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.”

*****

Alexander and Jaye Thornton. The surroundings are lovely, the staff excellent and

Thornton is a man of perhaps sixty years old, silver-haired, twinkly-eyed and charming. His son, Jaye Thornton is a fire-cracker, quick-tempered, good-looking and eager to take offence. I wonder

begins my Master, addressing 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

his father can speak. “No, it is not acceptable. Everything is set up so that your company sees all the benefits, receives

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

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…”

acknowledgement of his courtesy. “Alex. Earlier today, you were talking about how you wanted to pass your company onto your son….” I nod to Jaye, trying to address them both. “…. You were saying that you

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

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 be perhaps ‘The Thornton Recreational Facility’.” I grind to a halt, feeling a

he deserves for all his hard work

to Thornton Senior. “So, Alex. What

have a deal, Richard.” and he

both Thorntons. “I’ll get the lawyers on to writing up a draft form of words tomorrow.

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

evening is spent in pleasant

position in all this Elizabeth? Obviously, you are

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,

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 waited for this moment. My skirt was carefully chosen to be flattering, but apparently demure. To the outside world, I must appear