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

a fire-cracker, quick-tempered, good-looking and eager to take offence. I wonder how serious his father

seems to me that our

not acceptable. Everything is set

can work for everyone. We just have to

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

Nervously, “Well, Mr Thornton…”

Smiling, “Alex, my dear…”

address them both. “…. You were saying that

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

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 Facility’.” I grind to a halt,

the recognition he deserves for all his hard work and the Thornton Corporation gets the prestige that it

Master swings his gaze to Thornton Senior.

have a deal, Richard.” and he

shakes hands with both Thorntons. “I’ll get the lawyers on to writing up

toast to celebrate our agreement.” Alex holds up

remainder of the evening is spent in pleasant

are part of the Company, but do I take

interrupts my confusion. “Yes, Alex. You’re quite right. Elizabeth 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 world, I must appear a princess. Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion. However, the skirt is a wrap-over and falls easily aside with