penalties would far exceed the salary amounts."

Henry sighed in defeat. "Fine. We'll settle the salaries today."

He inwardly winced. The company had over a dozen employees, and their monthly wages totaled nearly $90,000.

Andrew smiled and turned to Daniel. "Go inform the other employees that salaries will be paid today."

Daniel nodded, startled, and ran off to spread the news.

---

Settling Salaries

Shortly afterward, a line of employees had formed outside the office. Inside, Henry sat behind his desk with an attendance book and calculator.

Meanwhile, Andrew had set up a small table opposite him, complete with his own attendance book and calculator. Lauren sat nearby, watching the scene unfold with a puzzled expression.

"What are you doing?" she asked Andrew.

"Handling expenses," Andrew replied matter-of-factly.

"Expenses? Isn't Henry paying the salaries?" Lauren asked, even more confused.

"He's handling this month's salaries. I'm preparing to pay next month's," Andrew explained casually.

Lauren blinked. "Next month? But it hasn't even started yet. How can you pay salaries for work that hasn't been done?"

Andrew smiled. "Why not be proactive? It's never too early to invest in your people."

Lauren fell silent, her confusion giving way to admiration. This young businessman might be unconventional, but he certainly had a unique approach.