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.”

*****

a beautiful restaurant; myself and my Master, with Alexander and Jaye Thornton. The surroundings are lovely,

twinkly-eyed and charming. His son, Jaye Thornton is a fire-cracker, quick-tempered, good-looking and eager to take offence. I

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

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

breaks in. “Now then Jaye. Calm down. This can work for everyone. We

this very point….” He turns to me, waving his hand, inviting me to

Nervously, “Well, Mr Thornton…”

Smiling, “Alex, my dear…”

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

Alex is nodding encouragingly.

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 example, the theatre complex were to be called something like ‘Alexander Thornton Arts Foundation’, it would mean a lot more to him.

recognition he

Thornton

have a deal,

both Thorntons. “I’ll get the lawyers on to writing up a

our agreement.” Alex holds up a

evening is

are

quite right. Elizabeth and I, do enjoy more than a

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