Bought By The Billionaire

“So, what do you think?” asks my Master. “How did it go?”

We are sitting in his office, following a meeting with Alexander Thornton, Senior and Jaye Thornton, Junior.

My Master, Richard Haswell, is negotiating a real estate deal with them worth tens of millions. I have been acting as secretary at the meeting, taking the minutes. Also, I have been acting on instructions from my Master to be his eyes and ears; to gauge reactions, to people-watch.

What do I think?

I sip my coffee, choosing my words.

“I think that Thornton Senior wants the deal. He thinks that being associated with the Haswell Corporation will enhance his company’s reputation and that he will be able to pass that legacy to his son. However, I also think that Thornton Junior believes the opposite; that their company will be swallowed whole by Haswell and lose its identity. It doesn’t matter to him how attractive the deal is financially. He doesn’t want his father’s company to appear to be the junior partner.”

My Master chews his bottom lip and stares at the ceiling for a minute. “I think you’re spot on with that Elizabeth. Any suggestions on how to deal with it?”

Sipping my coffee, I ponder for a minute. “Well, the actual deal is all but agreed, isn’t it? The legalities, the finances, the share split, and so on. Am I right on that? No-one is saying that the deal discussed is unfair, or poor value?”

Nodding “Ah-ha…I would say so, yes.”

“Well, in that case, it’s about face-saving surely? Giving a perceived value to their input.”

“Okay… so……?”

“Suppose that some of the more visible parts of the project were branded with their company name, or even better, their names. For example, there’s a theatre complex planned as part of the development isn’t there? It could be called something like the Alexander Thornton Arts Foundation perhaps? I don’t think that would make any difference to you, would it?”

My Master snaps his fingers. “Perfect! You’re right. It’s all about Jaye Thornton’s ego. And you are quite correct. I don’t need my self-image boosting. We’ll see if a little flattery will win their hearts and the deal.”

*****

we are sitting in a beautiful restaurant; myself and my Master, with Alexander and Jaye Thornton. The

fire-cracker, quick-tempered, good-looking and eager to take offence. I wonder how serious his father is about passing his company on, to this impetuous young

seems to me that our offer is acceptable. The project is viable and

jumps in before his father can speak. “No, it is not acceptable. Everything is set up so that your company sees all

Jaye. Calm down. This can work for everyone. We just have to find the right way of

thoughts about this very point….” He turns

Nervously, “Well, Mr Thornton…”

Smiling, “Alex, my dear…”

address them both. “…. You were saying that

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

thinking that, in the eyes of the world, company names don’t mean much do they? But other things do. Things that are more visible to the man in the street. John Doe doesn’t care about the name on the ‘Constructed by’ billboard. But if, for example, the theatre complex were to be called something like ‘Alexander Thornton Arts Foundation’, it would mean a lot more to him. The park area could

up. “That would be wonderful. Dad here would get the recognition he deserves for all his hard work and the

swings his gaze to Thornton Senior. “So,

we have a deal, Richard.” and he stands,

up a draft form of words tomorrow. We’ll get something

And I think a toast to celebrate our agreement.” Alex holds up a champagne

the evening is

what is your position in all this Elizabeth? Obviously, you are part

answer this, not knowing what my Master has told people about me. However, he smoothly interrupts my confusion. “Yes, Alex. You’re quite right. Elizabeth and I, do enjoy more than a business relationship.” He takes my hand and kisses it,

conversation continues, light now, and cheerful, everyone smiling and relaxed, my Master’s hand strays down onto my thigh, stroking me. I do not think he actually intends anything by it or is even really aware he is doing it, as he is engaged in conversation. However, I have