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.”

*****

and Jaye Thornton. The surroundings are lovely, the staff

fire-cracker, quick-tempered, good-looking and eager to take offence. I

to me that our offer is acceptable. The project is viable and both our companies have skills to bring to

is set up so that

work for everyone. We just have to find

my Master. “And in fact, Elizabeth had some thoughts about this very point….” He turns to me,

Nervously, “Well, Mr Thornton…”

Smiling, “Alex, my dear…”

you wanted to pass your company onto your son….” I nod to Jaye, trying to address them both. “…. You were saying that you would like to retire and

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

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

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

to Thornton Senior.

deal,

get the lawyers on to writing up a draft form of words tomorrow.

agreement.” Alex

the evening is spent

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

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

is even really aware he is doing it, as he is engaged in conversation. However, I have waited for this moment. My skirt was carefully chosen