re: How does the $20k fit in the equation?

Even if he paid her the $20k out of his pocket and before hiring her, it can still be used as evidence that the hiring process was rigged. The 159 applicants who did not get the job can argue that he had a history of giving Dorrell gifts, and the job was just another one; or it could be argued that he benefited himself because her income from the new job will allow her to pay for such things as new cars without assistance from him.