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.”

*****

my Master, with Alexander and Jaye Thornton.

twinkly-eyed and charming. His son, Jaye Thornton is a fire-cracker, quick-tempered, good-looking and eager to take offence. I wonder how serious his father is about passing his company on, to

Thornton Senior. “What are your conclusions after our discussions this afternoon? It seems to me that our offer is acceptable. The project is viable and both our companies have

is not acceptable. Everything is set up so that your company sees all the benefits, receives the publicity,

for

in fact, Elizabeth had some thoughts about this very point….”

Nervously, “Well, Mr Thornton…”

Smiling, “Alex, my dear…”

onto your son….” I nod to Jaye, trying to address them both. “…. You were saying that you would

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

the man in the street. John Doe doesn’t care about the name on the ‘Constructed by’ billboard. But if,

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

swings his gaze to Thornton Senior. “So, Alex.

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

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

a toast to celebrate our agreement.” Alex holds up a champagne flute and we all

of the evening is spent in pleasant

says “So, what is your position in all this Elizabeth? Obviously, you are part of the Company, but do I take it that

not knowing what my Master has told people about me. However, he smoothly interrupts my confusion. “Yes, Alex. You’re quite

engaged in conversation. However, I have waited for this moment. My skirt was carefully chosen to be flattering, but apparently demure. To the outside world, I must appear a princess. Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.