Who the hell does he think he is?

"10%?" Ava gasped in utter surprise. 

"Plus the bonus!" Suzie chimed in as if reminding Ava of that. A few chuckles went around,

Ava had never had a raise like that in all her life. Also, 10% of the current pay point would be enough for about half a year's pay of what she had been getting while doing menial and part-time jobs all of her life.

"…. but I have not even taken my first paycheck yet, and I have a raise?" She whispered. However, the pay raise pronouncement had caused a brief stunned moment so her whisper, travelled far to all relevant ears.

Eyes turned green with envy, but the workers of the Thornston estate were very trained, and backbiting was minimal as compared to other places.

Suzie beamed in happiness, passing a slight glance at Katie but not daring to fully look. She itched to jump up and down in happiness! She, however, did a summersault dance in her head.