by D Latham
A Very Corporate
Affair
Book Two
D A Latham
DEDICATION
To my dearest, darling Allan
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
With thanks to all my advisors
Thomas Darlington
Andrea Mills
Michael Harte
Rebecca Elliot
Johanna Ballard
Penny Harrison
Gail Hayward
and
Trystan Lutey
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
i
Chapter 1
6
Chapter 2
18
Chapter 3
31
Chapter 4
42
Chapter 5
53
Chapter 6
63
Chapter 7
74
Chapter 8
84
Chapter 9
96
Chapter 10
107
Chapter 11
117
Chapter 12
129
Chapter 13
140
Chapter 14
151
Chapter 15
163
Chapter 16
176
Copyright © 2013 D A Latham
All rights reserved.
ISBN-10:149059910X
ISBN-13:978-1490599106
CHAPTER 1
Once again I sat in the ante-room to Ms Pearson's office to find out what my future held. I felt the familiar fear that the meeting would be to tell me I didn't fit into the ancient, top law firm, even though I'd been assured by my manager it would be to discuss a promotion and pay rise following my coup at gaining Retinski Industries as a client for our firm, and the influx of other blue chip clients which had followed Retinski's lead. It was only three months since I'd finished my traineeship, and been given the opportunity to join Pearson Hardwick's corporate division. I knew that promotions and pay rises generally took years of hard work, and it could be argued that I simply got lucky, because the owner of Retinski fancied me. The truth was that I had worked my butt off on his account, and had delivered the goods, efficiently and within the time allocated. I had also headed a team of fifteen lawyers and five secretaries, which had also gone to plan.
I had a good fallback position, as the day before, a Sunday, I'd had a phone call from a head-hunter working for a rival law firm, sounding me out as to whether or not I could be persuaded to move. The figures discussed were tempting, but I was happy at Pearson Hardwick, and felt a sense of loyalty towards the company which had given me my big break into corporate law. It didn't hurt to have a backup plan though.
I tried to calm myself. Mrs Pearson was the managing partner, and was a super-sharp woman who didn't miss a trick. I didn't want to show any nerves, or self doubt in front of her. I should be confident about this, I told myself. Retinski, Ivan Porenski's company, was likely to net Pearson Hardwick at least two and a half million a year in revenue, with five other large, blue chip companies following Ivan's lead, and instructing us as their legal representatives. With an extra ten million in revenue predicted that year, I should have been swaggering around, instead I was sitting worrying about getting demoted to the back room for not being 'posh' enough. It was an inbuilt inadequacy that I carried around, the feeling of being an outsider. I didn't attend the same schools as my peers, and had clawed my way up from the council estate. I covered up my humble start in life by being dedicated, focused and hardworking. The strategy had seemed to work alright so far.
Ms Pearson's secretary interrupted my musings, and indicated that I should go in. I knocked on the door first, and on hearing a cheery 'come in', opened the door. Ms Pearson was sat behind a large, pale oak desk. She gestured to the seat opposite, and after shaking her hand, I sat down. She peered at me through her stylish little glasses.
"Elle, how lovely to see you again. It only seems like yesterday that I was sending you over to corporate. Yet you appear to have made quite an impact."
"It's been a busy time over there, but it's an enjoyable busy," I replied, trying to gauge her expression.
"You appear to be quite the star of the show Elle. I gather from Mr Carey that you have made quite a mark. It's very impressive. Now, I asked to see you today for two reasons. As you no doubt know, we don't normally review pay or position until you have been in a role for a year, but Mr Carey is concerned that you may be approached by our rivals due to your coup with Retinski. Can I ask if that's happened yet?"
"I've been approached, yes."
"I see. Can I ask what your response was?"
"I listened to what they had to say. I didn't give a response. I have a sense of loyalty to this company, and I would prefer to remain working here, if that's at all possible."
"What did they offer you?"
"I'd rather not divulge that information. I'd prefer to listen to what you would like to offer. It makes it fairer." I looked her straight in the eye. Keeping away from a Dutch auction would earn me points for integrity. "I'm projected to be gaining the company approximately ten million pounds worth of revenue this year, and six blue chip clients. I'd like you to bear that in mind."
"Of course. What kind of ball park figure do you have in mind?"
I took a deep breath. "Around 250 thousand per year, plus a bonus structure that is based on what I deliver."
"I see. That's a very big ask for someone just out of a traineeship."
"Yes, I know, however I have billed nearly three hundred thousand this month alone, plus delivered six new clients. I'm aware that my work output rate is extremely high, and I have contributed to the impeccable reputation of the firm by delivering a difficult project quickly and efficiently, plus giving added value to the client." I was talking about a project I'd done for Ivan's company, uncovering a massive fraud as well as setting up a new payroll and HR system, which had been flawless.
"Now, as I said, there were two reasons to speak to you today. We have also been approached by Lord Golding, chairman of Goldings Bank. He has sounded us out about handling some of the bank's corporate work, the areas that the regulators would prefer to see the transparency of a separate company, rather than the bank's in house legal team, so our area would cover corporate governance, and overseeing the auditors. He requested you as his point of contact as well. My concern is that seven clients would be too much for you. How do you feel about that?"
"If I'm being paid well to do it, I'm happy to take on a challenge." Damn Oscar, what's he playing at? Doesn’t he realise an ex is an ex? "Plus, the backup I've received from my colleagues has been first class. It's a great team at corporate."
"Good. I like your attitude Elle. I think in light of Goldings coming on board, 250 thousand a year is probably not unreasonable. I hope that outbids our competitors?"
I nodded, "and the bonus structure?"
"A standard 10% of revenue. I can also move you on to the grade one benefit package. How do you feel about that offer? What I can't do at this stage is offer you partner status, I think it requires more time and track record."
"I understand that Ms Pearson, and to be honest, it's not something I would expect or demand at my stage of career." She nodded. "I'd like to accept your offer, and go and crack on with my work if that's ok."
She smiled widely. "Good negotiating Elle, I think you've been watching Lewis. I'll communicate the new package to HR and let you get on." We shook hands, and I left. I wanted to punch the air in triumph as soon as I was outside, and it took every bit of
willpower I possessed to remain calm. I'm on a quarter of a million a year!!! Yipidee do dah!! I screamed inside. I popped upstairs to see Lucy while I was there, for a five minute catch up over a cup of tea. She was doing well in the family law department, and we agreed to meet up again soon.
As I headed back to Canary Wharf, the only other person I text with the good news was James. I knew he'd be asleep as California was nine or ten hours behind, but he got up early, so I figured that I wouldn't have to wait too long for a reply.
I had missed him that weekend. Although we were only flatmates, we'd become great friends, and shared a lot of the same interests and tastes. The flat had seemed a bit quiet and lonely, and apart from a couple of yoga classes, and a visit to the supermarket, I'd barely seen a living soul. I'd ended up working, which was a bit tragic, but clearing up my paperwork meant that I could hit the ground running on Monday morning.
Back at the office, Lewis pounced as soon as I walked in. I followed him into his office, and we sat down to discuss the week ahead over a coffee. "Did you ask for what I told you to?" He asked, fixing me with his sharp stare.
"Sure did. Managed to get a good deal. Thanks for guiding me on that," I replied, unsure if discussing salary was a good idea.
"Good. Glad to have been able to help." He trailed off, clearly wanting to know, but not wanting to ask me outright. I changed the subject instead.
"Did you know Oscar Golding has retained us for his corporate governance work?"
"Yes, I heard this morning. Another coup there Elle. It's a lot for you to take on though. I think I may have to assign you a small team. Laura has a list of the companies who have requested you as their contact, so I suggest that you set up meetings with all of them, get to know them, and find out what they need. Don't forget to inform them of all the extra services we can offer that they may not know about, or considered using."
"Will do. Do we have a resident expert on bank auditing?"
"Carey. He knows all there is to know. He can assist you with that one. Now, I took the liberty of arranging a company credit card, as I expect you to entertain some of these clients, dinner, that kind of thing. It's being delivered to your office today. Easier to organise expenses."
"Ok. I've done the expense forms for last week, and the invoices to Mr Porenski's firm. They've already been emailed over to accounts, along with the time sheets, and other paperwork."
"Good. I'll let you get on."
I drained my coffee, and made my way to my own office. Laura was at her desk working at her computer.
"Morning Elle, got your schedule for this week. I emailed it to you. I also emailed you a list of people you need to call and arrange meetings with. The phone’s been going mental this morning."
"Thanks Laura, and thanks for all your help last week. We really nailed it." I went and settled myself in my office, and switched on my computer. I groaned when I saw my schedule. I had lunch meetings almost every day, plus two dinners arranged with clients, plus I still had a list of new clients to make contact with. Pearson Hardwick were definitely going to get their money’s worth out of me. I made a start on my calls. Ivan had recommended me to several company CEOs, who were keen to meet up. By the time I got to the end of the list, my schedule was terrifying. The last name for me to call was Oscar. I took a deep breath before dialling his number.
"Lord Golding's office" said a bright, cheery, voice. I explained who I was, and was connected right away.
"Elle, thank you for calling."
"You're welcome Lord Golding. I understand you want Pearson Hardwick to take over the governance work for the bank?"
"I do indeed. You don't need to be formal with me Elle, please call me Oscar. Yes, we've been using Odey and Corbett, but in light of the high praise your firm's receiving from all sides, I thought it was time for a change. I hope you don't mind me requesting you as my contact, only I know how exact and precise you are."
"That's fine Oscar, I don't bear any grudge. I'm delighted to welcome you as a client. Just let me know how Pearson Hardwick can assist you." I kept my voice even and professional. I was determined not to allow Oscar to rattle me.
"Would you prefer to discuss this in either of our offices, or would it be better to meet for lunch?" Oscar was testing me. I didn't fancy going to his office just yet, not with the memories of what we did there last time so fresh in my mind.
"I have a mad schedule this week, all the lunchtimes are booked for meetings already. I can do Wednesday afternoon at three in my office, or tomorrow evening for dinner?" I cringed slightly as I said it, but part of my job was to wine and dine clients, and Oscar was now an important client. Sly bastard, I thought.
"Tomorrow evening would be great. Should I book somewhere?"
"That would be fine. I'll pick you up around 7.30?" I was determined to maintain an element of control.
"Oh, ok, sure. I'll see you tomorrow." He sounded puzzled. Truth was that I didn't want him anywhere near my flat. Tomorrow night he'd be meeting 'Professional Elle', not his ex girlfriend, 'compliant Elle.' I added it into my already mad schedule, wondering when I'd get time to do the mundane chores that keep my polished persona alive, and looking respectable.
My phone chirped with a text from James.
*well done little Elle, kick ass ms lawyer. Pleased 4 u. Wish I was home 4 celebration*
I met the first of my new clients for lunch that day, the CEO of a major software company, whose firm were considering a flotation on the AIM market. I took him to lunch in the Italian
restaurant on the ground floor that Oscar had introduced me to.
His name was Steve Robbins. He was in his late forties, rather geeky, and extremely nervy. He explained that he had begun his company in his spare bedroom many years ago, and had grown it himself to be a major player in the world of financial software. He supplied the software for all the major stock exchanges around the world, and had built the most commonly used trading platform for hedge funds and stockbrokers. I asked Steve what he hoped to gain by floating, and he blushed slightly as he told me he had met his future wife, and wanted to be able to devote time, and money, to his new life as a husband, rather than all his money being tied up in his company, and his time devoted to micro-managing every aspect of it. He wanted some spare cash, and to take a director's role, rather than be an owner.
Lunch flew by as I outlined how a flotation worked, what he could expect in terms of the process, and how we would partner with our preferred accountants, and an investment bank, to oversee the process. I explained how we would set up a new board of directors and arrange the legal side of the new PLC. Before our meeting ended, I promised to type up some bullet points, and email him all the information. I also arranged to email some projections based on his last three years accounts, so he could decide whether a flotation would generate the cash he wanted.
"I can see why Ivan rates you so much," he said, surprising me, "I can tell you know your stuff. I'll wait for your email, and once I know where we are money wise, I'll be instructing. I won't bother speaking to any other law firms now."
I smiled widely."Good, I look forward to hearing from you," and paid the bill before heading back to my office. As soon as I got back, I called our contact at Deloitte, and asked for the projections. I found information about the pros and cons of floating a company, and saved them, ready to add to the projections when they came in. I had worked on a flotation during my traineeship, so was pretty familiar with the processes. Just to be sure, I nipped along to my old office to speak to Matt, who was quite the expert, and who had handled a lot of flotations for the firm. He checked over the info I was planning to send to Steve, and added a few notes of his own, so a complete package would go over.
Back in my office, my phone rang. "Good afternoon Elle, did you have a good weekend?" Ivan's sultry voice purred at me. "The girls missed you yesterday, almost sulked when they realised they had to put up with just me for the day."
"I doubt that very much Ivan, can't
see those little girls sulking over anything, especially given the way you dispense sausages."
"Have you never seen a spaniel sulk? I can assure you that they do."
I laughed, "I hope you gave them a cuddle from me. Anyway, what can I do for you today?"
"I'm negotiating a deal for a controlling interest in a telecoms company. I may need heads of agreement drawn up fast. Are you free today at all? I can run through the points I'm negotiating to give you a head start on the contract."
I checked my schedule. "Can do six onwards today."
"Ok. I'll pick you up at six from your office. We'll go eat."
"Great, see you then." Bugger, there goes my manicure and waxing appointment. I went out to Laura's office and asked her to cancel my beauty appointments, and put Ivan in my diary at six. I spent the rest of the afternoon with another new client who wanted some corporate structure work done. I just about had time to email Steve Robbins the projections from Deloitte and explanations I'd promised him, before Ivan arrived.
As usual, my brain fried slightly at the sight of him. He'd had his hair trimmed at the weekend, but it was still floppy, and slightly messy. He was wearing a dark grey suit, with a white shirt, and a deep charcoal tie. Knowing how muscular he was underneath the urbane exterior made me shiver slightly.
"Are you cold?" He asked, "the air con is up quite high in here." Damn, he noticed.
"No, I'm fine thanks. Where would you like to go eat?"
"I'll surprise you."
His hand rested in the small of my back as we walked through reception to the lifts. Priti raised an eyebrow and gave me a wide smile as I bid her goodnight. Outside, the Bentley was waiting, and I slid onto the buttery soft leather seat, before fishing around in my bag for my notebook and pen.
