The Protege chapter 2 - Sex Stories

The Protege chapter 2

... morning. Come to my office and let's review the strategy."

As we prepared, the scent of her perfume started the slide show in my head again. I did manage to push it out as we reviewed the strategy and I could shift my attention to the numbers.

LVMH is the parent company of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior with over 45 billion in assets under management. If it were landed today, it would without a doubt be the biggest day in company history. However, there was a long way to go in this negotiation, it could be months if not years.

Later, as the meeting progressed, their demeanor became much more hostile and it appeared things were going to deteriorate. The VP of HR of all people made a comment that sounded very sexist and condescending. Cynthia's face reddened and her anger was apparent. I stood up and cut in as she searched for words.

"Misogynistic egos aside, we are in fundamental agreement on ninety percent of the issues. Why don't we take ten minutes and everyone can collect their thoughts, and begin again after a short break."

The sexist HR leader looked shocked at first, but took a breath and nodded in agreement. I pulled Cynthia out of the room and presented her with an idea.

"They have unrealistic expectations on our fees, and there is no room to move... but what if we considered a stepped-up fee. If we give them the fee they are asking on the first 7% of return, but double our fee on everything after that. We've averaged 15% or higher for 17 ...

... consecutive years and not less than 10% in 35 years. The math would actually work in our favor if they accept. What do you think?" I asked tentatively.

She thought for a moment, "Actually not bad. I'm not sure I can live with the precedent this would set and the risk with a prolonged downturn would be high."

"You managed through the crash of 2008 and would have come out ahead through that." I said with a grin.

"Ok but 5% not seven. Your idea you sell it. If you can convince François, the account is yours." she said, smiling. "Are you ready?

"You bet that gorgeous ass, I am," I said without thinking. The picture of the magic diamond popped in my head.

Fighting the urge to apologize for crossing the line again, I walked back to the conference room. When the meeting reconvened, Cynthia wasted no time introducing me.

"Gentleman, against my better judgement, Ms. Carmichael has convinced me to move on the fee, and offered a new approach to the issue. I will allow her to explain. She is my right hand and I will tell you if we reach agreement, she will personal manage your account. She is the brightest and best portfolio manager I have ever seen." she said, sitting down and yielding the floor.

I removed my jacket and looked at the letch with the attitude. I knew immediately his hormones were going to get the better of him. I presented the concept and with some negotiation we settled at 6% for threshold for the fee adjustment but could not quite close. They needed to ...