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 surroundings are

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 how serious his

this afternoon? It seems to me that our offer is acceptable. The project is viable and both our companies have skills to bring to

his father can speak. “No, it is not acceptable. Everything is set up so

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

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 would like to retire and you were considering your legacy; how you would be remembered for all the work you have done to

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

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 be perhaps ‘The Thornton Recreational

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

Master swings his gaze to Thornton Senior. “So, Alex. What do

deal, Richard.” and

Master shakes hands with both Thorntons. “I’ll get the lawyers on to writing up a draft form of words tomorrow. We’ll get something to you by

our agreement.” Alex holds up a champagne flute and

the evening

position in all this Elizabeth? Obviously, you are part of the Company, but do I take it that you and Richard

he smoothly interrupts my confusion. “Yes, Alex. You’re quite right. Elizabeth and I,

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