But Bennett understood what she was trying to say.

“You want to raise Marcia's salary, don't you?"

Claudia felt so embarrassed that she didn't know how to respond, She wanted to be honest and say yes, but she was afraid that Bennett would think that she was being out of line.

Bennett dipped his chin and peered at Claudia for a few moments. Claudia stared right back at him, her eyes brimming with mixed anxiety and hope. Bennett couldn't help smiling and said, "I've told Jackson that if Marcia does well, he can raise her salary as he sees fit. You may talk to him about this. You have my blessing.”

When she heard this, Claudia's eyes lit up, "Really?"